One of my favorite folds is the so-called “3-Stairs Fold”. I usually choose it when dressing up for black tie or black tie optional events. While great for any pocket square pattern, I prefer those solid in color made from silk. Here is how to create the fold:

Three Stairs Pocket Square Fold Step-by-Step:

Lay the pocket square down flat. Make sure it is free of wrinkles.

Fold in half to create a triangle.

Create accordion like pleats by folding a portion of the triangle up, then back down. Make sure the folds stay in place by pressing down with the palm of your hand.

Continue to create pleats. Make sure that about 1/2 inch shows from the pleat below.

And create yet another pleat.

Now fold to create the 3rd and final pleat.

Fold the trinangle in half at the center.

Now fold one side over.

Do the same with the opposite side.

At last tug the pocket square into your breast pocket.

If you like the classic “Presidential Fold” but want to style your pocket squares with a bit more character? Then the “Martini Fold” shown here is worth a try. It is perfect for solid colored pocket squares and looks nice on all suits, classic blazers, and even your casual sports coats. Here is how you create the “Martini Fold”:

Martini Square Fold Step-by-Step:

Lay the pocket square flat down.

Fold one side over to create an even triangle.

Now fod one side over to create a smaller triangle.

And fold over again. The triangle gets smaller again.

Depending on the size of the pocket square, you may want to fold the triangle in half again.

Now turn the pocket square so that the long edge faces up. The fold is complete.

Last, place the pocket square into your breast pocket. That’s all!

Yes, it may look similar to the classic “One Tip Up Fold“, but there is a difference that any pocket square aficionado will spot immediately. First, the corners are much softer since the pocket square is turned upside down. Second, the added vertical folds add texture and a bit casualness. It’s a fantastic fold for any fabric and pattern. I prefer this fold with my solid white silk pocket squares worn with formal suit, or my favorite double breasted blazer. Here is how you create the “Teepee Fold”:

Teepee Pocket Square Fold Step-by-Step:

Lay your favorite pocket square on a flat surface.

Fold it in half along the center to create two overlapping rectangles.

Fold one side over so that two rectangles are showing on one side.

Fold over from the same side again. Now it should look like 3 overlapping triangles.

Now turn the pocket square so the tip faces up. It is now ready to be tugged into your breast pocket.

Finally, this is what the fold looks like when tugged into your jacket’s breast pocket.

Probably the simplest and most common way to wear your pocket square is with the 1-tip up fold. Because it is such a classic fold, it is also part of my how-to fold a pocket square guide that features the 5 most basic folds. It is great for solid and patterned pocket squares. It is also well suited for any fabric, although it is easier to create the “point” with stiffer fabrics such as linen or cotton. Here is how you create this fold:

1-Tip Up Pocket Square Fold Step-by-Step:

Lay the pocket square down flat.

Fold one corner to create a triangle.

Fold in one of the sides.

Now do the same with the other side. This is what the “1-tip up fold” looks like when not tugged into your breast pocket.

Last, place the pocket square into your breast pocket. Give it a final styling to suit your liking.

If the classic folds have been leaving you a bit bored, then this pocket square fold may just add the excitement to your suits and sports coats you have been looking for. A perfect blend of casual and eccentric, the so-called “2-Point Puff” will be just the right styling for your bright silk pocket squares. It is a fold best suited for slightly larger squares (at least 13″ x 13″) that are made from softer silk fabric. Here is how you create this fold:

Lay the pocket square flat. Make sure it doesn’t have any wrinkles or creases.

Pinch the center and pick up the pocket square.

Slide the pocket square through your other hand to “puff” the center that is pinched by your fingers.

Push down the center to create a looser “puff”.

Now turn the pocket square upside down so that the corners are facing up.

Pull out two of the outer tips so thy extend higher than the other corners.

Last, stuff the pocket square in your breast pocket. Finish styling it to make sure the tips face outwards from the puffed dome. That’s all.

The 4-point crown fold blends elegance with eccentric. It is a perfect fold for all solid colored pocket squares, especially those made from fine silk. It looks excellent when added to double breasted blazers, full suits, or even formal tuxedos. Here is how you create this fold:

Lay the pocket square flat.

Now fold one corner up to create two overlapping triangles.

Fold in one side to create the 3rd point that will be showing.

Next, fold over the opposite side. This creates the 4th point and the crown is complete.

This is what the 4-point crown fold looks like when complete before tugging it into your breast pocket.

Lastly tug the pocket square into your breast pocket so that all 4 points are showing. That’s all!

Since yesterday featured one of the most classic pocket square folds, I decided something a bit more flashy and exotic for today’s fold. Today I am featuring the so-called Catty Lily, an eccentric fold that is perfect for stiffer pocket squares made from linen, cotton, or thicker woven silk. It looks best with bright solid colored pocket squares. Here is how to create the fold:

Lay the pocket square flat.

Start rolling from one corner. Roll until you rolled up about 2/3 of the pocket square.

Hold the larger roll in place.

Now roll the opposite side under.

Roll all way way until you connect with the larger tube.

Last, tug your Catta Lily folded pocket square into your breast pocket. That’s everything!

Yesterday I featured a more exotic fold called the “Mountain Path” fold, and today I decided to feature one of the most classic and elegant ways to wear your pocket square. I am talking about the so-called “Presidential Fold” – a fold that made especially famous by JFK. It is sometimes also called “flat fold”. It is a perfect fold for solid colored pocket squares. It looks nice with classic suit as well as tux. It is my go to fold when wearing a solid pocket square. Above I am wearing a white linen pocket square with red bordering. Here is how to create this fold:

Lay your pocket squares flat. Make sure it is free of wrinkles.

Fold one side over at the center to create a long shaped rectangle.

Now fold the long side over so that it ends about a 1/2″ short of the other side.

Now tug the pocket square into your breast pocket so that only a quarter to half inch are showing.

This fold, called “Mountain Path” is a variation of the classic “One Corner Up” fold. It is perfect for solid as well as patterned pocket squares, and it can be worn with full tux as well as casual blazer. I prefer patterned pocket squares such as the 4-pattern pocket square shown above. Here is how to create this fold:

Mountain Path Fold Step-by-Step Instructions:

Start by laying your pocket square on a flat surface.

Fold one side over to create a triangle.

Fold it again at the center to create a smaller triangle.

Turn the pocket square so that the longest side is facing towards you.

Now fold the side with the open ends over.

Turn the pocket square over and fold in the other side so that the fold fits into your breast pocket.

Turn it over again. The fold is complete.

As a final step, tug the pocket squares into your breast pocket. That’s it!

If the 5 classic pocket square folds are a bit too ordinary for you, then here is a fold that will add just the right amount of “new” without being overly flashy or loud. A fantastic fold that is especially well suited for patterned pocket squares in bright summer colors worn with casual sports coats or classic blazers. It is a fold that is best suited for softer squares made from silk. Here are the steps:

Scallop Fold Step-by-Step Instructions:

Lay the pocket square flat. Make sure it is free of wrinkles.

Create a double fold by folding a part of the lower triangle up, then back down.

Now fold the backside under so that about 1/2 inch is still showing.

Now flip the pocket square over.

Next, fold in one of the ends of the triangle.

Do the same with the opposite side.

This is what the completed fold looks like before tugging it into your breast pocket.

Once placed in your breast pocket, it will look like this. That’s all!