White Pocket Squares - 6 Things You Need to Know
The white pocket square is an absolute classic in men's wardrobe. It is elegant and timeless, making it an indispensable accessory. It helps eliminate the dull color block created by a jacket (for example, a navy suit creates a large block of navy on your chest), while also adding freshness and style to your look.
However, in our understanding, a white pocket square isn't only one that is 100% white, but also one where white predominates (for instance, one with a white background).
In today's article, we will examine the white pocket square from every angle. We hope that through this, you'll expand your knowledge of creating an attractive image through clothing.
The greatest classic: the white linen pocket square
Why linen?
The most classic version of the white pocket square is made from linen. Why linen instead of silk or cotton?
Linen is matte and does not reflect light, making it the ideal choice for formal evening events held under artificial lighting. Unlike silk, linen does not compete with other elements of an evening look, such as the lapels of a tuxedo, bow tie, or cummerbund (which are made of silk). The matte linen pocket square subtly accentuates the face without drawing attention away from it.
Here, you'll find the perfect linen pocket square for any important occasion in your life: white linen pocket squares.
All white or with a colored border?
We believe that a completely white pocket square doesn't have any advantages over a white pocket square with a colored border. This is why at Dignito, we don't offer entirely white linen pocket squares, but those with a rolled edge in a specific color. Here's why:
You put on a suit/jacket and a white shirt, which perfectly complements the white of the pocket square. Meanwhile, a colored border on the pocket square in a classic color (burgundy, navy, bottle green) will beautifully match the color of the tie.
The colored border of the pocket square thus serves an important aesthetic and stylistic function—it creates a subtle bridge between the white shirt and the tie color, making the entire outfit look cohesive and harmonious.
For example, if you love your burgundy tie, opt for a white pocket square with a red/burgundy border, and you'll achieve a simple yet elegant combination that will be more interesting than choosing an all-white pocket square.
Why rolled edges?
The production of high-quality pocket squares is demanding. Our pocket squares feature precise, hand-stitched seams and so-called rolled edges (a synonym for artisanal precision). Thanks to these, the pocket square looks aesthetically pleasing and fits a bit better in the jacket pocket.
This finish gives it a three-dimensional character, which allows for a more natural and impressive arrangement, such as in a puff or triangle shape. Moreover, rolled edges prevent the fabric from fraying. Hand-finishing not only reflects attention to detail but also indicates that you're dealing with a premium product.
Off-white or snow-white?
The color of the pocket square matters. While a snow-white pocket square is elegant, it can seem too contrasting when paired with other wardrobe elements. Therefore, a more universal choice is an off-white shade—a slightly off-white color that harmonizes better with a white shirt.
It's also important to note that for a wedding, the bride in an ecru gown and the groom in a snow-white shirt may appear mismatched, so it’s worth matching the shades of white in such situations as well.
When to choose a white linen pocket square?
White linen pocket squares are often chosen for:
- Your wedding day (check out our wedding pocket squares)
- Business attire (here you’ll find business pocket squares)
- Any formal occasions such as going to the theater, a ball, or a corporate event where formal dress code applies
- Also when you're unsure about your outfit and don't want to worry about color combinations, preferring to opt for a tried-and-true classic solution.
White pocket square with a white background and additional pattern and color – A true stylistic explosion
Pocket squares with a white background beautifully complement a white shirt. This way, we don't focus solely on the white of the shirt, which can be quite striking under the navy blazer. We try to cover up the white surface of the shirt with the tie, thereby reducing the amount of white visible. The same principle applies to reducing the area of the navy color, which we can achieve with the pocket square.
In summer, you can completely skip the tie, unbutton 2-3 buttons of your linen white shirt, and shift the focus away from the dominant white with a pocket square featuring a predominantly white background and additional colors that enhance the outfit. The white from the pocket square's background will effectively draw attention away and eliminate the block of color, adding variety and eliminating monotony in your attire.
We go for white, but also for polka dots
Take a look at this pocket square with a white background and white rolled edges. The delicate navy blue polka dots, which form the center of the pocket square, are the elements that will stand out from the breast pocket after folding it into a puff.
Navy blue polka dots on a white background can create a great contrast to the white dots on a navy tie. This makes the white background of the pocket square an excellent tool for creating cohesive yet interesting outfits. Thanks to this contrast between the dots on the pocket square and the tie, we achieve a visual play that grabs attention but doesn't overpower the entire outfit.
Again, white in the center of the pocket square + floral motif
Delicate patterns on pocket squares pair wonderfully with solid-colored ties in various shades. Of course, you can also mix patterns and colors on both the pocket square and the tie.
Take a look at this example. We have a pocket square that, when folded, will stick out only a few centimeters, and the center will be highlighted. In the center of the pocket square, we see not only a lot of white but also yellow, red, navy, and green (flowers and their stems).
Thus, we can say that this silk pocket square will be an excellent addition to a white shirt and a tie in one of the colors seen on the pocket square.
Let’s say you decide on a yellow tie, and in that case, the yellow flower visible on the pocket square will effectively complement the whole set.
The center of the pocket square will be visible if we fold it into a puff.
Also read: Is a pocket square necessary? 6 rules.
Unconventional white and interesting combinations
In this example, you see a pocket square that, when folded, will highlight its center, which is the face of Gaia. It’s an off-white shade, and the white is “cut” by the dark outline of the mosaic. We also see additional colors like red, gray, purple, blue, and yellow (flowers in the hair).
Following what we’ve mentioned earlier, we can conclude that many tie colors will pair perfectly with this pocket square.
Check out the main category, where you'll find many pocket squares with white backgrounds and white patterns:
The silk pocket square below features a white background, which will create a great match with a white shirt. Additionally, there are many styling options, such as a classic navy suit paired with a red tie (the red border of the pocket square and red elements in the center), a navy blue tie (with navy elements in the center of the pocket square, visible when folded), or a brown tie (which complements the brown accents on the pocket square and works well with the red).
