Step up your style by adding a pocket square (a type of handkerchief that sticks out of your coat pocket) or a handkerchief that folds neatly into your pocket or jacket pocket. Whether you're dressing up for a formal event like a wedding reception or party, or you want to add a personal touch to your outfit, you can fold your handkerchief in many ways to add that extra touch. Here are some common ways of folding, suitable for a variety of occasions.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Choosing the Right Material and Folds
Step 1. Choose a pocket square or handkerchief
You don't need to match the pattern of your handkerchief to your tie, or even look for one to match, depending on what you want to look like. However, to complement your outfit, you should have a matching color or pattern.
- Some ties are sold with a handkerchief that you can wear together, or you can combine them, depending on your taste.
- If you don't have a pocket square, you can use a handkerchief or bandana (similar to a handkerchief but large, usually brightly colored and worn around the neck).
Step 2. You need to know, what to dress for the occasion
You don't need to wear a handkerchief at every event, so the pattern of the material needs to match and blend with your outfit.
- For formal events, you should choose a stiff white handkerchief or a faint pattern and neatly ironed. The pleats you wear should be an accent to your outfit, don't spoil it.
- For casual events, you can just be more daring. Use lighter colors and stronger patterns.
Step 3. Iron your handkerchief
Even if it's for a more casual event, it's best to use a clean, ironed handkerchief.
Ironing the handkerchief before folding it will also make the folding process easier
Method 2 of 5: Creating Simple Straight Folds
Step 1. Spread your handkerchief on a flat surface
Most handkerchiefs are square so the direction doesn't matter here.
If you're using a rectangular piece of fabric, lay it vertically, with the short sides on top and bottom
Step 2. Fold your handkerchief in half vertically
Hold the edge of the left side of your handkerchief and fold it over to the right.
Step 3. Fold the bottom up
Once your handkerchief is folded in half vertically, now fold the bottom of the handkerchief about up.
Thus the remaining of the top that is not folded
Step 4. Put the folded handkerchief into the top pocket
Pop it about half a centimeter from your pocket.
- Depending on how deep your front pocket is, you may need to fold the bottom of the handkerchief again.
- If your handkerchief is too wide for your front pocket, you can fold it in thirds at first instead of half.
- This pleat lends itself to a sleek modern look, a style that is timeless, and looks prestigious. Perfect for adding a little style to your appearance. Perfect for a weekday appearance.
Method 3 of 5: Single Point Fold
Step 1. Spread your handkerchief evenly
Place it in such a way that its position is like a diamond (diamond).
Step 2. Fold the handkerchief in half horizontally
Take the bottom corner of the handkerchief that is placed in the diamond position and fold it up so that it meets the top corner.
Now your handkerchief is triangular in shape
Step 3. Fold the left corner to the right
Fold the ends about of the way.
If you look at your handkerchief now, the folded part is an equilateral triangle
Step 4. Fold the right edge to the left
Just like before, you fold the ends about of the way and then overwrite them into your previous crease.
If done correctly, your handkerchief will look like an open envelope
Step 5. Turn the folded handkerchief over
Place the flat side facing out when you put it in the top pocket. Put it in your coat pocket.
- If your handkerchief is too wide, you can fold it again and tuck it so that it fits neatly in your pocket.
- This fold is perfect for making your appearance more classy. Wear it when you work or at a dinner banquet.
Method 4 of 5: Making the Ladder Triple Fold
Step 1. Place your handkerchief on a flat place
To make a ladder fold, spread your handkerchief so that it's positioned like a diamond.
Step 2. Fold the bottom edge up
Make a horizontal crease so that the bottom edge meets the top edge. You now have a triangular shape.
Step 3. Fold down the top layer partially
Fold only the top layer, leaving about 2.5 centimeters of the bottom.
The top edge should pass through the bottom of your handkerchief without completely unfolding
Step 4. Fold the bottom edge up again
This time make a crease about half the thickness of the line underneath.
You now get a shape like a large triangle with a smaller triangle at the top
Step 5. Fold the edge down a second time
You may need to hold the folds in place with one hand while you fold the ends down with the other. Leave about 2.5 centimeters for more folds.
- Depending on the fabric of the handkerchief, you may find it difficult to keep all the folded parts from shifting. Each time you make a crease, press the crease firmly so it doesn't turn.
