When dressing up, the purpose is to charm and impress not to startle and distress. We at KissTies make it our mission that you always look impeccably dressed and suave.

In this complete guide to pocket squares, we discuss certain dos and don'ts for men's fashion. We guide you through the patterns, designs, sizes, and colors of your pocket squares. We hope that this will help you achieve that flawlessly debonair look with a flair of panache.

The main idea is to remember one should always exude a look of iconic style without seeming to try too hard. It never looks good if one can see how hard one is trying. The rule of thumb is to remember always that the whole ensemble should never completely match. The colors should complement each other but never mirror the same pattern or design. This looks very mediocre and no one wants to look like another John Doe.

Pocket Square's definition

Pocket square would be a handkerchief with a certain pattern and design that is worn in the breast pocket as a fashion accessory. It serves no other purpose except embellishing the whole look. The trick is to ensure how properly to use this accessory so the result is elegant and impeccable not uninspiring and mediocre.

What color should your Pocket Square match?

When we match pocket squares to our ties or suits, the basic requirement is to keep in mind the elementary color wheel. The colors should either be opposite to complement or adjacent to enhance the look of your attire.  If going for a complementary color scheme in your dressing remember that the colors that are exactly opposite each other would look good for instance blue with orange and purple with yellow would complement. If however, you want to play it safe then you can always go with adjacent colors on the color wheel forming a triangle. Blue, red, and yellow or green, orange and purple are such triangles. They balance the whole look and accentuate your outfit. A navy suit would look good with a solid color pocket square; it can be complimentary red color or a subtle graceful silver. Since navy is a royal color all the royal colors look good with it, so one should always opt for a golden pocket square instead of yellow.

Pocket Square Designs

There are various designs and looks associated with pocket squares. In a nutshell pocket squares can be categorized into three main designs; the solid color, the repeat design, and the print pattern. The repeat design had been a popular choice for decades but now people are experimenting with different looks and prints too. A print can be floral, paisley, historic, modern, or abstract. Although there is a myriad of designs available in the market, the key is to go for a look according to the occasion. Therefore, if one wants to look dandy and daring one can choose a bold print, and if the desired look is that of chic and class the safest choice is a solid color.

Tie and Pocket Square Combinations

When matching a tie with a pocket square there are several considerations to take into account. Ties are matched based on color, pattern, tonal and textural variations. We have already discussed the dynamics of the color wheel. There are certain schemes of color namely; complementary, monochromatic, neutral, and contrasting. The trick is to add a pop of color with grace and ingenuity. For instance, contrasting colors like a blue tie with an orange pocket square will be visually interesting. A navy tie with a lighter shade of blue pocket square on the other hand will be graceful and elegant.

Similarly, if we were to choose between a patterned pocket square or a solid color one, if the tie and suit are in neutral shades, i.e a grey suit with a blue tie, a patterned pocket square can be used to make the whole ensemble interesting. Whereas it is never advisable to go for a printed pocket square if the shirt is printed neither is it good to match the printed tie with a printed pocket square. Tonality is a contrast within each clothing item. If the contrast is high it is considered high tonal variation and if it is low then the tonality is lower. Tonal variations play a very important role in the overall look so shirts and ties with lower tonality go well with a pocket square of a higher tonality.

Textural considerations focus on creating a perfect contrast to balance the whole outfit. While silk ties and pocket squares are most popular, woolen, cotton, and linen ones can provide the perfect textural balance. Cotton and linen can be used for warmer seasons and woolen for colder ones.

What is the Best Size of a Pocket Square?

The size of a pocket square ranges from 14x14 inches to 17x17 inches. It is better to stay on the larger side as it is easier to fold a larger pocket square neatly with all kinds of fabric, silk, linen, and cotton. However, the folds should be precise and the material should not over bulge the breast pocket. The key is to maintain harmony and balance so the whole ensemble looks flawless.

Pocket Square Rules

We sum up the whole article by reiterating the pocket square rules. It is advisable to strive for grace and elegance with subtle hues and balancing combinations. A pocket square and tie matching set is a complete no. one should never opt for a pocket square at a somber gathering. A pocket square should either complement or contrast with your outfit. The guidelines to choose are there, one needs to make a well-informed choice. The purpose to wear a pocket square is entirely ornamental and if the combination is off-putting, the whole purpose is lost. We at KissTies strive for excellence in our products and services. We want to deck out our customers in the latest fashion.