Pocket Squares: A Discussion Thread, Questions, Opinions, Suggestions.....

[Sotiris]

Thanks, psg. Great thread, and I appreciate the advice. I understand and like your classic suggestions. I was just playing around with the new PS at home. Definitely plan to stick to white linen for the most part in public as I learn!

The shirt in my poor pictures is actually a pale lavender - having a tough time matching that with my tie selection. I also did get the pictured tie to go more with blue suits - duly noted that it washes out with the charcoal suit.

Here is a shot of the first square, along with another one. Both are actually homemade - liberated from old used items.

 

[Gus]

The Madras Pocket Square

Spring is around the corner and one of my favorite pocket squares to wear when it gets warm is madras. I don't suggest it for conservative work settings but it is an ideal way to add color to a solid tan/khaki suit or cream colored linen jacket. I especially like it when I'm not wearing a tie.

Below are two photos using the same pocket square and blue shirt. Note the difference in the two folds between a TV fold verses a simple puff and points. The puff, to me, makes the outfit look more relaxed even though it is the one with the tie. I also like that I can twist and play with it a bit to get different colors in the madras to show. (The tie is actually a lighter, dusty golden green than the photo represents.)

There are all ranges of colors of madras from subtle blue plaids to wild combinations of hot pink, kelly green and bright yellow. You might enjoy several versions for your own use. I saw that J Crew has some starting at $39.00. Someone has a patchwork madras. I'm keeping an eye out for that one to add to my collection for spring '11.

 

[Gus]

A link to madras pocket squares

http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/t...0134/40134.jsp

J Press

http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/t...0134/40134.jsp

 

[thebunk]

So I get my white pocket square from Kent Wang and it is great but it probably will not take a tv fold well which is my go to fold. What material / brand of PSs will take a tv fold well but will not break the bank?

 

[Kent Wang]

What problems are you having with the TV fold?

If you're used to larger squares where you fold it in half as the first step, just skip that step.

 

[poddle]

Hello all, something of a long-time lurker here, wishing to pose a quick question...

Vaguely related to the comment about Hermes pocket squares being a little too bulky for some people and their pockets - this is something I've encountered with a couple of my more recently acquired squares, where there simply is too much material for me to wish to use them. My jacket pockets look as if they've been on a year-long beer binge, with added bonus of a brightly coloured flare reaching halfway up to my shoulder. Not keen.

As a result, I wondered whether it would be heretical to consider chopping a segment to reduce them in size and bulk, whilst still obviously maintaining their squarey shape; if this was successful, I would actually wear them. As a result, of course, the edge stitching would have to be re-done, which brings me to the next issue: would an alterations tailor be a good bet to do this? I could always ask my mum if it's not too difficult (cheaper, but might not happen this decade).

Anyways, many thanks for your help.

 

[mmkn]

Something so simple, something so beautiful . . .

- M

 

[Bartlebooth]

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

The Madras Pocket Square

Spring is around the corner and one of my favorite pocket squares to wear when it gets warm is madras. I don't suggest it for conservative work settings but it is an ideal way to add color to a solid tan/khaki suit or cream colored linen jacket. I especially like it when I'm not wearing a tie.

Below are two photos using the same pocket square and blue shirt. Note the difference in the two folds between a TV fold verses a simple puff and points. The puff, to me, makes the outfit look more relaxed even though it is the one with the tie. I also like that I can twist and play with it a bit to get different colors in the madras to show. (The tie is actually a lighter, dusty golden green than the photo represents.)

Beautiful PS, that. Any chance we could see it lain out? I always enjoy getting a sense of how a square transforms from display to use.

 

[SpooPoker]

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

The Madras Pocket Square

Ill offer an alternative POV and say that I dont like that combo (but I REALLY love the square). I think that the texture of the tie, with the stripes, and the madras is a bit too much (I know, coming from me, right?

) If the tie was a solid olive grenadine, or a basic twill repp, and the shirt was a shade or two lighter, Id be sold any day of the week. Just my opinion.

 

[Gus]

^^^Consider that it is a solid cream jacket worn with solid colored pants. Neither have any pattern so you need some, especially on a 6' 2" frame like mine. Without it, it looks too plain. The shirt is actually lighter. The natural light today was quite blue making the shirt more intense and the tie a darker green in the photo.

 

[Kent Wang]

Originally Posted by poddle

As a result, I wondered whether it would be heretical to consider chopping a segment to reduce them in size and bulk, whilst still obviously maintaining their squarey shape; if this was successful, I would actually wear them. As a result, of course, the edge stitching would have to be re-done, which brings me to the next issue: would an alterations tailor be a good bet to do this? I could always ask my mum if it's not too difficult (cheaper, but might not happen this decade).
We have done this for other customers before and can do it for $20 per square, with a hand-sewn edge of course. If interested, please email [email protected]. An alterations tailor probably does not have enough experience with making a hand-sewn rolled edge to make it elegantly. They could of course do a machine-stitched edge easily, but those are unsightly and I don't recommend it.

 

[SpooPoker]

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

^^^Consider that it is a solid cream jacket worn with solid colored pants. Neither have any pattern so you need some, especially on a 6' 2" frame like mine. Without it, it looks too plain. The shirt is actually lighter. The natural light today was quite blue making the shirt more intense and the tie a darker green in the photo.

On second look, the blue does not bother me. Its quite a nice shirt, actually. I think whats tossing me on it is the texture between the repps.

 

[Gus]

Originally Posted by SpooPoker

I think whats tossing me on it is the texture between the repps.

The tie was chosen specifically for its color and its texture to compliment the texture of the heavy Irish linen from Luciano Barbera. A smooth silk tie doesn't look right.

 

[Gus]

Following up on the Madras pocket square suggestion yesterday here is a video from GQ

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[MBreinin]

I love the Madras squares, PSG.

Mike