The Perfect Gentleman Issue 2 - April 2016 | Page 9
STYLISH GENTLEMAN
In Praise of
POCKET SQUARES
by James Marwood
It’s a sad fact that menswear can be bland. We
tend to stick to the same colour combinations,
the same old blues and greys for work. Browns
and tans for the weekend. With the tie being
worn less frequently our capacity to wear colour
seems further diminished.
This doesn’t need to be the case. Even if you
choose to neglect the tie, a simple pocket square
can boost an outfit. Turning an everyday office
suit into something quietly interesting. As men
we get few enough opportunities to show flair
in how we dress. A simple square of silk or linen
in the breast pocket gives us a subtle and yet
impressive way to do this.
Choosing a pocket square can seem a little
daunting at first, but it’s really not hard. Start
with simple single colours, such as white or
grey. When you’re ready for more choose a
swore that picks up a colour in your natural
palette, such as blue for blue eyes. It should
complement your shirt and suit, but not match
overmuch. With experimentation you’ll soon be
adding colours that boost your outfit without
being overwhelming. Subtle but powerful.
A pocket square is also a very cost-effective
way of experimenting and having fun with
your attire. From simple cotton squares, to
hand-rolled Irish linen and designer silks there
is a great variety in what can be worn. You can
experiment with any cloth you come across,
such as rayon or wool. Even something simple
like a cotton bandana can be very effective
when popped into the pocket of a suitable
jacket.
We’ll cover the various ways to fold and wear
the pocket swore in later issues, but a simple
fold is very effective. Forget the complex and
showy folds for now. Simplicity and elegance is
our goal. This is best delivered with a simple
fold: lay the square flat on a table. Pick it up
from the centre and allow it to drape naturally.
Then bend it over and tuck it in your pocket,
adjusting to taste. Simple and relaxed. What
could be better than that?
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