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A simple guide to formal and casual handkerchief folding ideas
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Your suit is on, your tie is straight, but there’s one thing missing: your pocket handkerchief. If you’re not sure how to fold this little square of fabric, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled the best ways to fold formal, casual, and flamboyant handkerchiefs and provided you with simple step-by-step instructions. If you’re ready to fold your handkerchief, read on!
Things You Should Know
- Make a simple presidential fold by folding the handkerchief in half horizontally. Then, bring the short edge of the rectangle about 1.5 in (4 cm) down to the bottom.
- For a 1 point fold, fold the fabric in half diagonally. Then, fold the bottom corners along the middle the long edge of the triangle.
- To make a puff fold, pinch the fabric in the center. Place your thumb and index finger together, pull the fabric through them, and fold back the corners behind the puff.
Steps
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Place the handkerchief on a flat and hard surface. Lay your handkerchief on a table, counter, or dresser that is clean and free from clutter. Then, smooth the handkerchief so it is completely flat. [1] X Research source
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Fold the handkerchief in half horizontally. Bring the top of the handkerchief down to the bottom. This creates a rectangle that’s half the size of your square handkerchief. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement -
Fold the short edge of the rectangle about 1.5 in (4 cm) from the bottom. Turn the handkerchief so the rectangle is vertical instead of horizontal. Then, pull down the top edge to the bottom edge, but don’t fold it completely in half. Leave about 1.5 inches of space between the top and bottom edges. [3] X Research source
- The amount of space you leave between the top and bottom edges determines how much the handkerchief peeks out of your pocket. If you want to see more of it, add more space.
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Place the handkerchief into your pocket with the folded side face down. Simply smooth down the exposed part of the handkerchief so it is free of wrinkles and folds.
- This fold is timeless, classic, and suitable for any occasion.
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Lay the handkerchief down on a hard flat surface. This handkerchief fold is elegant and understated, making it perfect for business and casual settings. Just smooth out your handkerchief on a table or counter to remove any wrinkles or folds. [4] X Research source
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Fold the handkerchief in half diagonally. Pull 1 corner of the handkerchief completely over to the opposite corner. Then, crease the fold with your hands. This creates a triangle. [5] X Research source
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Pull 1 of the corners more than halfway across the center of the triangle. Turn the triangle so the long side is facing you. Then, fold 1 of the side corners over so its point rests a little more than halfway along the long edge. Press the fold with the palm of your hand so it holds its shape. [6] X Research source
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Fold the other corner halfway across the center of the triangle. Pull the other side point of the triangle along the long edge so it overlaps and lines up with the corner you just folded. Now, your handkerchief looks like an open envelope. [7] X Research source
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Put the handkerchief in your pocket so the point faces up. Slide the handkerchief into your suit pocket so the remaining triangle point pokes out. Then, smooth out any wrinkles or folds. [8] X Expert Source Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.
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Place the handkerchief on a hard, flat surface. This is a more playful version of the 1 Point Fold, but it’s still suitable for business and formal events. Just lay your handkerchief on a table and smooth it out. [9] X Research source
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Fold the handkerchief in half diagonally with the points off-center. Rather than lining up the opposing corners perfectly on top of each other to make a triangle, offset the tips about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. This creates 2 slightly overlapping triangles. [10] X Research source
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Pull the left corner over to the right of the handkerchief. Turn your handkerchief so the long edge of the triangle is towards you and the top point faces away. Then, fold the left corners over and to the right of the triangle. Pull it a little over halfway so the point is slightly past the center of the triangle. [11] X Research source
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Fold the right corner to the left of the middle of the triangle. Pull the right corner over along the bottom edge of the triangle. Tuck any excess material under so the bottom of the handkerchief is in the shape of a rectangle. Your handkerchief now looks slightly like an envelope. [12] X Research source
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Slide the handkerchief into your pocket with the 2 points facing up. Pull on the 2 tips to perk them up so they peek out of your pocket. Then smooth out any folds and wrinkles to give your handkerchief a crisp, clean look.