- If you have trouble maintaining the crease, you can iron the crease a little. Be careful not to burn the fabric. Especially if the material is silk.
Step 6. Fold the lower shoot up again
When you're done, you'll see there are three folds with the top crease forming the base of a small triangle.
You may need to lightly iron your handkerchief to flatten the fabric and prevent creases
Step 7. Fold the right half behind the left side
This part is a bit tricky because the folds have to be brought back so you can still see the folds of the handkerchief.
Lift up the bottom of your handkerchief in the middle and pinch it with your thumb and forefinger so that the crease doesn't change
Step 8. Lift the entire handkerchief
By pinching the handkerchief between your fingers, you can lift the entire handkerchief and let it fold in half.
Place the handkerchief on a flat place and smooth it with your free hand until the right side is folded behind the left
Step 9. Rotate your handkerchief 90 degrees clockwise
Your fold should now be on top of the triangle.
Step 10. Fold the left edge over the right
Grab the left edge and fold it about to the center, or until the left edge is parallel to the crease.
Step 11. Fold the right edge over the left
Fit the entire width to the final shape by adjusting how far you fold the two sides.
If done correctly, you should now have an open envelope-like shape with one folded point
Step 12. Put your handkerchief in your pocket
You may need to adjust the height by folding the bottom to fit the size of your top pocket.
- Put your handkerchief in the top pocket so all the folds are facing out.
- These pleats are perfect for you to wear when wearing a tuxedo or casual shirt. Wear it at a rather formal event such as a wedding, or a large event.
Method 5 of 5: Bloated Handkerchief Folds
Step 1. Spread out your handkerchief
Place it on a flat place so that it looks like a diamond.
Step 2. Pinch the center of your handkerchief with your thumb and forefinger
Clamp with your hand whichever is comfortable for you, because your other hand will be used to hold the shape so that it bulges.
Step 3. Lift the handkerchief off the table
Lift it with a little force so that it hangs from the part you are pinching.
The edges of your handkerchief will meet, and don't worry if it's a little sloppy, that's what this look is all about
Step 4. Slowly your other hand grasps the dangling cloth
Keep pinching the top with the thumb and forefinger of the hand you used to hold the handkerchief.
You don't have to grip the handkerchief too tightly. Just enough so that the fabric can hold the shape you created
Step 5. Lower your left hand, while slowly squeezing the handkerchief until you reach the bottom of the handkerchief
This is called fluting or making furrows.
Now your handkerchief is shaped like a rocket with the ends at the bottom
Step 6. Fold the top of the handkerchief over the top of your thumb
The elongated part of the handkerchief must extend beyond the thumb holding the handkerchief.
While holding the end of the handkerchief, adjust the position of the other hand slightly lower so that the folded part is longer than the ends of the handkerchief
Step 7. Clamp the folded handkerchief
With your thumb and forefinger not holding the handkerchief, pinch the entire handkerchief just under your other thumb.
Wiggle your thumb a bit to loosen it up and adjust it slightly, but don't worry as this crease will look a little messy later
Step 8. Rotate the handkerchief
Twist the handkerchief so that the folds are at the bottom and the ends are at the top.
Step 9. Insert the fold into your top pocket
Trim, pull the end of the handkerchief so that it fills your front pocket.
- While you'll often want to tuck your handkerchief neatly into your pocket so that the folds don't fall apart, but with the bulging part, just do it. This look actually makes your folds look a bit messy.
- The bulging part of your handkerchief should be facing outward.
- You can tuck the ends of the handkerchief so that only the bulging part is visible, or leave the edges as a personal touch.
- These puffy pleats are perfect for parties or more casual events. It adds your personal style to a classic look.
Tips
- Play around with your folding technique and style, as handkerchiefs are a personal touch.
- For a neat European look, take a cotton or linen handkerchief and fold it into a square shape. Use the long side of the playing card to match the width of the handkerchief and use an iron to make it very neat and even.
- If your handkerchief gets wrinkled after you fold it, try ironing it with a little starch.
- If your folded handkerchief is so small that it sinks into your pocket, support it with a small piece of tissue at the bottom of your pocket. Don't use too many wipes as they can swell.
