How to fold a pocket square for a wedding

Want to add a pop of colour to your wedding suit? Look no further than a pocket square. They’re small yet extremely stylish—adding that little something extra to your overall look.

But if you aren’t in the habit of wearing pocket squares, you might be wondering how you’re supposed to fold it. We’ve got you. Read on to learn 5 simple techniques.
 

Contents

Pocket square etiquette
Square fold
Triangle fold
Two-point fold
Three-point fold
Puff fold
 

Pocket square etiquette

A quick word on pocket square etiquette before we dive in.

Pocket squares are typically used for more formal occasions, often with three-piece suits and tuxedos. But they’re also popular with blazers and two-piece suits: it really depends on how casual the overall look is and how you feel.

With suits and blazers, there’s no specific rules for how you’re meant to wear a pocket square. There’s simpler folds and those which are more flamboyant—choose whichever works best for you.

But if you’re going for a tux, there is a traditional way that things are done. A solid white is the classic choice, paired with a more formal fold.

And as a general rule of thumb: the pocket square shouldn’t be exactly the same colour as your tie.

Though it is your day, so you can of course wear whatever you like.

The square fold (presidential fold)

This is the classic, go-to choice for more formal affairs: think black or white tie. Hence the nickname, “presidential fold”. It’s what you might choose if you were wearing a tuxedo.

The presidential fold is simple and elegant. It adds something to your look without distracting or taking away from any other element.

1. Lay the pocket square flat on a hard, level surface
2. Fold it horizontally: bring the left-hand side over onto the right. Make sure the corners are aligned
3. Fold it vertically: bring the bottom half up to the top. You can either align the corners for a sharper, clean look or have the bottom edge just below the top one for something a little more rustic
4. Tuck it into your jacket pocket. You want the edge to run parallel to the top of your pocket

2. Triangle fold

Also called the single point fold. It looks like a little triangle peeking out from your pocket. This is another simple option that perhaps brings a tiny bit more visual interest than the presidential fold.

1. Lay the pocket square down on a hard, level surface. Adjust it so it’s in a diamond shape (points facing up, down, left and right)
2. Fold the bottom half of the square onto the top half, making sure the edges align. It should look like a triangle now, with one longer edge on the bottom
3. Take the left corner of the triangle and fold it over to the right, towards the right corner
4. Take the right corner and fold it over to the left. The pocket square should now look like an envelope with a triangle on top
5. The “envelope” goes into your jacket pocket and the triangle should stick out

3. Two-point fold

Want to add another triangle to your pocket square? Allow us to suggest the two-point fold. It’s similar to the one-point fold, but as the name suggests, there’s two triangular peaks instead of one. And it could be a great option for those who want to show a little more personality—or for events that are slightly less formal.

1. Lay your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface. Arrange it like a diamond (points facing up and down, left and right)
2. Fold the bottom corner over the top. But instead of aligning the edges perfectly, move the bottom point slightly to the left of the top point. You should be able to see both points next to each other
3. Bring the left corner over towards the right
4. Bring the right corner over towards the left. Your pocket square should look like a (slightly messy) square on the bottom with the two triangles on top
5. Tuck the square into your jacket pocket so the two peaks are sticking out

4. Three-point fold

But sometimes, two points just aren’t enough. If you want to make even more of a statement with your pocket square, this might be the fold for you.

Here, as you may have guessed, three triangular points peek out of your pocket. It’s dynamic and eye-catching: and is easier to do with stiffer fabrics like linen or cotton.

1. Lay your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface. Arrange it like a diamond (points facing up and down, left and right)
2. Fold the bottom corner over the top to make a triangle. Align the edges
3. Take the left corner and fold it upwards. It should be a second peak that’s to the right of the top point
4. Do the same for the other side: take the right corner and bring it upwards, to the left of the central peak. You should now have three clear peaks
5. Your pocket square should be looking a bit like a cone. Take the bottom section and fold it upwards
6. Put the bottom section in your jacket pocket, with the peaks showing

5. Puff fold

This is a great choice if you’ve got a silk pocket square. It’s generally considered more of a casual look—though we’ve seen truly sophisticated outfits that include a puff fold. It adds texture and softness, which can work especially well with formal suits. Some people say that the puff fold has a vintage charm, because it was favoured by old Hollywood icons like Fred Astaire and Humphrey Bogart.

What’s more: this is one of the easier folds to do.

1. Lay your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface. Arrange it like a diamond (points facing up and down, left and right)
2. Pinch the centre of the square and lift the fabric upwards, so it’s hanging down from your fingers
3. Take your other hand and lightly wrap it around the fabric. Gently run your hand down the fabric until you’re about three-quarters of the way down. Grip the fabric and release your other hand
4. Arrange the point into a “puff”. Don’t worry if it looks slightly messy. You want it to have a little volume
5. Gather the fabric at the bottom and fold it backwards
6. Put it in your pocket, with the puff sticking out from your jacket pocket

Other folds

If none of those took your fancy—not to worry. There’s plenty of other folds out there, from reverse puff to rose fold and more. But the above are a good crash-course of the most popular (and simplest) options.

Again, we want to remind you that there are no hard-and-fast rules about styling pocket squares. You don’t even have to wear one if you don’t want to. Go with whatever makes you feel good.

Your wedding venue

Your pocket square might seem like a small point. But the magic of the day is truly in the details: from the fabric of your square to the finishings of your wedding venue.

Kindred is a much-loved West London wedding venue, right in the heart of Hammersmith. Our building, Bradmore House, is an early 18th century Georgian mansion that’s been restored with a modern touch. We’ve got gorgeous wood panelling and high, arched windows, as well as speakeasy-style lounges and gorgeous spaces for feasting, toasting, and letting your hair down.

Cellar, our Hammersmith restaurant and bar, will take care of the food. Your guests can also enjoy multiple private bars across our building.

Have a read of our wedding brochure to learn more about weddings at Kindred. We welcome you to come and visit the space in person, at no obligation. Simply get in touch with our team to arrange it.