The art of folding a suit handkerchief, often overlooked in the grander scheme of menswear, is a subtle expression of refinement and attention to detail. Much like the perfect knot or the press of a dress shirt, a perfectly folded handkerchief can elevate an outfit from pedestrian to polished. Here, we walk you through the process, from basic folds to more advanced techniques.
APAN Neville, the esteemed English clothier, once declared that a man could judge a gentlemans sartorial prowess by his handkerchief fold. It might seem like an exaggeration, but there is truth in his statement. A well-dressed man should carry not only a handkerchief but also know how to use it, and how to fold it.
Mastering the Basics: The Square Fold
Before delving into the more elaborate folds, let's master the fundamentals. The square fold is the most basic and widely used fold. It's simple, elegant, and suits almost every occasion.
Begin by laying your handkerchief flat, with the printed side facing down. Fold it in half diagonally, creating a triangle. Fold the triangle in half again along the other diagonal. You'll now have a smaller triangle. Finally, fold the narrow end of the triangle up to the point, and you've got your square fold.
The Ditto Fold
After you've mastered the square fold, you might want to try the ditto fold for a slightly different look. It's simple, just fold the handkerchief in half lengthwise, then fold it in half again from the top.
The result is a narrow rectangular shape that's another excellent choice for formal or business settings.
The Triangle Fold
This fold, often seen in vintage movies, is a bit more eye-catching. Start by making a square fold, then fold the pointed end up to the edge of the top layer, creating a triangle.
It's not as practical as the others, but it's a fun way to switch up your folds and can add a touch of whimsy to a casual look.
Taking it Up a Notch: The Puff Fold
For those who want to add a touch of panache to their handkerchief fold, the puff fold is the way to go. It's a bit more complex but offers a unique, stylish look.
Start with a square fold, then pick it up and hold it by the bottom point. Pull the top two corners down and to the center, then tuck them into the bottom corner. You should now have a puffy, centered fold.
The Cuff Fold
This fold is perfect for those who want a bit of elegance without the bulk. Start by making a square fold, then fold the pointed end up to the top edge of the bottom layer. Next, fold the top layer down, tucking the pointed end into the fold.
You'll be left with a flat, neat fold that looks great peeking out of a jacket pocket.
The Four-Point Fold
This is a more advanced fold that adds a dose of intrigue to your handkerchief. Start with a square fold, then fold the pointed end up to the top edge of the bottom layer. Next, fold the top layer down, tucking the pointed end into the fold. Repeat with the other two corners.
The result is a four-pointed star shape that's a striking way to display your handkerchief.
Mastering the art of folding a suit handkerchief takes practice, but with a little patience and a lot of repetition, you'll soon be folding like a pro. So, go ahead, elevate your outfit, and let your handkerchief be a testament to your sartorial prowess.