Pocket square size

dj-jd · Jun 21, 2009

I wear a smaller size, 36R, and I have just recently begun trying to wear pocket squares. I find that after I fold them as directed they do not fit right into the pocket; I have to fold the edges of the square inward more and manipulate the folded square quite a bit to get it to fit in the pocket. I assume this is because of my small jacket size. Is there anything I can do about this? I have different size squares, but it doesn't seem to matter much.

knittieguy · Jun 22, 2009

I am a 41-42 and I have the same problem so I'm not sure it is your small suit size. All pocket squares seem to be sized so that if you fold them the way that the diagrams show you to (for a TV fold), they will be slightly too big. It's some sort of conspiracy designed to make me late every morning.

whiteslashasian · Jun 22, 2009

Originally Posted by dj-jd

I wear a smaller size, 36R, and I have just recently begun trying to wear pocket squares. I find that after I fold them as directed they do not fit right into the pocket; I have to fold the edges of the square inward more and manipulate the folded square quite a bit to get it to fit in the pocket. I assume this is because of my small jacket size. Is there anything I can do about this? I have different size squares, but it doesn't seem to matter much.

I always have to fold and play around with my pockets squares to get them to fit in my pocket as well. Use smaller squares, such as 12"x12" and that will help to relieve excess material which needs to be folded to fit.

blackbowtie · Jun 22, 2009

Originally Posted by knittieguy

IAll pocket squares seem to be sized so that if you fold them the way that the diagrams show you to (for a TV fold), they will be slightly too big. .

Phew. And all this while I thought I wasn't doing it right or something....

Sam Hober · Jun 22, 2009

dj-jd, An interesting post. Pocket squares should in theory not have problems fitting most pockets. Can you please provide more details such as the type of pocket square -cotton, silk? Size? and the length and width of your jacket pocket. We try hard to make each type of silk, cotton, linen, wool etc. pocket square be the correct size for the fabric. But it is hard to make everyone happy as some like bigger squares and some smaller. Of course we are always happy to make a custom made pocket square to the exact size that you request as long as we have the fabric on hand. Kent Wang is also often able to make pocket squares as you wish.

cchen · Jun 23, 2009

I have the same problem with a linen RLPL square. It's gigantic. Don't have any problems with my Brioni or Muji ones

jemcgarvey · Jun 29, 2010

I've found pocket squares to come in several somewhat standard sizes, but none of these fits a suit pocket when folded in thirds (for TV fold). My smaller ones are about 11-12" square, which is nice for the silk ones, which I usually just stuff in casually, but I always have to fold the white linen ones in thirds and a third (with an excess of maybe 1.5&quot

in order to keep it from bunching up. These smaller ones are Robert Talbott and Jos. A. Bank, so I doubt their uncommon sizes.

Why is the standard size not exactly 3 times the width of a standard jacket pocket? (I know there are variations, but most pockets seem to be very close)

JayJay · Jun 29, 2010

I find they vary a lot in size. I have to fold mine in all sorts of ways to fit my breast pockets, which also vary a lot in size even by the same maker.

Will · Jun 29, 2010

Cloth is woven in 90 or 150 cm widths. Square-makers have to balance between fitting in the pocket and wasting expensive silk or linen. Usually the cost of the cloth wins.

Industry standard for a handkerchief is 16-19" on a side. What is called a pocket square is usually 11-12". Folded or stuffed, the 11-12" sizes tend to fall down and disappear in a pocket.

Handkerchiefs may be too large to fold but are right-sized for stuffing, and stuffing is what you want to do anyway. Folding looks studied and studied is to be avoided if you agree with the writing of Hardy Amies, Alan Flusser and most other authoritative writers on dress.

Wes Bourne · Jun 29, 2010

Originally Posted by Will

Industry standard for a handkerchief is 16-19" on a side. What is called a pocket square is usually 11-12". Folded or stuffed, the 11-12" sizes tend to fall down and disappear in a pocket.

Handkerchiefs may be too large to fold but are right-sized for stuffing, and stuffing is what you want to do anyway. Folding looks studied and studied is to be avoided if you agree with the writing of Hardy Amies, Alan Flusser and most other authoritative writers on dress.

Orly? For me, silk = fluffed and stuffed, while cotton or linen = folded.

MalfordOfLondon · Jun 29, 2010

I only wear cotton or linen so folded is also the way for me as well.

PocketCircle · Jul 2, 2010

12 inches x 12 inches is the ideal for me.

Insight · Jul 3, 2010

Originally Posted by Wes Bourne

Orly? For me, silk = fluffed and stuffed, while cotton or linen = folded.

+1

Also, folded for business/serious, stuffed for play/casual.

sonlegoman · Jul 3, 2010

Buy my pocket squares. I'll even make you a custom size one if you want. Check out my link in the signature.

GAYSTYLEOWN · Jul 3, 2010

nice pocket square

Pocket square size

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