Pocket squares - do you wear them to work?

[Jovan]

White cotton in a simple square has served me well with any outfit involving a jacket.

 

[grimslade]

OK, I've been watching this thread grow out of the corner of my eye the last few days, and I have to come clean. I've never "worn" a pocket square. I don't own any. What's more, AFAIK, no one in my office ever has either. And I feel I've come to a place where, if I started, someone would be bound to remark, and I'd have to explain myself, so I can't quite bring myself to cross this Rubicon. Threads like this do bring me a little bit closer, however.

 

[Jovan]

Huh?

 

[Nantucket Red]

A pocket square is mandatory with a suit or any type of jacket.

 

[JLibourel]

Originally Posted by grimslade

OK, I've been watching this thread grow out of the corner of my eye the last few days, and I have to come clean. I've never "worn" a pocket square. I don't own any. What's more, AFAIK, no one in my office ever has either. And I feel I've come to a place where, if I started, someone would be bound to remark, and I'd have to explain myself, so I can't quite bring myself to cross this Rubicon. Threads like this do bring me a little bit closer, however.


In the words of those Nike ads, JUST DO IT!

 

[topbroker]

Originally Posted by grimslade

I've never "worn" a pocket square. I don't own any. What's more, AFAIK, no one in my office ever has either. And I feel I've come to a place where, if I started, someone would be bound to remark, and I'd have to explain myself, so I can't quite bring myself to cross this Rubicon.

Fortunately, the other brokers in my company would not be in the least surprised by any business fashion gambit whatsoever that I tried. Pocket squares, hats, bow ties, vests, collar pins, spectator shoes, pocket watches, bouttonieres: they have seen it all (although not all at once!).

I do get comments, but only of the sort acknowledging that I'm up to something fun and that it looks pretty good.

My co-workers know that I'm going to "do my thing," and I like being in that position.

 

[Queensberry]

Pocket squares are a fantastic addition to any well dressed man's ensemble.

I dont go in for things like polka dot designs that bear no correlation with the shirt or tie that I have on, but if the square matches and is folded correctly then it undoubtedly adds a touch of finesse to a gentleman's outfit.

 

[Niels]

I newer wear a pocket square not with a sports jacket not with a suit.

I don't own any by the way.

I looks to me that here on the (European) continent square pockets are only worn by elderly men

 

[Queensberry]

Originally Posted by Niels

I looks to me that here on the (European) continent square pockets are only worn by elderly men

Quite the contrary in London, Niels.

Pocket squares have witnessed something of a renaissance recently, and a quick flick through the fashion press will show that many well respected fashion labels are advocating their inclusion in the outfits of well coiffured gents.

 

[life_interrupts]

I've owned and worn pocket squares over the years, but at my current job, anything more than an oxford shirt, khakis, and a comfortable shoe is dressed up(I still wear a suit or jacket 3 days a week), so I don't wear them to the office.

I recently bought a handful of cotton handkerchiefs with colored borders (brown, maroon, blue, green) that I've gotten great use out of as pocket squares. They're like the ones that my father had when I was a kid, heavy and stiff. Work great with silk ties or when wearing jackets and shirts without a tie.

 

[alebrady]

i must admit, this is interesting. first - i do like the look of a pocket square, however, i have never, NEVER seen one on anyone that have been directly working with. i work for a large, global consulting firm in the area of financial services companies so its not as if there arent lots and lots of suits and sportcoats around.

although, i have seen men wearing them at client sites (on very rare occasions), i have never seen any of my direct clients with them - and i have never seen them in our own offices.

obviously, im sure some men in our firm do wear them...but you have to wonder - 8 years and never seen them myself...

 

[Jovan]

Touches of individuality are frowned upon in some places, unfortunately. Things like collar bars, tie pins, tie chains, or pocket squares. It's a shame. Oddly enough a tie bar isn't frowned upon much. I guess since it just does its job, while the chain or pin are more elaborate in doing it. Who knows.

 

[topbroker]

Originally Posted by Jovan

Touches of individuality are frowned upon in some places, unfortunately. Things like collar bars, tie pins, tie chains, or pocket squares. It's a shame. Oddly enough a tie bar isn't frowned upon much. I guess since it just does its job, while the chain or pin are more elaborate in doing it. Who knows.

This is one reason why I gravitated to a profession -- commercial real estate brokerage -- where, although I work for an excellent company, I am an independent contractor and my image is my business. There is no "corporate norm" to feel suffocated by.

Interestingly, I don't believe the "touches of individuality" (which I am quite addicted to) hurt me at all with clients -- they seem to like a confident-looking broker.

 

[contactme_11]

Does anyone know of a site that has instructions on folding different designs of pocket squares?