Pocket squares have been gaining popularity amongst men’s fashion for the past decade. The roots of the pocket square can be traced back thousands of years to ancient Egypt. A cloth like a handkerchief was carried commonly by the working man. It was used to stay clean and dry during a long day of work. The handkerchief eventually spawned a sibling—the pocket square. Unlike the handkerchief which is carried inside the jacket pocket and usually used for blowing your nose, the pocket square is stationed in the front breast pocket of the jacket and is only used to add a touch of sophistication to your outfit.

There are no hard rules as to how to wear a pocket square except that it should be clean and folded properly. Most suggest that your pocket square complements your tie but does not exactly match your tie. However, you can be the judge of that! If you are comfortable and feel good wearing it then that is all that matters.

There are more ways than ever to sport a pocket square today! In this guide I will provide written step by step instructions on how to fold a traditional two-point, three-point and four-point ways.

1. The Flat Pocket Square

• Simple and pairs well with a tuxedo or other black-tie wear. Cotton or linen materials work best for this square.

1. Lay your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface, with a horizontal edge at the top and bottom.

2. Fold the left side of the square over the top of the right, matching the corners.

3. Fold the bottom up until it’s just short of touching the top edge.

4. Tuck it into your pocket and adjust as needed so the straight flat edge run horizontally across the top of your pocket.

2. One Point Pocket Square

• Simple and elegant. Also pairs well with a tuxedo or black tie wear.

1. Lay your pocket square on a hard, flat level surface, with points facing top bottom and right and left.

2. Bring the bottom point of diamond up to the top point, folding the pocket square in half. You should now have a triangle.

3. Fold the left corner about two thirds of the way over to the right, then folding the right corner over the fold so that it meets the new left of the pocket square.

4. Tuck into your pocket and adjust as needed so the one pocket is centered in your pocket.

3. Two Point Pocket Square

• Slightly more advanced. Great to complete a sports jacket or suit jacket outfit for business or casual wear.

1. Lay your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface, with points facing top and bottom, right and left.

2. Fold the bottom corner up and instead of matching it perfectly to the top corner, leave it slightly to the left.

3.Fold the left corner about two-thirds of the way over to the right, then bring the right corner over that fold so it meets the new left edge of the pocket square.

4. Tuck into your pocket and adjust as needed so the pocket square’s two points are centered in your pocket.

4. Three Point Pocket Square

• Looks great with bright colors or patterns. Goes well with business or casual attire.

1. Lay your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface, with points facing top and bottom, right and left.

2. Fold the bottom corner up and instead of matching it perfectly to the top corner, leave it slightly to the left.

3. Bring the bottom left corner up and fold it to the right, laying the point just to the right of the middle “peak.”

4. Fold the remaining right side of the pocket square straight over to the left.

5. Tuck into your pocket and adjust as needed so the pocket square’s three points are centered in your pocket.

5. Four Point Pocket Square

• Much more intricate. Suitable for business and some formal wear but maybe too flashy for black tie.

1. Lay your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface, with points facing top and bottom, right and left.

2. Fold the bottom corner up and instead of matching it perfectly to the top corner, leave it slightly to the left.

3. Bring the bottom left corner up and fold it to the right, laying the point just to the right of the second “peak.”

4. Fold the remaining right side of the pocket square up and to the left, bringing the corner up to form the fourth point to the left of the first three.

5. Tuck into your pocket and adjust as needed so the pocket square’s four points are centered in your pocket.

6. Presidential Pocket Square

• A Distinguished, classic fold suitable for any event. Looks best with solid colors and a great choice for white pocket squares.

1. Lay your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface, with a horizontal edge at the top and bottom.

2. Fold the fabric in half from left to right.

3. Take the bottom of the rectangle shape you’re left with and fold it three-quarters of the way up to the top.

4. Tuck the presidential pocket square into your pocket and adjust as needed so the straight, flat edge runs horizontally across the top of your pocket.

7. Winged Puff Pocket Square

• Very versatile fancier looking fold that works best with business or casual attire.

1. Lay your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface, with points facing top and bottom, right and left.

2. Fold the top corner down to meet the bottom corner exactly.

3. Bring the top left corner down to meet the same bottom middle point, then the right.

4. Now fold the left, right and bottom corners of the pocket square all in toward the middle, so the left, right and bottom edges are all square.

5. Tuck the bottom folded edge into your pocket and adjust as needed so the pocket square’s top point is centered in your pocket.