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Lay the handkerchief down on a hard, flat surface. This is a snazzy fold that’s appropriate for formal and casual attire; it looks great in a tuxedo, sports coat, or blazer. Just smooth your handkerchief out on a table or counter to get started. [13] X Expert Source Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor Expert Interview. 25 September 2020. -
Fold the handkerchief in half diagonally and slightly off-center. Pull 1 corner over to the opposing corner, but don’t overlap the points perfectly. Instead, fold the handkerchief so the 2 points are next to each other. This makes 2 overlapping triangles. [14] X Research source
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Pull one of the side corners over and up to the 2 points at the top. Turn your handkerchief so the 2 off-center points are facing away from you and the long side is towards you. Then, take one of the side corners and fold it up so it’s next to the 2 points. Now, there are 3 points at the top of the triangle. [15] X Research source
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Fold the other side corner across the center. Square off the bottom of the handkerchief by pulling the other corner inward. Then, tuck any excess material under. [16] X Research source
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Place the handkerchief in your pocket with the 3 points facing up. Slide the flat part of the handkerchief into your suit pocket so the 3 tips poke out of the top. Then, smooth out any folds or wrinkles that are showing on the handkerchief.
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Lie the handkerchief down on a flat, hard surface. This fold is another variation of the pointed folds, but it’s even snazzier. It’s also great for both formal and laid-back events. Simply place your handkerchief on a flat surface and smooth it down. [17] X Research source
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Fold the handkerchief diagonally in half with the corners off-center. Pull 1 corner up to meet the point of the opposite corner. Just misalign them slightly, so the 2 points are next to each other. [18] X Research source
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Pull one of the side corners up and over to the 2 points. Spin the handkerchief so the long edge faces you. Then, fold one of the corners up and diagonally so its point rests next to the 2 off-center corners. [19] X Research source
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Fold the other corner up and over to the 3 points. Do the same thing with the remaining corner, pulling it up and diagonally so it overlaps the fold you just made. Make sure it is also slightly off-center to the point next to it. [20] X Research source
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Tuck the handkerchief into your pocket with the points facing up. Pull on the edges of the handkerchief and the points to adjust its shape and make sure the 4 corners poke out of your pocket. Then, run your fingers inside the pocket to smooth out the handkerchief.
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Lay the handkerchief on a flat, hard surface. The puff fold is a great, casual fold that doesn’t need the precision that other types require. To start the fold, lay your handkerchief flat on a table, counter, or dresser. [21] X Research source
- Puff folds look especially stylish with patterned fabrics like paisley and polka dots.
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Pinch the center of the handkerchief with your thumb and forefinger. Simply grab the middle of the handkerchief and pull it up slightly. You’re creating a "fold” that isn’t super angular or crisp. [22] X Research source
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Pull the handkerchief through your thumb and index finger. With your other hand, make an “OK” sign around the gathered fabric by pinching your thumb and index finger together. Then, pull up on the fabric to pull the handkerchief through your thumb and index finger. This creates the puff effect and narrows your handkerchief to the width of your suit pocket. [23] X Research source
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Fold up the corners behind the poof. Gather the dangling corners under the rounded poof and carefully tuck them behind it. This makes the handkerchief short enough to put in your pocket. [24] X Research source
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Place the handkerchief in your pocket so the poof is face up. Simply pull on and fluff up the rounded top peeking out of your suit pocket so it’s styled to your liking. With this fold, you want creases and wrinkles to show.
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Lay the handkerchief down on a flat, hard surface. The Reverse Puff Fold is a fun, more casual fold that looks great in blazers and sport coats. Place the handkerchief on a table and smooth it out to remove any wrinkles. [25] X Research source
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Pinch the center of the fabric and pull the handkerchief off the table. Use your index finger and thumb to grab the middle of the handkerchief. Then, pull it all the way up so the handkerchief is off of the table, and the fabric hangs down from the pinched point in a tube-like shape. [26] X Research source
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Gather the corners together and roll the pinched top down. Use your other hand to grab the corners dangling below your pinched fingers. Then, roll the fabric at the pinched top down to create a straight edge below the corners. [27] X Research source
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Pull on the corners to spread them out. Turn the handkerchief over in your hand so the corners are facing up. Then, grip the bottom of the handkerchief and carefully pull on the corners to splay out the fabric. You’re going for a smooth, petal-like appearance to the handkerchief. [28] X Research source
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Place the points face up in your pocket and extend one of the corners. Slide the handkerchief into your suit pocket so the corners poke out of the top. Then, to add some personality to your look, grab one of the points and pull it up so it sits higher than the other corners.
