Is there really any difference between a "pocket square" and a handkerchief?

[merkur]

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[contaygious]

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How did you get ".." posts?

 

[Spatlese]

PS = hanky = snotrag

 

[jagass]

Nice question huh...I think only spelling is the difference...lol...Let's hear other opinions...lol...

 

[merkur]

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[Caomhanach]

Handkerchief,Pocket square, Pouchete are words for a decorateive piece of cloth kept in the breast pocket.
A cotton handkerchief in another pocket is a hygienic tool and not on display.You can call mine any of the three. Just do not request to use them for bodily functions, surrendering or improving the range of a flintlock rifle.

 

[binge]

I rarely tie my pocketsquares around my dog's neck.

 

[DocHolliday]

Pocket squares cost a lot more. You don't see hankerchiefs selling for $100+.

Once they get really expensive, it's best to call them by fancy names in languages other than English.

 

[acidboy]

I also bought a table linen with a nice elephant design in Bangkok that I've used as a pocket square.

 

[Caomhanach]

Theres a bit of cowboy kit used to be a bandanna or scarf or even 'nekerchief.
Then they got expensive and made of exotic silks with the new name wild rags. I was informed my 'bandannas' belonged on Howdie Doodie or Roy Rogers and that real whispering horsemen wore wild rags.
So I shoved it down his wranglers.
Yippie yo KyYe MF!

 

[FreedBird]

Ones for showing and ones for blowing.

 

[Tort007]

Originally Posted by FreedBird

Ones for showing and ones for blowing.

Thought that was the distinction betwixt wife and girlfriend...

 

[antirabbit]

I have both, the hankys are bigger and are much more bulky in the pocket than a "pocket square". Also the edge finishing on the PS's are much better. Other wise, they are pretty much sqare, made of fabric, and neither do I blow my nose in.

 

[Ward]

A lot of people use cotton handkerchiefs as pocket squares, and it's fine, but they are very bulky. Pocket squares on the other hand are specifically decorative...that's why you see them in smaller sizes and predominantly in silk with nice roll stitched edges. I wish it were easier to find linen or cotton pocket square sized things. I always have a white cotton straight folded square in my suits but I only use it to wipe my shoes if they get wet or dusty...not for hygienic reasons.

 

[Sam Hober]

Merkur, Your question is a good one. And as other posters have mentioned pocket squares are intended more for show - hence beautiful colors, designs and hand rolled edges. Ward makes a good point that many handkerchief are larger than pocket squares and tend to be cotton while pocket squares are often silk. Here is some history which might be fun to read: http://www.samhober.com/pocketsquare...arehistory.htm