Are pocket squares necessary for weddings? Are you wondering where to buy groomsmen pocket squares? We’re tackling all of that — and more! — thanks to our latest Ask Emmaline question from bride-to-be, Vanessa. She writes, “Hi Emmaline Bride, my groom is wearing a suit and necktie with a jacket. We ordered boutonnieres for the groomsmen and we were wondering, do groomsmen need pocket squares? Is a suit pocket square optional or required for weddings? Should just the groom wear one or do all the groomsmen need to wear pocket squares? Thanks!”
Thanks for writing, Vanessa! Those are some great questions on pocket squares. To tackle the first question, yes, your groomsmen need pocket squares and they are considered definite “mandatory” attire in terms of proper wedding etiquette. This pocket square rule is technically for formal weddings, so think of it this way: if your wedding is extremely laid-back and the guys aren’t wearing jackets, obviously groomsmen do not need to wear pocket squares. However, if groomsmen ARE wearing jackets, they should always wear a tie and a pocket square to accompany it.
We’ll break down these other questions in further detail in this post, including what a pocket square is, how it is worn, how to fold a pocket square, and where to buy groomsmen pocket squares. We’re also including a question we’ve been asked before: should a pocket square match the tie? And finally, we’ll show you where to find the best pocket square holder — and why the guys will love to have one. It is essentially the best answer to how to keep a pocket square looking its very best all day long.
What is a pocket square?
A pocket square is a small piece of cloth in the shape of a rectangle. It fits in the breast pocket of a man’s jacket and adds a little color of fabric peeking out, ever so slightly.
Is a pocket square necessary?
Wearing a pocket square is necessary for weddings, whether you are the groom, groomsmen, or a guest. As a rule of thumb, all men should wear a pocket square for a wedding. The groom and groomsmen need pocket squares, as it finishes off their complete wedding day ensemble. For all formal weddings, you should wear a pocket square.
Do you wear a tie and pocket square?
Yes! For formal events, you should always wear a tie and pocket square.
What is the standard pocket square size?
The size of a pocket square is typically a range of 10 x 10 upwards to roughly 17 x 17 inches. You can choose any size you’d like, but it is recommended to choose one on the larger size. Some pocket squares are reversible which makes them pop even more since it displays the contrast of two distinct colors.
Handkerchief vs. Pocket Square
Can you use a handkerchief instead of a pocket square? No, you shouldn’t use a handkerchief vs. a pocket square, since a hanky and a square are two different things. If it goes in the breast pocket of your jacket, it should always be a pocket square. The fold is different, as well as the size; a handkerchief is larger and will appear too bulky. A handkerchief, on the other hand, is used for wiping your hands, blowing your nose, wiping away tears, etc.
Are pocket squares in style?
Yes! A pocket square is a classic wedding accessory, formal event accessory, and even a must-have for men wearing a suit jacket or blazer of any kind. Pocket squares will never really go out of style, especially for weddings.
Do you have to wear a boutonniere AND pocket square?
Yes. Groomsmen need to wear pocket squares and boutonnieres. If the boutonniere is bold, balance the look by wearing a more neutral pocket square.
Should a Pocket Square Match the Tie?
No! The pocket square should not match your tie or your shirt. Instead, it should contrast your tie or nicely complement the color — but not match it exactly.
How do you fold a pocket square?
Good question. This is important to know for your wedding since groomsmen need pocket squares to be worn AND properly folded. Similarly to how to tie a bow tie, the groom and groomsmen should practice folding their pocket squares properly before the wedding day (or, at the very least, save this link on their phone to watch the video at the last minute while getting ready, ha!)
Pocket Square Folds
Since I am not a professional pocket square folder, we are bringing in the experts on this one. We found the best how to fold a pocket square YouTube video we could find and this one is pretty awesome. It shows you how to fold pocket squares in twelve different ways (by Ties.com).
