5 Pocket Square Folds for Weddings and Parties

Elevate your formal attire with these stylish pocket square folds, perfect for weddings, parties, and other special occasions. Whether you're aiming for a classic look or something more contemporary, mastering these 5 folds will ensure you always look your best. From the timeless Presidential fold to the eye-catching Rose fold, we'll guide you through each style, helping you add that finishing touch to your suit or tuxedo.

Picking the Right Pocket Square

First, you need to pick a good pocket square. Pocket squares come in different materials, colors, and patterns. For weddings and fancy parties, silk or linen squares are great. The material you pick can affect how the pocket square holds its shape and how it looks with your clothes.

Your pocket square should complement your outfit without matching it exactly. For instance, if you’re wearing a blue suit, consider a pocket square with a subtle pattern that includes a hint of blue along with other colors. This approach adds a sophisticated touch to your look. When choosing a pocket square, also consider the event’s color scheme to achieve a cohesive and stylish appearance.

Basic Pocket Square Folding Techniques

1. The Presidential Fold

The Presidential Fold, also known as the Straight Fold, is the epitome of classic elegance in pocket square styling. This timeless and sophisticated fold is characterized by its clean, straight line peeking out of the breast pocket. Named for its popularity among U.S. presidents and dignitaries, the Presidential Fold exudes a sense of refinement and formality. Its simplicity makes it versatile enough for a wide range of occasions, from black-tie events to business meetings. Despite its understated appearance, mastering the Presidential Fold requires precision to achieve the perfect, crisp edge that defines this iconic style.

How to do it:

1. Lay the pocket square flat.
2. Fold it in half from bottom to top.
3. Fold it in half again from left to right.
4. Make it fit in your pocket, showing about 1/4 inch above the pocket.

2. The Three-Point Fold

The Three-Point Fold, also known as the Crown Fold, is a sophisticated and eye-catching style that adds a touch of flair to any formal outfit. This fold creates three distinct points peeking out of the breast pocket, resembling a crown or a fleur-de-lis. It strikes a perfect balance between elegance and creativity, making it suitable for a variety of occasions. While more complex than the Presidential Fold, the Three-Point Fold adds visual interest to your suit or tuxedo, drawing attention and compliments without being overly flamboyant.

How to do it:

1. Lay the pocket square flat in a diamond shape.
2. Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner.
3. Bring the left corner up and a bit to the right of the middle.
4. Bring the right corner up and a bit to the left of the middle.
5. Tuck the extra fabric behind and make it fit your pocket.

3. The Puff Fold

The Puff Fold, also known as the Casual Fold, is a relaxed and effortless pocket square style that adds a touch of nonchalant elegance to any outfit. This versatile fold creates a soft, rounded shape that gently billows out of the breast pocket, resembling a blooming flower or a puffy cloud. Unlike more structured folds, the Puff Fold embraces imperfection, allowing for a more organic appearance. It's an excellent choice for daytime events, or when you want to project a more approachable and laid-back vibe. The beauty of the Puff Fold lies in its simplicity and the way it softens the lines of a structured suit, making it a popular choice for both seasoned style enthusiasts and pocket square newcomers alike.

How to do it:

1. Lay the pocket square flat.
2. Pinch the center and lift.
3. With your other hand, gather the fabric and make a puff shape.
4. Adjust the puff and tuck the extra into your pocket.

Fancy Folding Techniques

Once you've mastered the classic folds, explore more intricate styles to create unique, eye-catching looks. These advanced folds can add a touch of flair and showcase your personal style at weddings and other formal events.

4. The Rose Fold

The Rose Fold is a stunning and intricate pocket square technique that truly elevates your formal wear to an art form. As its name suggests, this fold creates a delicate, flower-like shape reminiscent of a blooming rose. It's a show-stopping style that demands attention and admiration, perfect for those special occasions where you want to make a memorable impression. The Rose Fold requires patience and practice to master, involving multiple precise folds and tucks to achieve its distinctive layered petals effect. This fold works best with silk or fine cotton squares, as their soft drape enhances the natural, organic look of the rose. Ideal for weddings, galas, or any event where you want to showcase your style, the Rose Fold is a testament to the wearer's attention to detail and appreciation for sartorial craftsmanship.

How to Do a Rose Fold

1. Start with a square pocket square, preferably made of silk or fine cotton for the best drape.
2. Lay the pocket square flat on a clean surface.
3. Fold the square in half diagonally to form a triangle.
4. Fold the triangle in half again, bringing the pointed corners together.
5. Hold the folded pocket square with the longest straight edge at the top and the point facing down.
6. Start rolling the pocket square from one corner, moving towards the center. Roll tightly but not so tight that it creases.
7. Once you reach the center, hold the roll in place and start rolling from the other corner towards the center.
8. When both sides are rolled, you should have a shape that resembles a scroll with a point at the bottom.
9. Carefully fold the pointed end up and tuck it behind the rolled sections to secure the shape.
10. Gently adjust the top of the "rose" by slightly separating and fluffing the rolled edges to create petal-like shapes.
11. Carefully insert the folded square into your breast pocket, with the "petals" facing outward.
12. Adjust as necessary, ensuring the rose shape is prominent and centered in your pocket.
13. Gently pull on some of the fabric edges to create a more natural, slightly "ruffled" look if desired.

Note: The Rose Fold is one of the more complex pocket square folds and may require several attempts to perfect. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't look exactly right on the first try. With practice, you'll be able to create a beautiful rose-like shape that will add a touch of elegance to any formal outfit.

