FAQ
Vincent's Frequently Asked Questions
We at FatCloth are well aware that most FAQ's on the internet contain a set of questions that are rarely frequently asked and answers that are mostly useless. So we have waited more than a decade to set up this page. During these years we have faced a few actual questions that have been asked more than once. In case you always wanted to know something but were too shy or lazy to ask via our communications channels, here are a few Q & A's. And yes, SEO is one of the reasons why we have set up this FAQ page after all. Please free to contact us if you have more questions – maybe we'll even add them here later on.
Why is there a triangular pocket on the flip side corner of all FatCloth squares?
A fair and just question. The "signature pocket" has been with us from the first sample mockups created in 2011. It was originally designed as a place where we could label the identifier of the cloth. As all our squares have a name and a story to match, this name is printed on the corner for our CEO and others that keep forgetting names. And we also use that place for our custom FatCloth collaboration company logos. In addition it works great as a thumb-hold when cleaning one's glasses and can be used for hanging the cloth to dry on a peg for example.
Can I order individual custom pocket squares from FatCloth?
No, unfortunately we don't do manufacturing or customisations on-site and therefore our custom squares require a minimum batch size of 50 pcs to be commercially viable.
Can I track my order?
Well, if you have chosen the free shipping option (that is for some reason the most common choice) you can't. And we can't either as the products are sent as "letters" wrapped in envelopes among other mail. To date, our local Postal Services have not provided tracking for international mail. If you wish to track your parcel, you may choose the trackable parcel option from the shipping options. That is unfortunately a bit more costly unless you are willing to purchase products with a sum that includes free shipping as well (around 140 € depending on the country).
I’m in Helsinki and in a hurry – can I pick up my order?
Yes you can, just select the pick up option at your shopping cart. Our warehouse is situated in Lauttasaari, Itälahdenkatu 20 A 4th floor and it's open 11 - 16 during weekdays.
Where can I find a retailer that sells your products so I can see them IRL?
Please tell us if you manage to find one. We are very interested in those too. To be honest, we have focused our limited time and resources on ecommerce lately and our dear brick & mortar retailer network has been neglected for quite some time. We feel bad about it and sometimes Vincent wakes up in the middle of the night to think about all the lost opportunities. If you want to help us expand our network, please let your favourite retailers know about us or us about them. You can contact us here or by sending email to sales@thefatcloth.com.
Why does my pocket square keep falling inside my jacket pocket?
Yes, this is a common issue with people wearing looser fitting pockets. As our squares are made of somewhat heavier fabric than silk or cotton, they do have the tendency to occasionally slide down especially if the inside fabric of one's pocket is slippery. One can combat this problem in a few ways. Our preferred method is to use the genuine FatCloth Pocket Square Holder designed to keep your square in place. You can also try special tricks like tucking something under the square to lift it up, but this usually just leaves the pocket bulky looking. You may also use a safety pin to attach your square to the jacket (inside preferably) or you can wrap the square around a piece of cardboard for support (like the COA card for example) if you need a quick fix.
Why don't you guys answer when I send you emails about my superior marketing/ecommerce/SEO/logistics/AI/whatnot services?
Well, there are a couple of reasons why. Firstly we get similar offers on a daily basis so much that one could justly call them spam. We have heard the stories of ROI 300% in 2 months or your money back arguments many times already and are not convinced. Our contact information is probably passed on and sold by shady database dealers without consent and if we would answer all the queries, our account could be flagged as active and sold over many times more. Also, it doesn't help your efforts much if your contact attempt comes from adamscott198772@hotmail.com. Use a legit, professional domain and try to stand out from the crowd with your message, then maybe we might even answer.
How sustainable is your business?
A very good and timely question indeed. Nowadays sustainability is defined in various ways depending on the person responsible of answering the question. It is a term often used in marketing with varying levels of actual content behind the claim. Textile industry is one of the most CO2 intensive industries in the world with vast amounts of unnecessary waste being produced each day. Can one really claim to be sustainable when one is contributing to the same fashion driven base business? Like the ESG ranking of an oil company – it is an interesting philosophical debate.
Since day one FatCloth has decided not to use marketing claims that are vague and cannot be specified. We design and manufacture quality products that last time and can be reused over and over again. We constantly review and improve our processes to minimize waste, material and energy consumption. We prioritize recycled materials when there is a valid option for them and partner up with companies that are BSCI compliant. We don’t do fast fashion – instead we create products for gentlemen preferring to don style that lasts. You be the judge whether we are sustainable enough to gain your support.
