How to Choose The Perfect Wedding Pocket Square

Pocket squares may seem small, insignificant and not the first thing you think about when planning a wedding, but they are a great way to add some personality to your wedding look. Whether you are a groom or wedding guest, pocket squares are a subtle way to look more stylish or put together. While it is not an essential part of a groom’s look, grooms really should incorporate one into their look as they can distinguish and add a special touch to your wedding day. If you are not sure where to begin, here are some tips on how to choose the perfect wedding pocket square.

Pocket squares come in a variety of styles, patterns and colors, so you want to make sure whichever one you choose complements your suit but is also versatile enough to be worn for other occasions.

Photo sourced from English Wedding

What is a Pocket Square?

A pocket square is a small piece of cloth folded and tucked into the front pocket of a suit jacket or blazer. They are meant to heighten a look and come in a variety of different fabrics, colors and prints. The most common fabrics include cotton, silk, wool or linen. However, they can also be made from synthetic fabrics, like polyester and rayon. There are pros and cons to each one of these fabrics from storing, washing, ironing, folding, etc.

The fabric also matters for the occasion as well. Silk is the most luxurious and works best for formal occasions, while linen and cotton are more casual but would work great for a beach wedding. Wool is for colder month weddings and also adds texture to your outfit.

Pocket squares can come in a variety of different colors, prints, and patterns but it is the construction that can really make them stand out. Some are machine-finished while others are hand-stitched. It is the hand-stitched ones seem more luxurious than the machine-stitched ones.

Photo sourced from Andy Kerr Photography

How to Wear a Pocket Square?

First, let’s point out that a handkerchief and a pocket square are not the same thing. Since a pocket square is worn inside the breast pocket of a suit or blazer, the pocket square must complement your suit and tie. It doesn’t necessarily need to match your tie either. The point of a pocket square is to accentuate your outfit. It should complement the rest of your look by pulling out colors from your suit, tie or shirt. If you are not wearing a white shirt, you cannot go wrong with a white pocket square. If you are wearing a navy suit, a light blue pocket square will go nicely. For easy pairings, choose a secondary color from your tie, if your tie has a pattern or print.

If both the tie and pocket square have patterns, the shirt and jacket must be relatively plain so you don’t overdo the patterns.

Photo sourced from Art of the Gentlemen

Tips to Follow

• When it comes to pocket squares, there aren’t many tips or rules to follow. In reality, they are a fun accessory to add personality to your outfit. When considering a pocket square, darker colors are usually appropriate for formal occasions while brighter colors are often geared toward more casual events.
• The same goes for how you fold it. A straight fold is acceptable for a job interview or even a funeral, but for a wedding, you can fold it however you want to. Flat or 2-point folds are very common for formal occasions. For more casual occasions, a classic puff fold will do. These are also small details most people won’t notice, so don’t stress over the fold.
• How much of the pocket square should be showing? Just like when it comes to the fold, it depends on personal preference and can also depend on the occasion. The most important part is that you feel comfortable with it.
• If you are wearing a silk pocket square, make sure it is at least 16 x 16, otherwise, it will most likely slide down into the pocket.
• Never wear a clashing tie and pocket square. The colors/patterns shouldn’t be complete opposites. Complementary and analogous colors work the best. If you need to look at a color wheel, do it. Play around until you find the perfect match to complete your look.

While a groom doesn’t need to wear a pocket square, a suit does look incomplete without one. If you are wearing a suit jacket are your wedding, you should wear one. It adds a pop of color and can bring out your personality. Hopefully, these tips on how to choose the perfect wedding pocket square will help you look your best on your wedding day!