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Place the handkerchief on a flat, hard surface. This is another poof-like fold that adds style and flair to a more casual occasion. Start making it by laying your handkerchief flat on a table or counter.
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Pinch the center of the handkerchief with your thumb and index finger. Simply grab the middle of the handkerchief and pick it up to create a tubular shape.
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Pull the fabric through your fingers and cinch it in the middle. Place your thumb and index finger around the handkerchief and under the pinched top. Then, drag your hand down and gather the fabric in the middle. [29] X Research source
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Fold the top portion downwards to the middle of the handkerchief. Hold the cinched portion of the fabric with one hand and use your other to fold the pinched top down. This squares off the bottom of the handkerchief. [30] X Research source
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Pull and fold the 4 corners to create more points. Turn the handkerchief in your hands so the corners are facing up. Then, crease and fold back the corners of the fabric to make more points at the top. These points are supposed to look like crisp flower petals.
- If you want a simpler, cleaner look, simply separate and spread out the 4 corners.
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Tuck the handkerchief into your pocket with the points facing up. Simply slide the handkerchief into your jacket pocket and pull on the exposed points to fluff them up and adjust them how you like. [31] X Research source
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Place your handkerchief diagonally on a hard, flat surface. This is a more sophisticated fold that adds a touch of elegance to your look. Lay your handkerchief on a table and turn it so it looks like a diamond with one of the corners facing you.
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Fold the top corner under itself about â…“ of the way down. Take the corner at the top of the handkerchief and fold it backwards so the point is under the handkerchief. Just fold the corner down about â…“ from the top. This creates a flat edge at the top of the handkerchief. [32] X Research source
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Pinch the middle of the handkerchief and fold it under the top, flat edge. Move your fingers about 1 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) below the top, flat edge and pinch the fabric to create a new crease. Slightly lift up this crease and pull it up so it rests just under the top, flat edge. [33] X Research source
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Pinch and fold the fabric up and under the crease you just made. Do the same fold again, this time under the one you just made. Grab the middle of the fabric about 1 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) below the new fold and lift the crease up. Then, bring it forward so it rests slightly under the second flat edge. [34] X Research source
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Fold the entire handkerchief in half widthwise. Press your fingers over the middle of the 3 folds you made to keep them secure. Then, fold the right side of the handkerchief under the left. Crease the fold along the edge of the 3 folds—the 3 stairs are taking shape. [35] X Research source
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Fold the left side of the handkerchief under. To create a straight, creased edge on the other side of the 3 stairs, fold the left side of the fabric under itself. The top of the handkerchief now looks like a triangle with 3 tiers. [36] X Research source
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Fold the right side and then the bottom of the handkerchief under. Take the excess fabric on the right side of the handkerchief and fold it back and under to create a rectangle under the triangle. Then, fold the bottom back and under too to shorten the handkerchief. [37] X Research source
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Tuck the handkerchief in your pocket with the triangle facing up. Slide your handkerchief in your pocket and adjust the tiered folds as needed to keep them uniform and sharp. Then, run your fingers through your pocket to smooth out any creases or wrinkles. [38] X Research source
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Lay your handkerchief diagonally on a solid, flat surface. This is a unique fold that is great for celebrations and weddings. Just smooth out your handkerchief on a table and turn it so it looks like a diamond. [39] X Research source
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Fold the bottom corner up to meet the top corner. Grab the bottom corner that is facing you and pull it upwards to touch the corner at the top of the handkerchief. Then, crease the fold. This creates a triangle out of your handkerchief. [40] X Research source
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Pull the right corner over to the left corner. Take the right side point of the triangle and fold it over to the left. If you want to create more scalloped edges, don’t line up the right and left corners perfectly and leave a sliver of the left corner showing. [41] X Research source
