By jean Claude Alfa
Squared
There was a time when a distinguished gentleman never left the house without a handkerchief in his jacket pocket. A pochette or pocket-square may not be today’s dominant trend but there is a lot to be said for it. Elegantly worn without a necktie but with an open shirt, it can brighten up an otherwise bland look.
When selecting a handkerchief, choose one that is 45cm x 45cm with hand-rolled edges. Some designers will try to bluff you by passing off some leftover cloth as a genuine hanky. Don’t be fooled and opt for the designs that have a pattern within a clearly delineated frame. My preference is for Drake’s of London for its innovative designs and hand-rolled hankies.
Also, pick the most appealing colour in your outfit and match it to a prominent colour in the handkerchief and you’ll be home dry. When arranging a pocket-square my rule is simple: the quicker it takes, the more personalised it will look.
Place the centre of the handkerchief facedown in your palm
Pull then end with the tag back to the centre
Flop it over
Take handkerchief in your right hand
Slip it into breast pocket bending it in two, so you have some fluff with corners sticking out