Tips:

• Use a larger pocket square (at least 12 inches) for easier folding and a fuller appearance.
• Avoid ironing or pressing the folds too firmly, as softer edges contribute to the rose-like appearance.
• Experiment with different fabrics and sizes to achieve varying effects.

5. The Stairs Fold

The Stairs Fold, also known as the Steps Fold, is a sophisticated and structured pocket square technique that adds a geometric touch to your formal attire. This fold creates a series of neat, cascading layers that resemble a miniature staircase emerging from your breast pocket. It's a visually striking style that combines precision with creativity, offering a modern twist on classic pocket square presentation. The Stairs Fold requires careful attention to detail and a steady hand to achieve its characteristic stepped appearance. While not as complex as the Rose Fold, it presents a pleasant challenge for those looking to expand their pocket square repertoire. This fold works particularly well with crisp, high-quality cotton or linen squares that can hold a sharp crease. The Stairs Fold is versatile enough for a range of formal occasions, from business meetings to weddings, and is especially suited to those who appreciate clean lines and architectural aesthetics in their style choices.

How to Do a Stairs Fold

1. Start with a square pocket square, preferably made of a crisp material like cotton or linen.
2. Lay the pocket square flat on a clean surface, positioned as a diamond.
3. Fold the bottom corner up to meet the top corner, creating a triangle.
4. Take the left corner and fold it about a third of the way across to the right.
5. Now, take the right corner and fold it about a third of the way across to the left, overlapping the previous fold slightly. This creates your first "step".
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 two more times, each time folding a bit higher than the previous fold. This will create three distinct "steps" or "stairs".
7. After creating the third step, you should have a narrow, elongated shape with three visible folds on one side.
8. Fold the bottom portion up behind the stairs, adjusting the height to fit your pocket.
9. Carefully pick up the folded square and place it in your breast pocket with the "stairs" facing outward.
10. Adjust as necessary to achieve the desired look, ensuring the steps are clearly visible and evenly spaced.

Matching Pocket Squares with Wedding Clothes

When you're dressing for a wedding, it's important to make your pocket square look good with your tie, bow tie, and suit. Here are some tips:

• Don't make your pocket square match your tie exactly. Instead, pick a color or pattern that goes well with it.
• If your suit has a pattern, use a plain pocket square so it doesn't look too busy.
• For a plain suit, you can try pocket squares with patterns to make your outfit more interesting.
• White pocket squares always look good for fancy weddings, especially with a tuxedo.
• Think about the wedding's colors when picking your pocket square so you fit in with how everything looks.

Pocket Square Rules for Different Wedding Types

Wedding themes can change how you pick and fold your pocket square. For traditional weddings, stick to classic folds like the Presidential or Three-Point. These always look good and won't draw too much attention.

After mastering the basic folds, try experimenting with more intricate styles to create a distinctive and polished look. These advanced folds can add an extra touch of elegance, allowing you to showcase your personal style at weddings and other formal occasions.

Making Groomsmen Look Good Together

When planning a wedding, coordinating the groomsmen's pocket squares ensures a cohesive, polished look for the entire group. Here are some tips:

• Select pocket squares that complement the bridesmaids' dresses without perfectly matching them. This approach creates a cohesive look that feels coordinated yet not overly matched.
• Use the same fold for all groomsmen.
• To distinguish the groom's attire, consider differentiating his pocket square through either an exclusive pattern selection or a more intricate fold arrangement.
• When incorporating patterned pocket squares, ensure harmonious coordination with the existing patterns present in the groomsmen's attire, particularly neckwear and waistcoats, to maintain visual sophistication and prevent conflicting design elements.

For more ideas on making groomsmen's accessories, check out our guide to coordinating groomsmen accessories.

Taking Care of Your Pocket Squares

To maintain the pristine condition of pocket squares for multiple formal occasions, proper maintenance is essential:

• Store them flat or rolled up to avoid creases. Don't fold them when you're not using them.
• For silk pocket squares, dry clean them or wash them by hand in cold water with gentle soap. Do no't twist or wring them out.
• If you need to iron them, use low heat and put a thin cloth between the iron and the pocket square to protect it.
• While traveling, use a pocket square holder or a small box to keep them from wrinkling.

Using Pocket Squares for Other Fancy Events

Pocket squares extend beyond wedding occasions. They enhance both formal and semi-formal ensembles. Consider incorporating this refined accessory when attending:

• Business meetings: A simple, classic fold can make your suit look professional.
• Cocktail parties: Include brighter colors and patterns to make a statement.
• Formal dinners: A crisp, white pocket square with a Presidential fold looks polished.
• Theater outings: Add style to your evening clothes with a pocket square.

Check out our holiday accessories for pocket squares that work for weddings and other special events throughout the year.

Conclusion: Getting Really Good at Pocket Square Folding

Pocket squares may be a small detail, but they can have a big impact on your look at weddings and parties. By mastering folding techniques and following our tips on selection and coordination, you'll add the perfect finishing touch to your outfit. Remember, aim to complement rather than match exactly, and choose a fold that suits the formality of the event

With practice, you'll gain the confidence to experiment with various folds and styles, allowing you to showcase your personal taste while staying appropriate for the occasion. Whether attending an elegant wedding or a laid-back garden party, the right pocket square can elevate your entire look.

For more ideas and to see our collection of pocket squares, visit our pocket square collection. With some practice and creativity, you'll be folding pocket squares like an expert in no time!