Pocket Square

Material Matters

The most important factor to consider when cleaning your pocket squares is the material.

   • Cotton pocket squares can be ironed, stored easily, are durable and can be cleaned in the laundry machines. However, cotton pocket squares can crease easily and if washed incorrectly, could shrink.

2. Polyester

   • Polyester pocket squares, like cotton pocket squares, are durable and can be cleaned in laundry machines. Furthermore, polyester pocket squares are lightweight, dry fast and are crease resistant. However, polyester pocket squares stains are hard to get out.

3. Silk

   • Silk pocket squares are the most common type of pocket square. They're smooth, they can be stored easily and are usually thin (you won't have a bulging jacket pocket). However, silk pocket squares are easily damaged when they get wet, crease easily and can't be cleaned with laundry machines.

4. Wool

   • Wool pocket squares are best worn in the colder months. They can add a different type of texture to your suit jacket that can elevate your dapper look. However, wool pocket squares can be more expensive like silk. Also because wool pocket square are thicker, they can create a bulkier jacket pocket. Lastly, wool pocket squares are easily exposed to clothing moth.

5. Linen

   • Linen pocket squares can be stored easily, they also can add a different texture to your suit jacket that can elevate your dapper look and also can be cleaned in the washer but they shouldn't be put in the dryer. However, linen pocket squares can crease easily and if cleaned incorrectly in the washer, could be damaged.

Cleaning

1. Cotton

   • Cotton pocket squares are the easiest types of pockets square to clean because they can be cleaned in the laundry machines. Wash your pocket squares at 100°F, insert them into dryer after and run on low to medium heat.

2. Polyester

   • Polyester pocket squares, like cotton pocket squares, can be cleaned in the laundry machines as well. Wash on the permanent press cycle (which is specifically designed to wash synthetic and delicate fibers) and insert them into dryer after and run on low to medium heat (drying your pocket squares in the dryer could lead to shrinkage). Another alternative to drying the pocket squares could be air drying, which lowers the risk of shrinkage.

3. Silk

   • Silk pocket squares are tricky to clean. For the best result, you should take them to the dry cleaners. If you do want to clean them yourself, hand wash your pocket square with cold to lukewarm water with a little bit of soap. To dry them, roll them up with a towel and gently press down on the towel to drain the water. Then hang the pocket square up to completely dry off.

4. Wool

   • Wool pocket squares are best worn in the colder months. They can add a different type of texture to your suit jacket that can elevate your dapper look. However, wool pocket squares can be more expensive like silk. Also because wool pocket square are thicker, they can create a bulkier jacket pocket. Lastly, wool pocket squares are easily exposed to clothing moth.

5. Linen

   • Linen pocket squares can be stored easily, they also can add a different texture to your suit jacket that can elevate your dapper look and also can be cleaned in the washer but they shouldn't be put in the dryer. However, linen pocket squares can crease easily and if cleaned incorrectly in the washer, could be damaged.

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   • This method is not the fastest way to remove a tie nor the most intuitive but it is the most effective at preserving your tie for the long term.

Curing The Wrinkles

   • The best way to smooth out wrinklies, is to have no wrinkles at all. Hanging up your tie or rolling them helps just do that.

  • Using a steamer works best to relax the more aggressive wrinkles in your tie.

How to Remove Stains

Not all stains are created (or removed) the same. Based off the context of the stain, you must act accordingly.

Rule of Thumb: Take action as soon as possible when you discover a stain on your tie and blot the stain (don't rub the stain!)

1. Oil based stains - Use talcum powder or cornstarch. Use immediately.

2. Water based stains - Use seltzer water or club soda.

3. Other stains - Use cleaning agents such as stain removal products.

4. To the cleaners -  As a last resort, you could take your tie to the dry cleaners.