Pocket Squares vs Handkerchiefs

I have heard it said, maybe in a book by Hardy Amies, that the idea of PSs is wrong and that only handkerchiefs ought to be put in ones breast pocket, meaning that one also should use them.

I myself actually like that view since I hardly use any PSs at all, yet I happen to own many handkerchiefs (that I equallly haven't used till now in my breast pocket). I'm thinking of using them more in the future*. All in all I agree with Amies there that I find PSs that are used as an item of decoration only bad, bad bad, and also sissy-like stupid **** **** (if you must know it). Anyway, what's everyone's opinion about this thoroughly important question?

*I have some very nice handkerchiefs in my possession, for example Japanese ones in a palette of autumn colours with poems stitched into them, or another one with a design of cherry blossoms, very finely woven, others are from the Eighties and Seventies even...

I think they should be reserved for women crying or cleaning glasses. What if you run into a crying woman? What will you do then? Hand her a snot rag?

If you want to be strictly utilitarian then lets all just wear jump suits like in 1984. There wouldn't be much need for SF.

I like pocket squares be they colored silk or white linen hankies. Just remember one for show and one to blow.

Thats not what I was talking about I think it perfectly ok to use fine silk PS like handkerchiefs, but the difference is that one uses them. Maybe what I meant was that 'if one has a PS/pocket handkerchief' in ones breast pocket already one ought not have a handkerchief in ones trouser-pockets!

To further summarize my drunken ramblings: I find the idea of the PS extremely gauche and parvenu-like: there only ought to exist handkerchiefs in various textures and weaves!

Originally Posted by Jerome

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I have heard it said, maybe in a book by Hardy Amies, that the idea of PSs is wrong and that only handkerchiefs ought to be put in ones breast pocket, meaning that one also should use them.

I myself actually like that view since I hardly use any PSs at all, yet I happen to own many handkerchiefs (that I equallly haven't used till now in my breast pocket). I'm thinking of using them more in the future*. All in all I agree with Amies there that I find PSs that are used as an item of decoration only bad, bad bad, and also sissy-like stupid **** **** (if you must know it). Anyway, what's everyone's opinion about this thoroughly important question?

*I have some very nice handkerchiefs in my possession, for example Japanese ones in a palette of autumn colours with poems stitched into them, or another one with a design of cherry blossoms, very finely woven, others are from the Eighties and Seventies even...

It's pretty sissy in general to be looking at clothes online. Just embrace it. Not like cherry blossoms and poems reek of testosterone, man. It's an accessory, just like a watch. Theoretically has function, but almost completely useless outside of aesthetics.

Yes, I'm all for love and poetry actually, but in respect to the PS, I'd rather like to see it used and abused more (w/o there being any substitute/safety anchor in the trouser-pockets), I think that this- albeit in a very small way- would enhance our culture!

Originally Posted by Jerome

Click to expand...

Thats not what I was talking about I think it perfectly ok to use fine silk PS like handkerchiefs, but the difference is that one uses them. Maybe what I meant was that 'if one has a PS/pocket handkerchief' in ones breast pocket already one ought not have a handkerchief in ones trouser-pockets!

Not in trouser pocket, in inside jacket pocket, preferably lower right.

He's right. There's nothing more bigtimer than pulling out your Rubinacci silk poketsquare that cost more than your usual office guys shoes and blow your nose into it. Then put it back in your breast pocket, any problem with it sliding down is gone, will stick like an A.

On the serious side, the pocket square is an accessory. If you want to argue against it, argue against wrist watches, cuff links, rings, bracelets, cuffs on pants, overpriced umbrellas, ... We have all that because it makes us go all tingling inside. Just don't mention it to people outside of the internet.

But I only want to argue against PS in that 'useless' sense because I like all those other (maybe equally useless) things-watches, cufflinks etc.- and find them culturally enhancing, only PS if not used are 'non gratae'/intolerable!

p.s. of course after blowing your nose etc. your should NOT put it back in your breast pocket...!

Originally Posted by Jerome

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But I only want to argue against PS in that 'useless' sense because I like all those other (maybe equally useless) things-watches, cufflinks etc.- and find them culturally enhancing, only PS if not used are 'non gratae'/intolerable!

p.s. of course after blowing your nose etc. your should NOT put it back in your breast pocket...!

Then what? Throw it away? Perpetuate the wasteful western culture, eh? Shame on you and your non earth-friendly ways. Im going to find you and run you down with my Prius.

No, then you may put it in your trouser pocket...

The notion that in the 21st Century, there are still men who have snot in their nose in the first place is deplorable.

As for having a use for a hankie, if it is plain white and you are French, you are always well-prepared.


- B

Originally Posted by Jerome

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No, then you may put it in your trouser pocket...

Contributing to the spread of germs is no better. Further burdening our healthcare system. For shame.

Originally Posted by Jerome

Click to expand...

I have heard it said, maybe in a book by Hardy Amies, that the idea of PSs is wrong and that only handkerchiefs ought to be put in ones breast pocket, meaning that one also should use them.

I myself actually like that view since I hardly use any PSs at all, yet I happen to own many handkerchiefs (that I equallly haven't used till now in my breast pocket). I'm thinking of using them more in the future*. All in all I agree with Amies there that I find PSs that are used as an item of decoration only bad, bad bad, and also sissy-like stupid **** **** (if you must know it). Anyway, what's everyone's opinion about this thoroughly important question?

*I have some very nice handkerchiefs in my possession, for example Japanese ones in a palette of autumn colours with poems stitched into them, or another one with a design of cherry blossoms, very finely woven, others are from the Eighties and Seventies even...

I like PS. End of story.