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Fold the right corner down so it rests right above the bottom corner. Rotate your handkerchief so the long edge of the triangle is facing away from you. Then, take the right corner and pull it down and diagonally over to the other side of the triangle. Rest the point slightly above the tip of the triangle. [42] X Research source
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Fold the left corner down so it’s slightly above the bottom corner. Do the same fold on the other side of the triangle. Take the left corner and pull it down and diagonally to the opposite side of the triangle. [43] X Research source
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Bend the excess fabric on the left, right, and bottom under. Square off the edges of the handkerchief so it fits inside your suit jacket. Just fold back the right side, the left side, and fold the bottom under to create a rectangle shape underneath the scallop fold. [44] X Research source
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Slide the handkerchief into your pocket with the scallop facing up. Pull on and adjust the rounded edges of the scalloped folds to make them even. Then, smooth out the handkerchief inside your pocket to remove any wrinkles or creases. [45] X Research source
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Make a circle with your hand and lay your handkerchief on top. This romantic and classy fold is great for weddings and anniversary parties. Take your non-dominant hand and form your fingers into a circle. Rest your wrist on a table and then lay your handkerchief flat on top of your hand. [46] X Research source
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Use 2 fingers to push the fabric inside the circle. Take your other hand and use your index and middle finger to insert the fabric inside the hole in your hand. Push the fabric into the circle about halfway down your fingers. [47] X Research source
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Pinch and fold the fabric against your hand in a clockwise motion. Grab a piece of fabric between your thumb and index finger and fold it against your fist. Hold the fold in place with your other 3 fingers. Then, take your index finger and thumb to grab another piece of fabric right next to the fold you just made. Fold the new piece of fabric firmly against your hand, using your other 3 fingers to hold both folds in place. Keep making these folds until you’ve wrapped the fabric about â…“ of the way around your hand. [48] X Research source
- The folds you’re pressing against your fist are slowly forming the petals of the rose.
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Lift the fabric under your hand and cinch it in under the folds. Remove your hand from under the fabric while holding the rose petal folds in place with your other hand. Then, gather the rest of the fabric together underneath the rose. [49] X Research source
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Fold back the excess fabric on the left, right, and bottom. Straighten off the sides underneath the rose so the handkerchief fits neatly in your suit pocket. Just bend back the fabric on the left and right sides, as well as the bottom. [50] X Research source
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Insert the handkerchief into your pocket with the rose face up. Press into the center of the rose and into the folds to define the petals. If you want more spread-out petals, carefully pull the folds back. [51] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do you style a handkerchief?Jordan Stolch is an Image Strategist, Style Advisor, and the Founder of MiKADO - a concierge personal styling firm. With over a decade of experience, Jordan specializes in helping people eliminate the confusion and insecurities associated with how to dress in order to build a powerful image and use clothing to their strategic advantage. Jordan trains entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporate executives in the foundations of "power dressing", from some of the country's preeminent companies such as Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Berkshire Hathaway, Universal Music Group, Starbucks, and Disney. She works with clients both in-person and virtually, teaching them how to take the confusion out of style so they can operate at a higher level. Jordan earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and studied Merchandise Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIDM).A handkerchief can be folded into a square so that a flat perpendicular line comes out of the top of the pocket. You can wear a handkerchief like an accordion or fold it so it's loose poking out the top of the square. You can also get more creative by learning how to fold it in different ways using online videos.
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QuestionWhat are some fancy ways to fold a woman's handkerchief?Community AnswerThe classic is the squared folding. You could also make the triangle folding.
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QuestionHow do I fold a puff handkerchief for suits?SylghoulsTop AnswererBegin with the square face up. Pinch and lift up from the center. Run the fabric through your thumb and first finger of the opposite hand. Hold the square at the center. Fold the bottom up and behind the front. Adjust to fit the size of your jacket pocket.
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about etiquette, check out our in-depth interview with Jordan Stolch .
References
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