How should I fold my FatCloth?
You may fold it anyway you prefer, but the easiest style by far is the puff fold. That is what we like to use ourselves as it allows one to actually use the square once in a while for something else and then return it to flourish on its designated place. You can find a selection of the most common folding styles here.
What exactly is a FatCloth and how is it different from a regular pocket square?
A FatCloth is a multipurpose pocket square made from high-grade microfibre (185 g/m², 80% polyester, 20% polyamide) rather than the silk or cotton traditionally used for pocket squares. The practical upshot of this is that it looks the part in a breast pocket while also being genuinely useful — cleaning glasses, wiping screens, dealing with the kind of situations that would ruin a silk square and your dignity simultaneously. It's machine washable, wrinkle-resistant, and sized at 30×30 cm. Think of it as the pocket square that actually earns its place.
Is a FatCloth good for cleaning glasses and screens?
It's very good. The microfibre fabric is the same material used in professional lens cloths, so it removes fingerprints and grease from glasses, phone screens, camera lenses and laptop displays ever so gently. The difference is that a FatCloth also looks presentable in a suit pocket, which is more than can be said for those little optician's squares most people stuff in a drawer and forget about. See more here.
How is FatCloth different from a silk pocket square?
Silk looks beautiful and feels luxurious — nobody is disputing that. What silk doesn't do particularly well is absorb moisture, survive a 40°C machine wash, or clean your glasses without leaving smears. A FatCloth handles all of those things while still holding its own in the style department. Microfiber cloth is somewhat thicker and heavier than silk so it can endure all the chores given to it and still maintain its style after cycles of use and wash. The two aren't mutually exclusive — plenty of gentlemen carry both — but if you're only going to have one square in your pocket, it might as well be one that can actually do something with.
Is FatCloth a good gift for men?
Short answer yes, a great gift. It tends to work well precisely because most men wouldn't buy one for themselves — not out of reluctance, but simply because pocket squares aren't the kind of thing that ends up on a shopping list. Because of its multipurpose nature, it’s the best fit of pocket squares for most men in general.
A FatCloth is the right size, price point and novelty level for birthdays, Father's Day, Christmas, or that work colleague whose interests you're genuinely unsure about. The Moomin, Mucha and Tom of Finland collections give you something to work with even if the recipient has strong opinions about design.
What suits and outfits does a FatCloth work with?
Most of them. The Originals collection covers classic patterns and colourways that sit well with navy, grey, brown and black suits. The Black Line has a variety of special designs fit for varying styles and needs. The Seasonals and collaboration collections (Moomin, Mucha, Tom of Finland) are for those who prefer their accessories to start a conversation rather than merely complete an outfit. If you need help matching colours and patterns to specific suit styles, Vincent has some opinions on the matter — go and see our matching guide.
Can FatCloth squares be worn with casual outfits, not just suits?
Yes — a pocket square in a blazer or sports coat works just as well without a tie underneath it. Some of our bolder designs in the Seasonals and collaboration collections are arguably better suited to smart-casual than full suit territory. The puff fold in particular looks at home in most contexts where a breast pocket is involved. We've even seen FatCloths make an appearance in denim jackets, shirt pockets, rear pockets of jeans etc. but we'll leave that judgment call to you.
Where is FatCloth made and who is behind it?
FatCloth is a Finnish company founded in Helsinki in 2011 by five friends who encountered a problem at a summer wedding — wool suits, warm weather, and no pocket square up to the task. The product has been shipping worldwide since 2012. We design in Helsinki and manufacture globally with BSCI-compliant partners based currently in China, Estonia and Finland. Vincent, FatCloth’s dear protagonist, handles the front-facing communication with characteristic composure. The people behind him prefer to stay out of the limelights and concentrate on making things worth buying.
Are FatCloth squares limited edition or always available?
It depends on the collection. The Originals are our most permanent range and can be ordered any time, however that collection too evolves as time passes and some models are discontinued and replaced by new designs. The Seasonals, as the name suggests, tend to be single production drops and sometimes sold out fast. The Black Line & collaboration collections (Moomin, Mucha, Tom of Finland) are produced in limited runs and aren't guaranteed to be restocked once they sell out. If something catches your eye, the safest strategy is not to overthink it. Vincent seldom runs discount campaigns.