On formal occasions such as weddings or job interviews, you may need to wear a smart suit, or at least a suit and tie. A neatly folded handkerchief in the breast pocket can be an added touch.
Steps
Preparation
Step 1. Choose a handkerchief
The tie and handkerchief may be similar, but buying a set that includes both may seem too cheap. To be a little more confident (and more glamorous), buy the tie and handkerchief separately, but make sure they match well.
Step 2. Iron the handkerchief
Step 3. Fold it using one of the methods we are going to describe next
Use a flat surface, such as a table (make sure the countertop is clean).
Step 4. After folding the handkerchief using one of the methods described, use your thumb and forefinger to slip it into the breast pocket
Make sure it fits all the way into the pocket and that there are no folds or wrinkles.
Method 1 of 4: Straight Fold (Easy)
Step 1. Fold the handkerchief in half as shown
Step 2. Fold it almost in half, as shown
Step 3. Fold it as shown and insert it into the breast pocket
Method 2 of 4: Fold Around a Point
Step 1. Fold the handkerchief in half as shown
Step 2. Fold a corner about one third beyond the center of the handkerchief
Step 3. Fold the other corner as shown
Step 4. Turn over the folded handkerchief and insert it into the breast pocket
If it is too loose, you may need to fold it some more so it fits into your breast pocket smoothly.
Method 3 of 4: Puffed handkerchief
Step 1. Grasp the center of the handkerchief between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand
Step 2. Lift the handkerchief, letting it hang from where you are holding it
Step 3. Lightly wrap your left hand around the handkerchief
Step 4. Move your left hand down by pulling lightly on the fabric until you have reached the bottom of the handkerchief
Step 5. Squeeze your left hand enough to hold the handkerchief
Step 6. Let go of your right hand
The handkerchief should stand up supported only by your left hand.
Step 7. Fold the top of the handkerchief around your left thumb using your right hand
Step 8. Grab the folded handkerchief with your right hand, making sure to keep its shape intact, and remove your left hand
Step 9. Rotate the handkerchief so that the fold is facing down
Step 10. Tuck the crease into your jacket pocket
Method 4 of 4: Stair Fold
Step 1. Begin by spreading out the diamond-shaped handkerchief
Step 2. Fold it so that the bottom corner touches the top corner
You will get a large triangle.
Step 3. Now fold the top layer down, leaving a few inches from the bottom
Step 4. Fold the bottom corner again
This time make sure that the fold is about halfway down the strip you left from the bottom.
Step 5. Fold the tip down again
Leave a few centimeters still, as in the image.
Step 6. Fold the bottom corner up again
As before, make the crease about halfway down the strip you left. When you are done folding, you should get something similar to what you see in the image. Some people suggest ironing the creases at this point, but that's more of a personal preference. Ironing them will flatten and strengthen the folds, not doing so will give more volume to the handkerchief.
Step 7. Fold everything in half, from right to left, so that the folds are out
In the image, the right side has been folded under the left.
Step 8. Rotate everything so that the creases are on the right side of the triangle (135 degrees counterclockwise)
Step 9. Fold the left corner to the right, leaving a third of the length or until the edge lines up nicely with the creases
Step 10. Fold the right tip to the left
This step and the previous one can modify the final width by folding the two corners more or less.
Step 11. Slip the handkerchief into the breast pocket and adjust the height
The height can be changed by folding the bottom to fill the pocket.
Advice
- If your folded handkerchief is so small that it disappears into the breast pocket, lay a paper towel on the bottom of the pocket to take up some space. Don't use too much to avoid swelling.
- For an Italian look, use a folded cotton or linen handkerchief with a square shape. Use the long side of a playing card as a reference for the width and use an iron to give it an extra-clean look.
- If your handkerchief wrinkles after pulling it for the puff method, try ironing it with starch. You don't necessarily have to have a completely stiff handkerchief, but it will definitely look better.