And in case you’re wondering, you should fold a pocket square in a presidential or square fold for a wedding. It is considered the most formal and distinguished the best pocket square folding style to wear for a wedding is presidential, also known as the square fold. It is the most formal pocket square fold and one of the quintessential pocket square rules to follow. :)
We found stylish pocket squares for groomsmen at Aristocrafts as one fantastic resource. These handmade pocket squares are customized for your groomsmen in your choice of color(s). You can even have the corner embroidered with an initial for giving as groomsmen gifts. There are several types to choose from including burlap pocket squares for rustic weddings, red-and-navy-blue striped pocket squares for nautical weddings, satin pocket squares, white linen pocket squares, gingham plaid, and more.
Here are a few examples of pocket squares for groomsmen.
Gingham Plaid Pocket Square
This gingham plaid style is great for summer weddings and is available in navy, black, and red.
NAVY
BLACK
This pocket square in a black and white checkered pattern is a great choice for formal weddings.
RED
Tartan Plaid Pocket Square
These groomsmen pocket squares in tartan plaid make a great gift for fall and winter weddings. I can’t imagine a more perfect square for winter weddings, especially during the holidays, than groomsmen decked out in plaid pocket squares!
White Pocket Square
A simple white pocket square is always a handsome choice.
Floral Pocket Square
Want groomsmen pocket squares that are reversible? This one is stylish and fitting for spring and summer weddings with a floral pattern on one side and solid navy blue on the other.
Burlap
Planning a rustic wedding? There’s a pocket square for that! And it’s burlap, embroidered, and awesome for western themed weddings.
Nautical Stripe
There are two different nautical themed pocket squares available in the shop and both look fantastic for a sailing or nautical themed wedding.
Here is the alternate style:
You can add a special message to these squares, as shown in this example below.
Lace Groom Pocket Square
This specialty pocket square for the groom is made with lace. I like how the embroidery thread on this example really pops in gold; you can choose any color initial you’d like for the thread. The message can be added to the top, making it a sweet gift for the groom from the bride on the morning of the wedding.
A pocket square also makes a great non-cheesy be my groomsman gift.
Where to Buy Pocket Square Holder
Want to make folding a pocket square super-duper easy, and to have a perfect finish on your pocket square every time? Use a pocket square holder.
Best Pocket Square Holder
According to the experts, this is the best pocket square holder and will keep your pocket square looking good all night. By SquareGuard. This cool pocket square holder is made in the USA and designed to fit discreetly in any jacket pocket. A pocket square holder like this pulls the fabrics of pocket squared up and through the rungs so you always achieve a crisp and artistic fold. If you move around a lot — I’m looking at you, awesome dance floor dancers! — your pocket square will stay neatly in place. How awesome is that?
You can buy one for each groomsman here.
The holder looks like this:
TL;DR
In conclusion, a pocket square is necessary to wear to a wedding. There are many ways to fold a pocket square, and you should try to fold as many as you can before the wedding for good practice. Finally, to buy pocket squares for groomsmen visit Aristocrafts: you can shop here now!
If you need a specialty color — like an orange pocket square or burgundy pocket square — just ask! Monica is awesome to work with (and is a Featured Artist at Emmaline Bride), so we know you’re in great hands. :)
To keep that pocket square looking sharp, buy pocket square holder / holders for groomsmen. You can buy one here or get pocket square holders in bulk here in a three-pack to save money.
What is your favorite pocket square style? Did this post help you learn everything about groomsmen pocket squares (and then some? Ha!) Did we miss anything you’d like to add? Let us know in the comment box below!
Thanks to Vanessa for writing us! We hope it helps. :)
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
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Emma Arendoski
Emma is the CEO of Emmaline Bride, The Handmade Wedding Blog, published author, leading wedding expert, and wedding planner. Read her latest book: The Inspired Wedding. Wife, mother, coffee lover. Follow on Instagram and at Emmaline Baby for baby + kids inspiration.
