This is a question that comes up again and again in my industry. The reason being is that a lot of men think that pocket squares should be reserved only for formal events, like weddings or otherwise celebratory occasions. While some guys maintain the bias that a pocket square is too dandy or inherently fashionable for them to wear, especially to the office.
Truth is, men have been wearing pocket squares to the workplace for a long time. And just like so many things in menswear, there exists quite a spectrum from casual to formal. Simply put, it's always appropriate to wear something in your chest pocket.
Do you have a chest pocket? Then wear a pocket square!
While the type of pocket square that you wear to the office may certainly depend on your office culture, I can't think of a time when it wouldn't be appropriate to wear a pocket square. Even for the most conservative and formal of office environments, a crisp white pocket square (square folded) is almost always a safe bet. After all, back in the 1950's and 1960's it was very much standard practice for a man to wear something in his chest pocket for work, and even after work.
So, how to decide on a pocket square?
Here’s how to choose a pocket square
- Pick the right material by matching the fabric to that of your jacket. Silk squares for woolen suits and cotton/linen pocket squares for casual cotton and/or linen jackets.
- Choose something with a pattern for a fun look over something solid. Paisleys and polka dots with no more than 3 colors tend to be quite versatile.
- Your pocket square shouldrefer toandcomplement the rest of your wardrobe, as opposed to matching it exactly. And please don't match your pocket square exactly to your neck tie!
Let’s go a little more in depth.
For wear in most offices
There are many different types of office environments. If you’re in the arts and entertainment industry or work in some other creative field, then you’re probably OK sporting a colorful pocket square.
However, for a more conservative environment, stick to a nice crisp look, a pressed cotton pocket square that extends just a quarter to a half inch above your chest pocket. A silk pocket square is just fine too, but make sure that it’s not too distracting.
For linen and cotton suits, chose a more textured pocket square fabric, like linen or cotton. Stay away from silk because it’s going to look too refined for a more casual suit. This nod to the fabric is an important factor in knowing when to wear a pocket square.
Related article:Dressing for work, how to wear a pocket square in a conservative office
Wrap up
So, when should you be wearing a pocket square? Well, whenever you have a chest pocket! Remember when you were a little kid? You’d collect all sorts of things and put them in your pocket. Now should be no different, if you have a pocket, fill it.
Apply the basic guidelines above for selecting pocket squares and you'll be well on your way to dressing sharp in the office.
