To add that little extra WOW to your suit

You can wear a very expensive high end bespoke suit and look sharp but there is this little something that makes your suit go from good to WOW.  As you have no doubt heard – the Angels are in the details. This little something to make your suit look extra wow ladies and gentlemen is a pocket square! And what a classic accessory this is! In fact it is so classic that it’s indeed a few centuries older than the modern suit itself, dating all the way back back to Shakespearian times. So today we will do a small introduction to the world of pocket squares.

There are some basic rules one needs to know before wearing this accessory correctly. Throughout history, the pocket squares were used only for a practical purpose: nose-blowing, but nowadays, let’s not do that. We could have “one for blow and one for show.” Keep a spare handkerchief in your hip pocket for the non fashion use. The other rule is that your pocket square should not match with your tie. It is one of the big no-nos if it looks like your tie and pocket square came together is a set. Pocket square purpose nowadays is to add interest and diversity to your look, in terms of color and/or pattern.

And talking about colors and patterns – the possibilities are endless! If you are new to  pocket squares then it’s good to start with the essentials, so you always have something that suits your classic outfits. Start with plain colors and solid patterns. Keep in mind simplicity – it’s easier to match with your ensemble, and for that reason the classic, solid white cotton pocket square will adequately and somewhat formally completely any look on any day. The white pocket square is the simplest of them all and considered a wardrobe essential as the Oxford shirt or the Derby shoe. If you are ready to try out patterns, start with the simple timeless motifs like polka dots, paisley and checks. Fail safe colors are white, grey and black but you could also give it a try to style burgundy, navy and green– they are all safe to wear with more or less any outfit, depending on how much attention you want your look to garner (obviously the more color and pattern you show, the more attention the square will get.)

Another thing to keep in mind is that as the pocket squares gives that extra finishing touch to your smart ensemble, then it always, always has to be perfectly clean. It sounds logical but it should actually be cleaned more that your suit because it tends to become a bit grubby very quickly. A dirty one will look dull on you, plus is that the image you want to present?

There are two different type of pocket squares: ones with a hand-rolled edge and others machine sewn. The first ones usually come with a higher price tag but they are also much finer piece of craftsmanship. They are carefully rolled and stitched by hand to produce a unique finish that doesn’t look flat. The preference is really yours in how much sartorial prestige you want to carry in your pocket, but for those looking for the finer things in life, a few dozen extra dollars on that special detail will surely give you a sartorial edge.

Finally, it is worth noting that not everyone should wear pocket squares based on their body shape. A pocket square adds bulk to the chest so for someone with a figure disproportionately leaning on chest–heavy, a pocket square is not necessarily an accessory that would be considered flattering. Your LGFG clothier can help you craft a look that works for you, and certainly make the correct recommendation on how to craft (or not craft) a pocket square into that perfect look for you.