Short on time this week? With a dollar in your pocket and 30 seconds on your watch you can turn a Goodwill tie ($1) into a pocket square (and in another minute make a headband with the scrap). Pocket squares are a great way for guys to add play to their look without much effort. Choose ties that contrast your jacket - go for brights or match with shoes, shirt or other details of your style.
If you are unsure about pulling off the pocket square you can rest assured it’s not a trend that just came to the table. Archeologists discovered weaving samples from over 35,000 years ago. Around 4,500 BCE small-dyed fabric squares were found at Hierakonpolis, Egypt and the first linen handkerchiefs were found around 2000 BCE. (http://www.samhober.com/pocketsquarehistory.htm/pocketsquarehistory.htm)
So relax, history is on your side.
More recently (think 1900’s) pocket squares were utilitarian. Clean handkerchiefs were displayed in the front pocket and once used, they would be moved to the back pants pocket.
Today they are more an excuse to add pattern and color to your gear and set yourself apart. It works. A friend, John, suggested this project because of the compliments he got from strangers while kicking the tie-pocket-square. You’ll get that too. Try it.
Step 1. Buy a few ties from Goodwill (they always have ample selection, look for the silk ones, they are much nicer.) You might find a great jacket there too, the ones shown here are from Goodwill.
Step 2. Measure the tie against front jacket pocket to determine the appropriate length (my finger marks the end of the pocket) and cut to that length.
Step 3. Style the tie in pocket, or use two different ties for more interest.
That’s all it takes.
With the left over tie ends you can make a headband or bow. If you have two different ties sew them together at the wider end about 2.5-3 inches from the edge.
Then roll each side under and sew it down to the longer piece underneath. Place on your head and tie the ends in a knot to secure.
If you only have one tie, make a bow in the center, sew it in place, and sew down the open end for a more playful spring style.
