Short answer: the easiest pocket square fold is the presidential (flat) fold: fold the square in half, then in half again, fold it to the width of your pocket and tuck it in so a straight strip about 1cm high shows above the pocket. For a dressier look use a one-point or three-point fold; for a relaxed look use a puff.
Every Vane Kensington tie comes with a free matching pocket square, so here is how to wear it. All five folds below take under a minute and need nothing but the square and a flat surface.
Which pocket square fold should I choose?
| Fold |
Look |
Best for |
| Presidential (flat) |
Clean, straight strip |
Business, interviews, funerals |
| One-point |
Single triangle |
Business and weddings |
| Two-point |
Two staggered peaks |
Weddings and events |
| Three-point (crown) |
Three peaks |
Grooms, black-tie alternatives, formal evenings |
| Puff |
Soft, rounded |
Smart casual, summer events |
1. How to do a presidential (flat) fold
- Lay the pocket square flat.
- Fold it in half from left to right.
- Fold it in half again from bottom to top.
- Fold the sides in so it is just narrower than your breast pocket.
- Fold the bottom up so the square sits at the right height, then tuck it in with about 1cm showing.
2. How to do a one-point fold
- Lay the square flat as a diamond, with one corner pointing towards you.
- Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner to make a triangle.
- Fold the left and right corners in so the width matches your pocket.
- Fold the bottom up and tuck it in so a single point shows.
3. How to do a two-point fold
- Lay the square as a diamond.
- Fold the bottom corner up, stopping just to the right of the top corner, so two points sit side by side.
- Fold the sides in to the width of your pocket.
- Fold the bottom up and tuck it in with both points showing.
4. How to do a three-point (crown) fold
- Start as for the two-point fold, with two points side by side.
- Fold the left corner up and across to make a third point, slightly lower than the others.
- Fold the right corner in to tidy the width.
- Fold the bottom up and tuck it in so three peaks show.
5. How to do a puff fold
- Lay the square flat and pinch it in the centre.
- Lift it so the corners hang down.
- Gather the hanging corners loosely with your other hand.
- Fold the gathered corners up behind the rounded top and tuck it in so only the soft puff shows.
Should a pocket square match your tie?
It should coordinate rather than look identical. The safest approach is to pick up one colour from the tie in the pocket square. Every Vane Kensington tie arrives with a pocket square chosen to coordinate with it, so the pairing is already done for you: see our tie and pocket square sets.
Pocket square tips
- Show no more than 1–2cm of fabric for a flat fold; peaks and puffs can sit a little higher.
- For a wedding, a pointed fold looks more celebratory than a flat one. Browse wedding ties and sage green ties.
- For a funeral or interview, keep to a plain presidential fold in a quiet colour.
- Press the square before folding; creases hold better on a flat, ironed square.
Finish the look with the right knot: see the complete guide to tie knots and how to match a tie to your suit and shirt.
About the author: Tajmilkha P. writes the Vane Kensington Journal, our guides to choosing, wearing and caring for ties and made-to-measure suits.
