While society doesn’t appreciate the pocket square as much as accessories like watches or neckties, the reality is that they add quite a bit of class to a sports jacket or suit.
Paired with the right shirt and tie, they make a statement that shows you appreciate the small details.
And if we’re being honest, sports coats and suit jackets don’t look quite as cool without one.
There are very few rules to pocket squares. They can come in any size or shape (regardless of their namesake).
They can also come in nearly any material, though they’re most commonly found in cotton, silk, or linen. They also come in a wide range of patterns and colors.
The problem with pocket squares is that they become addicting and collections tend to grow quickly. Once they become part of your style, you’ll be known for wearing one, and you’ll want to change things up.
Before long, you’ll need to come up with a way to store your pocket squares to keep them safe and organized. Here are five ways to store your pocket squares to keep them in great shape and easy to sort through.
5 Ways to Store Pocket Ties for Guys
Here are some tried and true ways to store pocket squares…
Storing Pocket Squares with a Trouser Hanger
One of the best ways to store your pocket squares is to use a trouser hanger. Instead of a standard trouser bar, trouser hangers use a wooden clamp to hold the cuff of a pair of pants, holding them securely in place.
You can use this same clamping action to store your pocket squares while taking up very little space. Simply open the clamping surface of the trouser hanger, and lay your pocket squares inside, starting with the largest and working progressively towards your smallest.
When you’re all set, clamp the hanger back down across all of the neatly arranged pocket squares, and hang it in your closet.
This method stores up to twenty pocket squares laid flat or ten folded in half (for larger squares). The beauty of hanging your pocket squares this way is that they take up less room than a dress shirt.
The only downside is that you have to reorganize the squares each time you take one from the middle.
Storing Pocket Squares in a Box
If you’re building a beautiful collection of pocket squares, you might want to consider using a box dedicated to them. The box doesn’t have to be anything special; it can even be an old shoebox that you aren’t using anymore.
Simply fold your pocket squares neatly, and place them in the box one on top of the other. Start with the larger pocket squares first, and pile the smaller ones on top.
You can store this box in a deep drawer, on your closet shelf, or a cabinet. When you need a pocket square, just lightly dig through them until you find the one you’re looking for.
How to Store Pocket Squares in a Humidor
There’s nothing wrong with repurposing an old box you have around your place, but there’s a way classier option. Using an old cigar humidor for your pocket squares keeps them safe and organized. It also provides a touch of luxury and class. They look great on top of a dresser, on a shelf, or a desk.
You can find unused humidors and boxes at cigar shops. If that’s not your scene, you can find empty cigar boxes and humidors online. Just make sure that you let yours air out a bit before you start storing your squares in it.
Residual humidity inside a humidor may cause mildew, and you might not want your squares smelling like cigars.
To store your pocket squares in a humidor, fold them just as we mentioned above, stack them neatly inside, from largest to smallest.
When you’re looking for the perfect pocket square, you can flip it open, sort through your squares quickly, and close it back up. You can use any extra space inside for storing cufflinks, a watch, or a pair of sunglasses.
Turn a Tie Organizer Box into a Pocket Square Organizer Box
It doesn’t take much effort to double your tie storage box for pocket square storage. Since we’re talking about such similar materials, what works for one will work for the other.
You shouldn’t just wad your pocket squares up and shove them in a compartment. Instead, fold them loosely and place each in its own compartment. Make sure you’re tucking them in loosely, otherwise you may have to iron your square before throwing it in your pocket.
You might need to tuck the corners a bit to get it all to fit, but this is a far better method than folding your them small enough to fit in a tie-sized compartment.
Storing Pocket Squares in Your Pockets
While it seems like common sense, some guys don’t consider leaving their squares in their favorite jackets’ breast pockets. When you take your coat off for the day, just place it on a hanger in your closet with your pocket square securely stowed away.
This is a simple, minimalist approach to storing your pocket squares.
If you have a large collection of squares but not many jackets, this isn’t ideal. But we’re not suggesting this to be your only storage option. You can mix this method with any of the other storage ideas we listed earlier.
Store Pocket Squares with a Pocket Square Rack
Another great way to store your pocket squares while adding a little flair to your bedroom is by hanging them on a pocket square rack.
These racks keep your squares safe and out of the way, but also organized.
You can hang one on a wall in your room or mount one to the back of your closet door.
Pocket square racks use clips to hold the corners of your pocket squares. They allow you to see your entire collection at once, which is a big benefit over the trouser hanger.
The squares also hang on individual hooks, so you don’t have to reorganize your collection every time you grab one. For an added bonus, you don’t even have to worry about unfolding your square.
Just remove it from your pocket and clip it onto the rack.
You don’t have to worry about the clips damaging your favorite square either. Pocket square racks use clips with rubber or plastic tips to avoid tearing to crimping your silk squares too tightly.
Final Thoughts
Pocket squares definitely add a touch of cool to your jacket. They’re also a great opportunity to show off a little of your personality. They provide a bit of color or an accent that can take a good outfit and turn it into a great one.
Though they do take a certain degree of confidence, once you step into the world of pocket squares, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever wear a jacket without one again.
Whether you’re storing them in your jacket pockets, a classy humidor, or an old shoebox, curating a versatile collection of squares can do a lot for your style.
Re: the pocket square storage. The best way to store is not folded. Since if you store them folded, you will always get some folds where the pocket square will get worn. Point being if you have then your favourite pocket square for a decade it will get worn. The best way to store them is flat of folded open over a larger rounded hanger. The pocket square rack is not an option as you will get marks from the hooks as they snap into the fabric.
so, how are you storing yours?