"The Handkerchief"

[alden]

In this video you will see one way to prepare and wear a handkerchief in the breast pocket of a coat. The idea is to make the handkerchief look as natural as possible, simply placed in the pocket with no thought.

The linen or cotton hanky is a functional instrument of dress and not a decoration, something all too often implied by the idea of a “pocket square.” Avoid complicated folding techniques that render a studied and dwelled upon look. The ideal handkerchief should look like it is growing out of your pocket.

We will also look at how to knot a cravat or ascot using a simple “four in hand” technique. Once again, the ascot is a functional and often necessary item of dress, it keeps the neck warm on cold days and helps avoid those nasty colds and sore throats in winter. You would like that, right? We will be looking at how to wear a full sized silk scarf as an ascot in an upcoming feature.

Cheers.

[Aristide]

Bravo. Bravo. Well done, sir.

[mmkn2]

The linen or cotton hanky is a functional instrument of dress and not a decoration, something all too often implied by the idea of a “pocket square.”

I appreciate the function, fun, and humor you showed - my idea of why we all dress in the first place.

For me the pocket square is a chance at "accenting" with the handkerchief as well, as in an accent light in the mix and of ambient, task, decorative, and dynamic lighting.

- M

[dopey]

Well done. Someone has finally found the perfect words to express the best in men's style.

As an aside, for obvious reasons, I have long referred to that particular method of handkerchief fold as the "sphincter puff".

[Gruto]

How do you feel about the silk handkerchief compared to a linen/cotton hanky?

[Montesquieu]

Michael, you demonstrate the same fold that I learned at E. Marinella in Milan when I bought my first silk squares there a few years ago. They, too, felt it was the ideal first fold to learn. I continue to use it frequently.

[alden]

How do you feel about the silk handkerchief compared to a linen/cotton hanky?

Gruto

Ideally one likes to see a contrast of color and texture between neckwear and handkerchief. Since many of us wear silk neckwear on a regular basis, linen and cotton provides a good contrast in texture. Silk tends to work best in combination with wool or cashmere ties or when no neckwear is worn. Silk can also be inconvenient if sanitary services are required. I own no more than a half dozen pure silk handkerchiefs.

Cheers

Michael