Paisley Pocket Square: A Little Gem

What is a pocket square for, and how does it differ from a handkerchief?

Taking the second question first – there are not too many differences between them. Indeed, some handkerchiefs double up as pocket squares. In extreme cases, a pocket square will also act like a handkerchief – but it is not something it particularly likes to do.

Let’s delve deeper.

A men's pocket square is a small… yes, square piece of cloth used for putting in a jacket pocket, solely to accessorise against the jacket. (The pocket square size is important and we don't recommend trying to substitute items for pocket squares - particularly bed sheets)

Sometimes slightly smaller in width than the handkerchief, and sometimes made of lighter material… it takes on those qualities to ensure that folded, it does not look like you have put a miniature folded duvet cover in your pocket.

Unlike its more flamboyant relative, the handkerchief likes to lurk unnoticed in a pocket or small bag. More hot dog than steak, it is generally used only in emergencies e.g. to stop snot shooting across a room, or to clean up a spilled drink after we have had too many at a wedding (normally when the bride or groom should have been marrying us – not in the sense that they should have been conducting a service at which we would be one of the wedders, but where we are in love with the aforesaid bride or groom, and they should be getting wedded to us).

In other words, everyone must carry one. Strangely, it is not always the case (as many have ultimately found to their cost). Snotting over your wedding dress or even your bride’s dress does not bode well for a long and happy marriage.

Why a Paisley pocket square?

A pocket square, particularly a Paisley pocket square, is the height of sartorial elegance. Stuck in the pocket of even the most stunning jackets, the pocket square draws eyes away from the jacket and gets them to focus on it.

The Paisley square is more than just an accessory; it is a statement of sophistication and style. The intricate, timeless Paisley pattern will add flair to your outfit and exude personality and charm, making your attire unique and memorable. Whether at that wedding, a business meeting, or a casual dinner, a Paisley pocket square will always elevate your look, and showcase your refined taste and attention to detail.

Used to jazz up the most ordinary of jackets, Just Paisley commends it as one of the families of Paisley members that gives real bang for the buck.

Attached to a coat, or polo shirt, it looks stupid – don’t wear it in those ways!

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The pocket square is meant only to be decorative. It has evolved from a simple cotton being to become any pocket square the user chooses to wear. And that normally means silk or satin, not flattened cheese or Astroturf.

How useful is a pocket square?

The pocket square matches the handkerchief in usefulness, although sometimes its slipperiness means you might miss your nose when you attempt to use it as a hankie.

While it pretends it has no practical uses and is solely for decoration, if the situation arises, and the wearer, or indeed another person needs emergency help e.g. their nose starts bleeding, then the pocket square - after first looking for a handkerchief to step up - will step up itself (after having also looked for a paper handkerchief, napkin, or even toilet roll to step up).

This bravery of the pocket square should not be overlooked when it steps up in an emergency, knowing that its days as a pocket square could be over – in fact, knowing its days as anything could be over. It will have catapulted itself into the extremely small band of pocket squares that have selflessly given its life to save others.

Will it be remembered? That will depend on its owner. It will not be remembered if they are of the ‘Glad I Could Help’ variety. If they are of the ‘When Are You Going To Pay Me Back For My Ruined Pocket Square’ variety, then it might be remembered a little longer – a lot longer if legal proceedings are the result.

If the latter is the case, then fairness should dictate that a pocket square should not be placed in the same class as its classless owner. It will have done its duty, and paid the price!

For the pocket square, it would be remiss of us not to finish without the old pocket square joke.

'How do you fold a pocket square?'

'You don't. It folds you.'

We don't get it either!

The pocket square! Exceedingly beautiful in Paisley! A peacock in the ‘Small Cloth World’, but ever willing – reluctantly – to sacrifice itself – as a last resort – in an emergency.

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