The Art of Matching Ties and Pocket Squares: Tips and Tricks

Absolutely! But don't go for the exact same style or design—mix it up with flair!

Matching your pocket square to your tie is not something you shouldn't do, it just shows a lack of creativity! If you want to look creative, don't be boring—stand out with style and class! 🎩✨

As you can see in the above image, they picked out the burgundy in the tie and created a pocket square to match it. 

For easy pairings, choose a secondary colour from your tie as the primary colour for your pocket square.

The sartorial splendour of a well-dressed gentleman often hinges on the minutiae—those small details that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. When it comes to elevating one's attire, few accessories hold as much transformative power as the humble pocket square and tie combination. These diminutive fabric accents serve as the cornerstone of sophisticated dressing, offering a canvas for personal expression whilst adhering to time-honoured traditions.

At Leonard Hudson, we've witnessed the evolution of men's accessories throughout our decade-plus tenure in the industry. Our bespoke ties and exquisite pocket squares have adorned the ensembles of schoolboys and businessmen alike, adding that quintessential touch of refinement that speaks volumes about the wearer's attention to detail.

The art of coordination between these two accessories represents a delicate balance—one must aim for harmony without falling into the trap of monotonous matching. The contemporary gentleman understands that complementary colours and patterns yield a more sophisticated result than identical pairings, which can appear overly contrived or lacking in sartorial imagination.

In short, they're there 'to add a touch of cool' to the suit!

Interestingly, if we trace back the origins, pocket squares were originally used as practical handkerchiefs. But then society, in a twist of creativity, decided to elevate their status—turning them into a purely decorative accessory, peeking stylishly from your pocket!

Did you know you're supposed to keep a handkerchief tucked away for actual handkerchief emergencies? Seriously, don't blow your nose on a pocket square—it's there to make you look classy, not messy!

The pocket square's metamorphosis from utilitarian handkerchief to style statement epitomises the evolution of men's fashion. This small square of fabric, often crafted from luxurious silk or crisp cotton, serves as a visual focal point that can either anchor an ensemble or provide a splash of unexpected colour.

In the context of school uniforms or club attire, the pocket square offers an opportunity for subtle personalisation within established dress codes. For schools partnering with Leonard Hudson, custom pocket squares featuring institution colours or crests provide students with a sense of pride and belonging, whilst maintaining an air of sophistication.

Mastering the interplay between tie and pocket square requires an understanding of colour theory and pattern dynamics. Consider these pragmatic approaches to achieving sartorial harmony:

For those less versed in the nuances of accessorising, a straightforward approach involves selecting a pocket square that echoes the colour of another element in your ensemble—perhaps your shirt or a subtle thread in your suit—rather than directly matching your tie.

Beyond colour and pattern, the composition of your accessories contributes significantly to their overall effect. The juxtaposition of textures creates visual interest and depth in your attire.

Our collection at Leonard Hudson encompasses a diverse array of materials, from sumptuous silk ties that exude formality to polysilk options that offer durability for school environments. When pairing materials, consider contrasting a glossy silk tie with a matte pocket square, or vice versa, to create textural dimension.

The manner in which you fold your pocket square serves as a subtle yet significant expression of personality. From the austere Presidential fold to the flamboyant Puff fold, each style communicates something distinct about its wearer.

For school uniforms and club attire, we typically recommend more conservative folds—the Square or One-point fold—which convey respect for tradition while maintaining a neat appearance. However, for special occasions or individual expression, more elaborate presentations may be appropriate.

The quintessential aspect of pocket square presentation is that it should appear effortless, even when meticulously arranged. A pocket square that seems too precisely folded risks appearing affected rather than elegant.

The season and specific occasion should influence your selection of ties and pocket squares. Summer calls for lighter fabrics and perhaps more adventurous colours, whilst winter lends itself to richer hues and more substantial materials.

For formal events, such as school ceremonies or club functions, classic combinations rarely disappoint. A navy or burgundy silk tie paired with a crisp white pocket square featuring a subtle border detail offers timeless elegance. Conversely, more casual gatherings permit greater creative licence—perhaps a striped tie complemented by a pocket square in a harmonising but distinct pattern.

At Leonard Hudson, our bespoke service allows organisations to create custom accessories that perfectly suit their unique requirements, whether that's incorporating specific colours, emblems, or patterns that reflect institutional identity.

The relationship between tie and pocket square resembles that of instruments in an orchestra—they need not play identical notes, but must harmonise to create something greater than the sum of their parts. The most sophisticated ensembles achieve this balance, with each accessory contributing to a cohesive yet nuanced presentation.

As purveyors of quality accessories for over a decade, Leonard Hudson stands ready to assist schools, clubs, and individuals in navigating these sartorial waters. Our expertise in creating bespoke ties, custom pocket squares, and coordinated accessories ensures that whether you're outfitting an entire organisation or seeking the perfect accent for a personal collection, the result will embody quality, service, and impeccable style.

Remember, the true artistry lies not in rigid adherence to rules, but in understanding them well enough to bend them with confidence and purpose. In the words of fashion icon Hardy Amies, "A man should look as if he has bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them." Perhaps nowhere is this more applicable than in the delicate dance between tie and pocket square.

Ancient Egypt and Greece; Wealthy people carried small white linen handkerchiefs for personal hygiene and as a status symbol.

Catholic Church; In the first century AD, Catholic Church officials would attach white handkerchiefs to their left arms to show their devotion.

King Richard II; According to historical documents, the 14th-century monarch invented the pocket square as a nose-cleaning cloth.

15th century; Pocket squares became popular in Europe, and were often embroidered to show wealth and status.

19th century; The popularity of the two-piece suit led to the handkerchief being moved from the trouser pocket to the breast pocket of the suit jacket, becoming the pocket square. 

19th and 20th centuries; The pocket square evolved into the modern accessory we know today.

Now, you’re probably wondering, “Where can I find matching pocket squares and ties?” Well, the secret’s out—Lynendo has been perfecting the art of accessories since 1945. For a quote on pocket squares, simply click here!