I am always bragging how much I love being a girl. We get to have all the fun with our accessories, embellishments and array of trendy silhouettes. For the gentlemen, things are pretty standard, but there are a few areas where things can get buck wild and it starts with the square. Sport coats and suit jackets have a little pouch for personality right on their chest. With the market currently flooded with fantastic styles to represent everyone from the bespoke bloke to the Fortune 500 tycoon there is no reason you shouldn’t take advantage of this prime real estate. No doubt a slick jacket brings a look to new heights with its tailored precision, but this little peek of fabric is the cherry on top making your look delectable and defined.

Once you have picked the perfect square, you have an array of fancy folds to choose from. Here are a few from Bows n Ties that cover the basics of getting the best out of your piece of flair.

One Corner Up Fold

The one-corner up fold is simple and elegant. It is well suited for a wide range of functions from business to formal black tie. Best are solid color handkerchiefs for this type of fold.

1. Lay the hanky on a flat surface
2. Fold it in half to create a triangle.
3. Fold one corner in and create a strong fold with the palm of your hand.
4. Now repeat this on the opposite side.
5. Tug the handkerchief in your breast pocket and style to your liking.

Two-Corner Up Fold

The two corner up fold:

Another elegant fold that is a touch less formal than the flat, or the one-corner up fold. It is well suited for solid color or patterned pocket squares as well as good for any type of formality.

1. Lay the handkerchief on a flat surface.
2. Fold the hanky in half so that it looks like two overlapping triangles
3. Fold one side in.
4. Repeat step #3 with the opposite side
5. Tug the hanky in your breast pocket and give it some final styling.

The Three-Corner Up Fold

This type of folding technique is also known as the “Crown-Fold” since the look resembles the shape of a crown. It is a type of fold that may require a little more practice, but once you know how it is done, it will add a sophisticated touch to any outfit.

1. Lay the pocket square on a flast surface
2. Fold the hanky in half across the center so that it looks like two overlapping triangles.
3. To create the 3rd corner fold one side up next two the two tips.
4. Fold the opposite side over to create flat base.
5. Tug the handkerchief in your breast pocket and style to your preference.
   

   The Presidential Handkerchief Fold

   The presidential fold, also known as the “Classic Flat Fold, is the most elegant and sleekest way to wear your pocket square. It is perfect for formal events such as Black Tie Attire or White Tie, and it is also the type of fold that looks best with a classic white handkerchief.

   1. Lay the handkerchief on a flat surface.
   2. Fold the hanky in half and create an edge at the fold with the palm of your hand.
   3. Then fold one side in – just enough so that only ¼ – ½ of an inch will show once you tug the hanky in your brest pocket
   4. Tug the handkerchief in the breast pocket and straighten the top to remove and wrinkles or unwanted folds.

   

   The Casual Fold

   This type of fold is sometimes also called the “Puff fold”. The more voluminous look and lack of symmetry makes this type of fold much more casual looking. It is an excellent type of fold for business attire as well as one to wear to a blazer jacket. Hankies with patterns are best combined with this type of fold. Also, use a fine and soft silken handkerchief.

   1. Lay the hanky on a flat surface.
   2. Pinch the center with two fingers and pick the hanky up.
   3. Slide the hanky through the palm of your other hand.
   4. Turn the hanky around.
   5. Stuff it in your breast pocket and style to your preference.

    

   Print this out and keep it in your drawer where you hold your handkerchiefs for easy recall. I don’t  usually post on Saturday’s but I didn’t want to overwhelm this post, so check back tomorrow for my favorite pocket square picks and how to mix and match accordingly. Happy Friday fellas.