Why Wear a Pocket Square?
Breast pocket is for pocket squares
A question many of us ask ourselves before choosing to don a pocket square for the first time. A good starting point is to acknowledge that suits and jackets have a breast pocket for a reason. Some decide to skip pocket squares entirely, while others see them as a natural addition to their look.
A pocket square is one of those small style details that sparks big opinions — some swear by it as the ultimate finishing touch or an extension of their personality, while others see it as unnecessary or even a bit too much. Whether you wear one or not, the key is knowing why you made that choice. Vincent will now break the question down into smaller sections to help you decide.
What Exactly Is a Pocket Square?
At its simplest, it’s a small piece of fabric that sits in your jacket’s breast pocket. Traditionally made from silk, cotton, or linen, it comes in endless colours, prints, and folds. Historically, pocket squares began as functional handkerchiefs, but over time, they became purely decorative — a subtle way to express personal style. Today, the circle is closing, and the pocket square can be functional once more, thanks to modern materials, as FatCloth has proven us for more than a decade now.
Why People Choose to Wear One
Effortless Style Upgrade
A pocket square can transform a simple look into something memorable. Even if you’re wearing a plain blazer and open-collar shirt, a well-chosen square adds contrast, texture, and dimension. It’s one of the few accessories that can lift an outfit instantly without looking like you tried too hard. Whether it’s a crisp white square for a formal meeting or a bold print for an evening out, the effect is the same — people notice, even if they can’t quite put their finger on why. Think of it as the icing on a cake, just makes it that little bit more interesting.
Personal Expression
Unlike a tie, which often follows workplace rules or event dress codes, a pocket square is entirely your playground. You can experiment with colours, patterns, and fabrics to reflect your personality. One day you might go for muted and elegant; the next, you’re wearing a rainbow in your breast pocket — just because it makes you smile. It’s a detail that says, “This is me,” without having to announce it out loud.
Versatility
A single pocket square can work across different settings simply by changing the fold. The same square can look sharp and symmetrical for a wedding, then relaxed and casual for after-work drinks. And because they’re small and easy to carry, you can even switch them out on the go should one get dirty from wiping your gadgets for example. It’s a low-effort way to adapt your look to the moment.
The Detail That Gets Noticed
When people say someone is “well-dressed,” they’re usually reacting to details — and the pocket square is one of the most visible. You might not get constant compliments, but colleagues, clients, and even strangers will take note. Over time, it becomes part of your signature look, making you stand out in a subtle, sophisticated way.
Why People Skip the Pocket Square
Fear of Overdressing
For many, the biggest hesitation is feeling “too dressed up” compared to everyone else in the room. If your environment is casual, a pocket square might seem like it signals formality — and that can feel intimidating. The truth is, the right fabric and fold can actually make it look relaxed rather than over-the-top, but the fear is understandable.
Unsure How to Wear One
Pocket squares come with their own set of unspoken rules — or at least, the perception of them. People worry about matching the tie perfectly (which you shouldn’t), choosing the “right” fold, or whether certain colours are off-limits. This uncertainty can make the whole idea feel more complicated than it really is, leading many to skip it entirely. If in doubt, check out the section #8 of what is not recommended here.
The Most Common Question for Google: How to Fold a Pocket Square?
Ask anyone curious about pocket squares, and this is the first thing that comes up: How do I fold it?
It’s a fair question — after all, there are dozens of named folds, from the classic Presidential to the flamboyant puff. But the fact that this is the most common question reveals something deeper: many people aren’t really afraid of folding fabric… they’re afraid of getting it “wrong.”
Pocket squares live in a strange style space where there’s no universal rulebook, yet the fear of breaking imaginary rules can be enough to stop someone from wearing one altogether. People worry that their fold won’t fit the occasion or look “proper,” that the corners won’t sit neatly, or that the puff will look messy. They imagine someone at a wedding or boardroom quietly judging them for not folding it the “right” way.
Remember that there is no one correct way to fold a pocket square — only ways that suit the mood, the occasion, and your personality. In fact, some of the most stylish folds are slightly imperfect, with a casual, lived-in feel. The real secret is that confidence matters more than symmetry. If interested, you can find more information on folding pocket squares here.
If the fear of folding has been holding you back, start simple. A clean flat fold or a relaxed puff can take less than 20 seconds. Those are the ones that cover 99 % of all situations anyway. If the fold tends to slip too deep into your pocket, get a pocket square holder to help keep it up.
Minimalist Preference
Some simply prefer clean lines and minimal fuss. A jacket without a pocket square can look sleek, understated, and timeless. This approach works especially well for those who like their style subtle or monochrome. It’s not a lack of style — it’s a deliberate choice to keep the look as streamlined as possible. One can personalise the look with other accessories as well.
Habit and Comfort Zone
For many men, the pocket square just isn’t part of their usual wardrobe habits. If you’ve gone years without wearing one, it can feel strange at first — like you’re “playing dress-up.” Breaking that feeling takes time, and not everyone wants to make the switch. A FatCloth square can help tip the scale as it can be used for other purposes too. It’s like carrying a pen in your breast pocket — just looks way better and less risk of ink stains.
So… Should You Wear One?
There’s no right or wrong answer. Wearing a pocket square can make you look sharper, more put-together, and more confident — but it’s not mandatory. If it feels like “you,” go for it. If it doesn’t, skip it.
If you decide to go ahead, try one of Vincent’s squares. The FatCloth exists for those that prefer a bit more than just decoration. Crafted from high-quality microfibre, our squares are designed to look sharp in your breast pocket and work hard when you need them to — from wiping your glasses or camera lens to drying your bike seat after a sudden rain. Whether it’s a vibrant print for a summer wedding or a versatile design for everyday carry, The FatCloth gives you style with substance. And if you still don’t feel comfortable with a square in your breast pocket, there will be plenty of use for the multipurpose gentleman’s tool wiping precious things that need a bit of TLC. Visit our collection of squares here.
Remember that the best accessory isn’t the pocket square itself — it’s the confidence to decide whether or not to wear one.