Handkerchiefs for Grooms
During the 1900’s the handkerchief was a symbol of male social status and no true gentlemen would be seen without one tucked into his breast pocket.
The main use of the handkerchief during those days was for the wiping of one’s hands more than actually blowing the nose as this was actually thought to be unhygienic if used more than once. Common usage was for removing stray bits of snuff after snorting from the hand.
Today, as it was back then, a man’s handkerchief is often carried purely in a decorative way with colours that match ties and cravats and blend in with the wedding colours.
The Victorian groom and groomsmen went for the more flamboyant look on wedding days by hanging silk handkerchiefs out of their back pockets and many of these handkerchiefs were just as decorative as the ladies ones.
Modern Grooms and Handkerchiefs
A man’s suit can suddenly be transformed with the added colour of a silk handkerchief peeking out from the breast pocket as can a business suit with a crisp white linen square piece of cloth!
Grooms today give their outfits that touch of added class and sophistication by wearing matching cravats/ties and handkerchiefs and quite often they blend in with the waistcoat.
Even the wearing of a tuxedo is not considered complete without that handkerchief placed in the breast pocket.
Handkerchief Materials Used
Men’s handkerchiefs can be plain, patterned or monogrammed. Most are made from cotton, an easy care fabric and used on a daily basis. The handkerchief used to accessories is made from linen or silk and they can be folded and worn in different styles. Other materials are polyester and satin.
Silk is not ideal for folding or keeping shape but is more often than not placed inside the pocket for that individual look and style. Practice whichever one suits your taste and you may be surprised just how different you can have your handkerchief look than others.
You can usually find men's handkerchiefs for sale anywhere men’s accessories such as socks and ties are sold. Specialty shops also carry them with initial monograms on them.
Whichever style your groom or wedding party decide to use the material of the handkerchief should only show above the pocket an inch to an inch and a half and if there is a monogram on the handkerchief etiquette dictates that it should never be shown while on display in the pocket.
Groom Handkerchief Folds and Styles
From simple to complex the image of your handkerchief can be presented in so many different ways when accessorising a suit. Depending on which way you fold and which style you choose your handkerchief can look as different as the next man standing next to you.
Men’s suit jackets are still made today with the left breast pocket to hold a handkerchief and a suit can be given that added level of style and elegance with the placing of one into the pocket.
Elaborate Styles
If you fancy going for a more elaborate style, you can choose from the following.
- Cagney. This was named after James Cagney who was hardly seen without a handkerchief in any of his films.
- Astaire. Another gentleman of yesteryear who was considered one of the most stylish men in movie musicals. This handkerchief style is a puff with a point on either side.
- Straight Shell looks like nestled shells and to obtain this look the handkerchief is pleated before folded and placed in the pocket.
- Diagonal Shell is the same theory and very similar but the handkerchief is pleated in a diagonal pattern before being folded.
Various Groom Handkerchief Folds
If you would like a simple fold to your handkerchief to fit into your morning suit pocket, then you have these options.
- Fold in half before folding one third from each side, fold again in half and place inside pocket.
- To create the puffed look of a handkerchief lay it flat and pick up from the centre while allowing it to droop like a flower. Fold up the point to the tips of the open end and place inside pocket with ‘petals’ facing out.
- To have the triangular look place the handkerchief flat and fold it in half. Next fold one corner in just past the centre and fold its opposite corner in over it (just past the centre). Fold the bottom point up to the top and place inside pocket with the triangle pointing up.
- For that imperfect triangle look fold the handkerchief in half point to point. Along the long edge take a point and fold it towards two of the points. Take the remaining point of the long edge and fold it over the other three points while keeping one end flat. Fold from both directions to get the six-pointed end and fold again in half before placing into the breast pocket with the six-pointed end facing out.
Grooms Handkerchief Colours
You can be as elaborate as you want with your handkerchief so why not be adventurous with your coloured handkerchief and create your own fashion.
- Pink will make a charcoal suit modern and sharp.
- Any number of colours can be used with a black suit.
- Bring out the real navy in your suit with red.
Grooms Wedding Handkerchief Tips
A few little tips to ensure you get the most from your handkerchief.
- Always ensure your handkerchiefs is clean
- A well ironed handkerchief is smart
- Monograms can make men's handkerchiefs more personal and elegant
- When happy that your pocket square is in place leave it alone
Humour and Surrender
The handkerchief has for many years been the brunt of British sea side humour with the wearing of it on the head with knots tied at each corner along with the comedy look that goes hand in hand with red lobster skin, small men and an overweight bossy wife.
This little square of fabric has in the past had other uses besides fashion accessory. When men in battle didn’t have a white flag to rise in surrender, a white handkerchief was raised instead to signify defeat.
Other countries take handkerchiefs more serious.
In Japan, as in Sri Lanka, a man wearing a handkerchief is considered to be a well educated person.
In Jewish wedding ceremonies the groom is handed a handkerchief by the rabbi showing he is prepared to fulfil his obligations as staged in the Ketubah.
A Hungarian bride will give her groom, on their wedding day, three or seven handkerchiefs as these are considered lucky numbers.
In Switzerland the junior bridesmaids lead the procession while throwing coloured handkerchiefs to the guests. Those that catch the handkerchiefs give money to the newly married couple for their nest egg. (Crikey, I will be Mr Butter Fingers on that day!!)
Handkerchief Favours for Male Guests
Gifts for male guests at your wedding can be a monogrammed handkerchief. You could use their initials or your names and/or wedding date.
With words such as ‘thank you for sharing our day’ or ‘thank you being our best man/usher’ can also be given.
