Pocket square advice needed?

[Rowly]

I like to wear a pocket square when dressed for an evening out, or sometimes with a tweed jacket, but not so much in the office. My problem is that no matter what I do..the pocket square seems to creep up and protrude from its pocket. You would think it has a life of its own...I find myself constantly having to tuck it in. I tried folding a coin in to weigh it down, to no avail. Any tips or trade secrets would be welcome?...thanks...

[Costi]

Rowly, how do you usually fold / shape it?
The pocket may be too shallow, too...

[davidhuh]

Dear Rowly,

May be this could be helpful: http://community.tmlewin.co.uk/videos/h ... t-and-puff

He shows this template trick - may be it helps.

(I am not advocating for their terrible shirts )

Cheers, David

[Rowly]

I usually just do a simple puff fold as demonstrated by Mr. Alden, in one of his videos. I think it to be simple, understated and unpretentious...and more than adequate should I meet a lady in distress. However, I note in this clip Peter Smith of Huntsman has quite a protruding pocket square...so maybe I just need to accept that this is normal?

http://www.thelondonlounge.net/forum/vi ... =42&t=9499

My breast pockets are ok, depth wise...maybe I should try a different fold..the template method looks interesting, and thanks for the replies!...

[hectorm]

My problem is that no matter what I do..the pocket square seems to creep up and protrude from its pocket........
I usually just do a simple puff fold as demonstrated by Mr. Alden....

I gather by the way you fold your pocket squares and the way they keep creeping up, that you only wear smooth silk squares. Linen handkerchieves (which you would usually fold flat) and cotton or wool handkerchieves (that you could fold flat or in a puff) do not have that problem. And the reason is texture. They cling more than silk to your jacket and to their own folds, with less spring.
So if you want to continue with the silk puff but achieve a steadier look, you could forgo the simple fold and follow either the puff method demonstrated by the T M Lewin chap (pretty steady to me) or try alternatively the "English Rose" puff (see link below).
You could also try more textured pocket squares in other materials or even in rougher woven silk (similar to a Macclesfield tie).
Whatever you do please do not sport those template folds that look so staged detracting from the charm of your tweed jackets. I'm sure you know better.
I hope all this helps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g199zh3FWDo

[Rowly]

Texture might be the key...I will give that a try...thanks again,...

[Cufflink79]

Dear Rowly:

I find woven silk pocket squares hold better than printed silk squares.

As do cotton and linen.

Now as for the coming up and down part I've had that trouble as well sometimes. When I want it to stay down it comes up, and when I want to come up it goes back down.

For the down problem I have a folded paper towel set in the pocket as a riser.

For the up problem I find putting the square in a two or three point puff seems to work.

Here is something else I do, before putting on the jacket I put the pocket square in the pocket and while the jacket is on the hanger I give it a gentle shake to see what the square will do.

Best Regards,

Cufflink79

[hectorm]

For the down problem I have a folded paper towel set in the pocket as a riser.
For the up problem I find putting the square in a two or three point puff seems to work.
Here is something else I do, before putting on the jacket I put the pocket square in the pocket and while the jacket is on the hanger I give it a gentle shake to see what the square will do.

I see we all have the same tricks. I was feeling weird using breast pocket fillers or trying the staying power of pocket squares by jerking the jacket on the hanger.
Now I feel in good company. Thank you.

[Rowly]

I will try that too. I did get some nice quality linen and maddar silk pocket squares, but they were very large and when folded were very bulky in the pocket, although the texture was more non slip, as you suggest.

[hectorm]

I did get some nice quality linen and maddar silk pocket squares, but they were very large and when folded were very bulky in the pocket.

I know it´s an extreme solution and it doesn´t sound very civilized but I had cut in half several silk scarves that would have been really bulky in my breast pocket. I loved their colors and textures and I hadn´t been able to get anything similar in a smaller size. And since in a puff you just show the tip, it works.
When bespeaking or MTM, I order breast pockets that are not too deep. For my folds, 4 inches is what I have found it works best and with a regular pocket square (usually in the 17" x17" range).

[Cufflink79]

For the down problem I have a folded paper towel set in the pocket as a riser.
For the up problem I find putting the square in a two or three point puff seems to work.
Here is something else I do, before putting on the jacket I put the pocket square in the pocket and while the jacket is on the hanger I give it a gentle shake to see what the square will do.

I see we all have the same tricks. I was feeling weird using breast pocket fillers or trying the staying power of pocket squares by jerking the jacket on the hanger.
Now I feel in good company. Thank you.

Great Minds think alike.

Best Regards,

Cufflink79