Silk, linen, and cotton are the most popular materials for a plain white pocket square, each offering unique characteristics, primarily in terms of weight and texture.
Silk, renowned for its luxurious feel, is also excellent for its quality. The soft edges of silk pocket squares make them perfect for relaxed, unstructured folds. Additionally, their lightweight nature ensures they won’t create bulk in your pocket.
Plain white linen is another popular choice for a pocket square, particularly during the summer months. With firmer edges than silk, a white linen pocket square is better suited for more structured folds, while its center retains enough flexibility for looser, unstructured options. Linen’s unique texture also adds contrast when paired with complementary fabrics such as those found in suits, blazers, or jackets.
A plain white cotton pocket square, though closer in feel to a handkerchief, should not be overlooked. Lightweight, versatile, and easy to maintain, cotton is also the most affordable option of the three. However, it lacks the distinctive properties of linen and silk, meaning it won’t hold a fold as well or add the same textural depth to an outfit.
When it comes to a plain white pocket square, every detail matters, and hand-rolled edges are essentially most elegant – they represent the highest standard of pocket square finishing.
Once you’ve selected the right white pocket square, the next step is choosing the perfect fold. There are numerous options, and the fold you choose can be guided by the occasion.
The plain white pocket square is a classic – one cannot go wrong with this. While choosing the right fabric, finishing details, and fold does require careful consideration, and take a bit of more time to give it an importance. After all, it’s the little details that make all the difference.
