How to Choose a Pocket Square for Any Occasion
By Kennedy Blue | Bridesmaid Dresses in 70+ Colors, Sizes 00-32 | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn to pick the right pocket square for weddings, business, and casual events. Compare styles, folds, and fabrics with our practical guide.
Quick answer
Match the pocket square to the formality of your event: choose a classic white linen for black-tie, a solid silk for business, and a floral or patterned square for weddings and festive occasions.
Match the pocket square to the event
The right pocket square depends on the dress code. For black-tie and formal events, a white linen or silk square in a presidential or flat fold is the safest choice. For business settings, a solid silk square in a subtle color adds polish without distracting. For weddings and celebrations, you have more freedom to experiment with patterns, colors, and folds.
Understand the trade-offs of fabric and fold
Silk squares are luxurious and hold crisp folds, but they can be slippery and may not stay put without a little extra tucking. Linen is more casual and breathable, ideal for outdoor summer events, but wrinkles easily. Cotton is a middle ground, offering structure and easy folding. The fold you choose should complement the square's fabric: stiffer fabrics work well with structured folds, while softer ones are better for puff or casual styles.
Coordinate with your wedding party
If you're a groom or groomsman, coordinating your pocket square with the bridesmaid dresses ties the whole wedding party together. Many brands offer pocket squares in colors that match their bridesmaid dress lines, so you can extend your color scheme seamlessly. This is especially effective when you also coordinate with ties or other accessories.
Decision rules for choosing a pocket square
- Formal or black-tie: Choose a white linen or silk square and fold it in a presidential or flat style. Keep it simple and understated. Avoid patterns and bright colors for strict black-tie events.
- Business or professional: Opt for a solid silk square in a muted color like navy, gray, or burgundy. Use a flat or puff fold for a clean look. A pocket square should complement, not dominate, your suit.
- Wedding or festive: Select a floral or patterned square that coordinates with the bridesmaid dresses or the wedding theme. Use a puff or crown fold to add personality. Coordinate with your partner's attire for a cohesive wedding party photo.
- Casual or outdoor: Choose a linen or cotton square in a relaxed pattern. A puff fold works best for a laid-back vibe. Linen wrinkles easily—embrace the casual texture.
Product facts
- Floral Pocket Square: This floral pocket square comes in select colors that blend well with the most popular Kennedy Blue bridesmaid dress colors and coordinates with floral ties. If you want a cohesive wedding party look, this square lets you echo the bridesmaid palette and tie it to the groomsmen's accessories.
Floral Pocket Square - Clearance Pocket Square: This clearance pocket square comes in many colors that coordinate with popular Kennedy Blue bridesmaid dress colors and measures 10 inches by 10 inches. If you're on a budget or need a versatile solid-color option, this square offers a low-cost way to match your wedding colors without compromising on style.
Clearance Pocket Square
Who should choose what
Best for
- Grooms and groomsmen who want to match bridesmaid colors
- Anyone attending a formal or business event who needs a classic, versatile square
Not for
- Those who prefer a minimalist or no-pocket-square look
- Very casual events where a pocket square might feel overdressed
