How to choose your first pocket square?

[epa]

Assume that you have some suits and odd jackets in different colours. Also, shirts and ties. You never wore a pocket square because you were afraid to be (obviously erronously) taken for a snob. Then, one day, you decide to give it a try (maybe it is the rebel within you)! So you want to get a pocket square to see what it actually feels like using one. You may consider getting one that will go with your favourite suit, the one that you will use on occasions on which you want to look especially elegent (and, of course, you are fully aware of the fact that on those occasions, you should not put on your derby shoes/blüchers).
So, how do you choose this "pioneer" PS?
a- I guess that if you use silk ties, it should be a silk PS, right?
b- Are there any size issues?
c- Should it be the same colour as the tie?
d- Should it, however, have at least a slightly different shade?
e- I guess that having tie and PS with the same colour and pattern would be too much, right?
f- Any PS sprezzatura issues?
Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Concordia]

Your first?

White linen.

 

[cuffthis]

just do it, don't think about it.

 

[DocHolliday]

g: buy a white linen square from AlanC. It's the perfect starter.

As for some of the questions: The silk square/silk tie combo is common, but sometimes it's nice to have a contrast in fabrics; large squares can often be bulky stuffed in a pocket -- bigger isn't better; it's good for the square to pick up colors in your clothing, but those colors needn't be solely from your tie; and matching square and tie (both in the exact same pattern) is the ultimate in cheese.

 

[AlanC]

Originally Posted by Concordia

Your first?

White linen.
Yes

 

[AlanC]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

g: buy a white linen square from AlanC. It's the perfect starter.
Thanks for the plug, but I'm shipping out the last from this batch today.

 

[lawyerdad]

Originally Posted by epa

Assume that you have some suits and odd jackets in different colours. Also, shirts and ties. You never wore a pocket square because you were afraid to be (obviously erronously) taken for a snob. Then, one day, you decide to give it a try (maybe it is the rebel within you)! So you want to get a pocket square to see what it actually feels like using one. You may consider getting one that will go with your favourite suit, the one that you will use on occasions on which you want to look especially elegent (and, of course, you are fully aware of the fact that on those occasions, you should not put on your derby shoes/blüchers).
So, how do you choose this "pioneer" PS?
a- I guess that if you use silk ties, it should be a silk PS, right?
b- Are there any size issues?
c- Should it be the same colour as the tie?
d- Should it, however, have at least a slightly different shade?
e- I guess that having tie and PS with the same colour and pattern would be too much, right?
f- Any PS sprezzatura issues?
Thanks in advance for your help!
a: No, not necessarily. Especially with a suit, I prefer linen - it creates a bit more contrast and helps to avoid the "too closely matching" problem. But either will work, and I certainly don't think the tie and square need to be of the same material.
b: The only real size issue is that if it's too big it'll make pocket puffy. Purely a matter of personal preference, though.
c: No. Complementary, not matching. White linen goes with most things.
d:: Yes, at a minimum.
E: Generally yes.
f: This question is self-defeating. If you're worrying about whether it's sprezzatura, it isn't.
I agree with Doc and Concordia that your first should be white linen, and that Alan is a good source.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by AlanC

Thanks for the plug, but I'm shipping out the last from this batch today.

Too bad, that was a good SF resource. Just got mine yesterday, and am very pleased. Thanks, Alan.

 

[Sander]

Originally Posted by Concordia

Your first?

White linen.
Seconded. (Or rather thirded or something the like...) I did so as well (not too long ago) have by now two others (of which I have only one worn once).
The white one just always looks terrific. And if you fold it to a square it is not too loud as well. I also was a little afraid at the beginning (especially here in Germany where it is anyway far too easy to be the best dressed at e.g. the theatre) so I took the square and was perfectly satisfied.

 

[AlanC]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Too bad, that was a good SF resource. Just got mine yesterday, and am very pleased. Thanks, Alan.
Thanks, I'm glad it arrived and that you liked it. I will try to round up more of these, but I'm not sure when that will happen.

For a second square, consider a patterned blue silk (or linen). I find my blue squares get a lot of use.

 

[odoreater]

I'd go with white linen and then a dark red (maroon?) silk.

 

[Film Noir Buff]

These white, handrolled linen squares are awesome. FNB seal of approval.

http://www.givans.co.uk/catalog/16

 

[AlanC]

Originally Posted by Film Noir Buff

These white, handrolled linen squares are awesome. FNB seal of approval.

http://www.givans.co.uk/catalog/16

Are these priced by the gross?

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Originally Posted by AlanC

Are these priced by the gross?


The bottom two selections are by the dozen, yes. The third to last might be a way to get your toe wet. Sorry, I always buy them by the dozen.

They have a good heft to them, a good size, well rolled and they are worth the price. I get the rolled ones at the very bottom.

 

[raley]

Maybe try some Kent Wang pocket squares.