Is a pocket square necessary? 6 rules
In this article, we provide a comprehensive answer to the question: is a pocket square necessary?Check out the 6 rules below and rest assured that you know how to create a professional image.
Rule #1 - No tie? A pocket square is essential
Let's establish that the less going on around your neck, the more important the pocket square becomes. So, if you're skipping the tie, scarf, or bow tie, definitely go for a pocket square. Why? Because skipping both the pocket square and any neck accessory will make your outfit look empty, incomplete, and unfinished. People who are knowledgeable about men's fashion will assume that you lack basic understanding of style and composition.
Rule #2 - Wearing a colorful jacket/suit? A pocket square is not necessary*
*Colorful in this context means a large amount of colors and/or patternsThe more colorful or patterned your jacket or suit, the less necessary the pocket square becomes. Some believe that, in such cases, a pocket square could disrupt the harmony of the entire outfit.
For example, if your jacket has a bold check pattern featuring 3-4 colors, adding a colorful and patterned pocket square could make it difficult to maintain cohesion, risking the entire look falling into the "tacky" category.Of course, a checkered jacket or other fabric patterns don't automatically make it "too colorful" (consider a power suit with a pinstripe pattern, which covers the entire suit but is far from garish). A subtle check pattern in muted tones, for example, often pairs perfectly with a pocket square to complete the look.
If you're looking for interesting men's pocket squares made from the finest materials, check here: Silk pocket squares in limited series of 6-12 pieces.
Rule #3 - Wearing a tie? A pocket square is optional
If you're putting together your outfit for a specific occasion and know you will definitely be wearing a tie, the pocket square becomes an option—it's not necessary, but you can choose to include it.
So, we have two possible and correct scenarios:If you're wearing a suit/jacket and a tie, but choose not to wear a pocket square, that can be perceived as a conscious choice.However, we believe the optional nature of the pocket square is narrow. We recommend breaking up the look with a pocket square, even if you're wearing a tie. This way, you have a more complete outfit with two accessories—a tie and a matching pocket square.
Just a man under a tie?
In reality, few people appreciate the power of a pocket square as an interesting and positive distinguishing feature. You're here because you are interested in the topic of whether a pocket square is necessary, so your awareness of men's elegance is higher than that of most men.
You can leverage this fact well because, in the world of well-dressed individuals, the pocket square represents another level of sophistication. The pocket square itself and its correct selection also demonstrate knowledge of the rules, and when done harmoniously, it sets you apart as someone who is dressed thoughtfully from those who merely threw on a suit for 3-5 hours.
Important - In scenario number 2, the men's pocket square must be consistent with the rest of the outfit. Consistent means that it corresponds color-wise and pattern-wise with other elements, which we explain, among other things, in these articles:
THE RULES OF COMBINING PATTERNS AND COLORS. 11 RULES AND THE PSYCHOLOGY OF COLORS - Here you will find all the essential rules regarding men's styling that will help you create an attractive look in any situation.
Rule #4 - Watch out for the color blot on your chest—a pocket square is necessary if you want to avoid it
Imagine a man heading to an important meeting in a classic navy suit with a white shirt. The navy color dominates the outfit. In fact, 95% of the color in the styling is navy, which we consider to be a so-called color blot that is visually unpleasant and simply boring.
Even if he puts on a tie, for example, a burgundy one, there will still be a navy blot on his chest.You probably don’t want to look like a color blot… So what can you do in such a situation? The solution is a pocket square, which will serve the main purpose of breaking up the dominant color. You could opt for a classic white linen pocket square or a colorful silk pocket square.
Here you can buy classic linen pocket squares, and here colorful silk pocket squares.
Did you know that...
An underrated element that ties the entire outfit together is socks. For example, burgundy socks paired with a navy suit can beautifully connect with the burgundy elements of the tie and the pocket square. This all creates an aesthetic whole that is hard to find when you eliminate men’s accessories.
Rule #5 - A pocket square is necessary if you want to create a 100% complete look
If you want to have a complete image and be remembered as a man who knows how to dress, then a pocket square is a great tool to achieve that goal. It’s worth mentioning that the pocket square that will always work is the classic white linen one. It’s a so-called “no-brainer” because it goes well with both a tuxedo and a business suit. At the same time, anything that is universal is, in a sense, boring because it’s predictable. Therefore, we encourage you to experiment with colors, textures, and patterns regarding this wardrobe element.
It’s always good to illustrate a belief with an example. Let’s say you’re going to meet a client to discuss an investment or to sell them something. In such cases, your image is crucial. If a client is about to hand over a significant amount of their money to you, they really want to be sure that you also have money, as it indicates that you make sound business decisions. If you don’t have money, are you credible? After all, you have successes because your product is good. Moreover, if you are a successful man, you invest in your appearance and image because it is your tool for work and social proof that you indeed “know what you’re doing.” In such cases, a silk pocket square or a grenadine tie will show that you “know your stuff squared.”
Rule #6 - A pocket square will be helpful if you want to stand out from the crowd
In certain situations, such as needing to adhere to a workplace dress code, there is no choice; you have to wear a navy or gray suit. In such cases, the pocket square becomes an element through which we can partially express our creativity, personality, and style.It’s one of the few opportunities to showcase yourself in corporate attire.
It’s also a chance to distinguish yourself from others, perhaps to show that you care more than the rest? Maybe it will help you stand out in front of clients or managers?
Another example: you don’t want to be the 20th salesperson who looks the same as everyone else, but you have to wear a suit in a subdued color, so by necessity, you look similar to others. A small, high-quality accessory, such as a silk pocket square, can also affect how you are perceived on a subconscious level.So why give up such an opportunity?
If you’ve been wondering whether a pocket square is necessary, the answer is no, it’s not always necessary, but it can bring you many benefits.
To summarize the topic of whether a pocket square is necessary, consider the following:
Why would you want to wear a pocket square or forgo it?
Do you want to make a certain impression, and can accessories help you in this case?
What do you do in life, and which pocket square would be appropriate for that?
For example, a Pantokrator pocket square or a Shaman pocket square could symbolize faith or spiritual development, while a Harem pocket square with interesting color transitions might suit an artist’s or other creative professional’s taste.The above six rules stem from an understanding of the principles governing men’s elegance. For example, don’t make the mistake of going to an important meeting without a tie and pocket square, looking like a blue color splotch.
If you decide that you want to use a pocket square, try to create an interesting relationship between it and other elements of your outfit—suit/jacket, tie, shoes, socks.It’s undeniable that it’s hard to be an individualist in a gray suit. That’s why we recommend thoughtful use of accessories, including pocket squares. With them, you can look even better and more interesting. Do you have questions? You can always write to info@dignito.pl
