How to Fold a Pocket Square
Six classic folds — from the cleanest presidential to the showiest crown. Step-by-step illustrations for every skill level.
AT A GLANCE
Choose Your Fold
How to Style Folding Guide
Every fold shown here works with a 14×14 Hav-A-Hank® natural cotton pocket square. The generous cut gives you enough fabric to execute even the most complex folds cleanly.
01
The Presidential
Formal · Classic · Beginner
A clean, flat strip of white just visible above the pocket. The most restrained and universally appropriate fold — perfect for formal occasions, business, and black tie.
BLACK TIEBUSINESSINTERVIEWS
02
The One-Point
Elegant · Versatile · Beginner
A single crisp point standing above the pocket. The most versatile fold — works for weddings, formal dinners, and everyday dress. Elegant without being showy.
WEDDINGSFORMALEVERYDAY
03
The Two-Point
Confident · Distinctive · Intermediate
Two staggered peaks — one slightly behind the other. Adds personality while remaining professional. A step up from the one-point in character without being loud.
BUSINESS CASUALCOCKTAIL
04
The Three-Point
Showy · Social · Intermediate
Three fanned points above the pocket. Makes a statement at social events and parties. Still refined — as long as the fabric is quality cotton and the spacing is even.
SOCIAL EVENTSPARTIES
05
The Puff
Relaxed · Effortless · Beginner
A gathered puff of fabric above the pocket. The most casual and forgiving fold — looks intentional even when improvised. Natural cotton creates a fuller, more beautiful puff than silk.
CASUAL BLAZERCOCKTAILCREATIVE
06
The Crown
Statement · Advanced · Special occasions
Four or more points fanned above the pocket like a crown. The most complex fold — requires practice but makes an unforgettable impression at galas and formal events.
GALASBLACK TIECELEBRATIONS
Pro tip: Iron your Hav-A-Hank® cotton hanky while slightly damp before folding. A crisp cotton square holds the presidential fold all day without shifting. Lightly starch for black tie events.
BLACK TIEBUSINESS FORMALINTERVIEWSFUNERALSANY FORMAL OCCASION
Pro tip: When folding diagonally, fold very slightly off-center so the peak has a clean sharp point rather than a blunt flat top. The taller your point, the more presence — adjust by tucking deeper or shallower into the pocket
WEDDINGSFORMAL DINNERSBUSINESS DRESSEVERYDAY FORMAL
Pro tip: The offset between the two peaks is everything — aim for one point about ½ inch taller than the other. Too close together and it reads as a mistake; well-spaced and it looks deliberate and confident.
BUSINESS CASUALCOCKTAIL EVENTSSMART CASUAL DATE NIGHT
Pro tip: Space the three points evenly — think of a hand fan opening. Give yourself a few practice runs before the event. The 14×14 size gives you plenty of fabric to work with — smaller squares make this fold nearly impossible.
SOCIAL EVENTSPARTIESCREATIVE BLACK TIECELEBRATIONS
Pro tip: Don't overthink the puff — the whole point is effortlessness. Pinch, drop into pocket, done. Natural cotton holds its volume far better than silk or synthetic fabrics.
CASUAL EVENTSCOCKTAIL EVENTSCREATIVE BLACK TIEEVERYDAY
Pro tip: Don't overthink the puff — the whole point is effortlessness. Pinch, drop into pocket, done. Natural cotton holds its volume far better than silk or synthetic fabrics.
CASUAL EVENTSCOCKTAIL EVENTSCREATIVE BLACK TIEEVERYDAY
Get Your Hav-A-Hank® 14×14
Every fold in this guide works best with a generous 14×14 cut. Our natural cotton holds creases cleanly, creates a fuller puff, and softens with every wash. Made in the USA since 1946.
