Wondering if it's a fashion faux pas to match your pocket square to your tie? You’re certainly not alone! This question has puzzled many of our suit jacket wearing customers over the years and we're finally setting the record straight.
The truth is, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. In this article we'll explore all the nuances of a pocket square and its purpose, what tradition says, see what our customers doing, and help guide you to make the best choice for your own ensemble.
What can a pocket square do?
A pocket square can transform your outfit in several ways:
- Complement your tie or suit or your bridal party without matching them exactly.
- Contrast with the other pieces in your outfit or your crew to draw attention.
- Add depth and texture to a look.
- Coordinate to create a cohesive look.
- Showcase your playful side and serve as a conversation starter.
- Elevate your outfit with sophistication and class.
What does "traditional advice" say?
Here's the advice that's generally widely accepted, if you're interested in following the "rules":
- Avoid exact matches: It’s generally advised not to match your pocket square exactly to your tie’s pattern.
- Color coordination: Pull a color from your tie's pattern, whether it’s the background or an accent color.
- White pocket square: When in doubt, a white pocket square is always a safe and elegant choice.
Pro Tip: Match the thread color of the white pocket square to a color in your tie with our upcycled customizable thread pocket square!
Creative expression plays a major role
Traditional fashion "rules" can serve as helpful guidelines, but we're here to say that they shouldn’t stifle your creativity or hold you back from expressing yourself. Fashion is an art form after all so whether you're a rule-breaker or a traditionalist, the goal should always be to create looks that make you feel confident.
Choosing whether to match your pocket square to your tie or not depends significantly on the look you want to achieve. Start by considering the following:
Do you want to complement or contrast?
Whether your pocket square complements the coloring of your tie or contrasts your tie colors, you may still be asking yourself if the color of your pocket square should be lighter or darker than your tie. We suggest that when making this decision you remember to consider the color of your suit jacket and select a coloring that will pop against the suiting as its backdrop.
Complementing involves pulling a color or an element from your tie's pattern—either the main color or a prominent accent or a component of the pattern. This creates a harmonious and polished appearance.
Contrasting allows your pocket square to stand out on its own, adding an element of surprise and depth to your outfit.
Do you want solid colors or patterns?
Solid Colors are less busy and could be more versatile. It's also easier than ever to custom color a solid tie and pocket square combo with our customizer tool. If you're looking to match to other garments, swatches, or design details, find out how simple we make the color matching process with our ColorMatch Chart.
Patterns add visual interest, make your outfit more eye-catching and allow for more creative expression and personal touches. Browse hundreds of customizable necktie and pocket square patterns to find designs that excite you from classic wardrobe staples like stripes and dots to more unconventional themes and interests like art deco and sports. Recolor your favorite patterns to your liking in just a few clicks with our customizer tool.
The best of both worlds would be to opt for one piece in a solid color and the other piece in a pattern to add a pop of personality while grounding the look with a simple solid color.
What's most popular with Knotty Tie customers?
Here are some of the design choices that we commonly see our customers making when customizing their pocket square and tie combos:
Mixing patterns
Using the same colors but different patterns for ties and pocket squares.
Inverse patterns
Pocket square is the same pattern but the colors are inverted.
Matching patterns
That's right, same pattern with same colors for both tie and pocket square.
The stand out groom
The groom often opts for a different color square than the groomsmen.
Matching solids
You’ve got it, the same solid color for both tie and pocket square.
Solid and pattern combos
Mixing patterned ties with solid pocket squares, and vice versa.
Find your style
So, should the pocket square match your tie? It ultimately boils down to personal preference and the look you want to achieve. While traditional advice offers a solid foundation, don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
Think you're now ready to elevate your look with a pocket square and tie combo? Explore our collections of customizable solid and patterned pocket squares and ties. Remember, fashion is an extension of your personality and being confident and enjoying what you're wearing is the key to a successful outfit!
pocket square frequently asked questions
What color pocket square should you wear without a tie?
What color pocket square should you wear without a tie?
When not wearing a tie, your pocket square becomes the focal point of your outfit. Choose a color palette that compliments your shirt and jacket. If you want to add a bold pop of color, select a pocket square that has a higher contrast with your jacket whether it’s a solid pocket square or patterned. Try a more modern look and keep the top button or two of your shirt unbuttoned.
Can I wear colored pocket square with a black or white tie?
Can I wear colored pocket square with a black or white tie?
Absolutely! A colored pocket square can add a touch of personality to a black or white tie outfit. Keep in mind how formal the event is when deciding on a color or pattern for your pocket square. For a sharp and classic look, opt for one of our upcycled pocket squares that is white with a colored thread stitching around the edge. For the most formal of black tie or white tie events, rich colors like burgundy, forest green, and gold may fit the occasion best. These colors make a fun statement without breaking the formality of the occasion. If you prefer a more neutral approach, stick to classic hues like ivory, silver, or champagne. The key is to ensure that your pocket square adds sophistication and doesn't detract from the overall ensemble.
How far should a pocket square stick out?
How far should a pocket square stick out?
The ideal pocket square should stick out about half an inch to an inch from your breast pocket. This subtle display keeps your look refined and polished. When a large amount of pocket square is showing it gives a more flamboyant look, while too little pocket square showing could look unintentional and draw attention for the wrong reasons. Adjust the visibility based on the fold you choose and the formality of the event. A simple straight fold usually requires less exposure (half inch), while a puff or winged fold might need a bit more (inch and a half to two and a half inches).
Should you wear a pocket square with a bow tie?
Should you wear a pocket square with a bow tie?
Yes, you can definitely enhance your ensemble by wearing a pocket square with a bow tie. Coordinate the pocket square with your bow tie by choosing complementary or contrasting colors. Tradition says to avoid matching them exactly, but we say rules are meant to be broken so have fun mixing or matching colors and patterns!
