What are the rules for matching pocket square materials & patterns to suits & ties?

[Rambo]

I was trolling in B&S and happened into Chorse's pocket square sale thread. I realized that I had absolutely no idea what I would need, or want (since I don't even own a suit or jacket at the moment), when it comes to pocket squares. I know that nothing is set in stone, except Manton's 4 pattern rule, but if someone could lay out a few guidelines I'd be very appreciative.

Some fake examples: No linen with wool suits, no silk with tweed, no solid colors with striped ties, etc., etc..

 

[edinatlanta]

Great question!

 

[MyOtherLife]

Spend time sifting through the WAYWRN thread. These members are masters of dressing.
One possible guidline would be to have the pocket square contrast yet compliment the suit and tie.
A pocket square's dominate colours would work best against the accent colours of either suit or tie.
This may not always work, but it is one way to begin matching.

One practice is to achieve what catches the eye over what assaults the senses.
Even a plain square can add just the subtle touch needed to excite the eye.
Personality also plays a factor as to where you will go with a look,
whether it is the quiet studied look, whimsical, flamboyant or utterly outrageous.
It's your call but try to keep it appropriate for your surroundings.
Or wear a quiet PS for work and a crazy one for the evening.

 

[VictorJB]

Well if you dont own a jacket or a suit there is nothing to really worry about unless your going to be extra stylish and use a pocket square as a handkerchief. But you have the basics down and theres not much more to get into than that. You just need a suit pair it with a shirt and tie and then with that picture in your head buy a pocket square accordingly. You have the basics down !!

 

[word]

I was wondering this too. Looking at squares on tie bar and going "so should there be a method to picking out a few or just wing it and get ones that I like?"

 

[Parker]

Originally Posted by Rambo

Some fake examples: No linen with wool suits, no silk with tweed, no solid colors with striped ties, etc., etc..

How about "dry/rough" goes with "wet/smooth"?
eg. shiny silk square with a dry tweed, or dry linen square with a dressy worsted, smooth cotton square with rough linen jacket.

 

[RSS]

I think it's best when one is a natural at dressing ... and doesn't have to give it much thought.

 

[edmorel]

Originally Posted by edinatlanta

Great question!

look what you started

I think in the three years since Rambo posted this, he has figured out the pocket square situation. If not, then nothing that can be posted at this point would help.

 

[TRINI]

White linen pocket square with everything.

 

[Cant kill da Rooster]

Question: Is it fair to say that if the shirt and tie are conservative then wear a louder pocket square and vice versa. In other words, should the suit only have one focal point or is it really a just a matter of matching?

 

[deveandepot1]

Originally Posted by TRINI

White linen pocket square with everything.

This.
I don't like using linen squares in the winter though.

 

[aj_del]

Originally Posted by Rambo

I was trolling in B&S and happened into Chorse's pocket square sale thread. I realized that I had absolutely no idea what I would need, or want (since I don't even own a suit or jacket at the moment), when it comes to pocket squares. I know that nothing is set in stone, except Manton's 4 pattern rule, but if someone could lay out a few guidelines I'd be very appreciative.

Some fake examples: No linen with wool suits, no silk with tweed, no solid colors with striped ties, etc., etc..

Originally Posted by edmorel

look what you started

I think in the three years since Rambo posted this, he has figured out the pocket square situation. If not, then nothing that can be posted at this point would help.

Just spend 10 minutes looking for the PS sale thread before realizing that it is 3 years old

 

[Mr Preppy Guy]

Hi I'm having problems on picking a pocket square for college grad. I will be wearing a dark gray suit, pink shirt, and tartan tie (navy blue is the dominant color, and with baby blue, pink, gray and white stripes). Should pocket square should be matched with your dress or tie?

 

[unbelragazzo]



Should pocket square should be matched with your dress or tie?

No. Without actually seeing the items in question it's hard to say, and it will depend on the shade you pick, but I think a green pocket square could do wonders for you in this situation.

 

[clapeyron]

I usually pair my PS colour to the colour of my shirt if I want to try something less boring I go to this site and go nuts with the "compliment" option:

http://colorschemedesigner.com/