The long story of Pocket Squares...

The humble pocket square has come a long way in achieving its present status of being one of the epitomes of fashion and style. The pocket square was created to serve both a functional as well as aesthetic purpose. Made of an absorbent material and also being shaped like a handkerchief, the pocket square was meant to perform all the functions of a typical handkerchief, such as wiping the face or drying the hands after being washed. However, nowadays pocket squares are mostly designed for style purposes. Pocket squares have the potential to enhance the personality of the user.

The pocket square can trace its origins to the genesis of the handkerchief itself. In around 2000 BC, after the invention of weaving, kerchiefs were used by Egyptians. These pioneering pocket squares were made of white linen. Later in Greece, perfumed handkerchiefs became widely in use among the elite class. After being introduced into Rome, clergy members began using handkerchiefs draped over their arms. This item was made of silk and was called Mappula. There are references to handkerchiefs in the Bible too. Towards the ninth century, handkerchiefs became popular among Italian royalty. Handkerchiefs were held by knights as a fashion statement to impress members of the opposite sex.

Modern handkerchiefs were first used in around the 1600s by ordained Christian priests. These pieces of cloth were used for the various rituals on the altar. Contrary to the practice today, these items were held in the hand rather than kept in the pocket. Towards the turn of the eighteenth century, handkerchief usage became more prevalent with the common man too. While earlier handkerchiefs sported varied shapes, it was only with the advent of French Queen Marie Antoinette that the square shape was introduced. This shape was standardized across the land through a decree issued by King Louis XVI. The decree stated that the length and breadth of the tie were supposed to be equal. This event marked the beginning of pocket squares. These clothing accessories were elaborately embroidered and sported varied designs and colors.

In Turkey, the Ottoman society used these squares for religious rituals. Pocket squares were introduced into Germany in the mid nineteenth century, with linen and cotton pocket squares being produced alongside the silk ones. Ireland has always been famous for linen pocket squares.

In the 1900s, pocket squares have been popularized across the world, with people of all walks of life using them. For a brief period during the 1960s, there was a fall in the popularity of pocket squares. But this was only a temporary phase and in the next decade, pocket squares were back in the fray. The Belisi pocket square was placed in the left breast pocket of the coat. By being properly folded, the pocket square was made to look stylish and appealing over the rim of the pocket. In formal settings, men were actually considered underdressed without a pocket square. Nowadays, pocket squares are used for excessively formal occasions. A regular day at the office would not necessitate usage of a pocket square. Today, there are different kinds of pocket squares, ranging from designer pocket squares, folding pocket squares, men’s coat pocket handkerchief, pink pocket squares, suit pocket squares, tuxedo pocket squares, Burberry pocket squares, monogram pocket squares, paisley pocket squares, blue pocket squares, and Celtic squares.