Black vs White Pocket Squares: When and How to Wear Them

As they say, if you ever had someone compliment you on your accessories, you know how much impact these small intentional details can have in making a look memorable.

A pocket square is one such accessory and it can turn a suit from plain to magnificent. It is almost like the cherry on top of the perfect dessert. A suit showcases refined taste in men's formal wear. 

But how can you add character to a simple suit set? By accessorizing it well!

If you are experiencing problems with choosing between a black or white pocket square, this guide is just what you need. With simple tips, you would easily enhance your overall appearance with the right pocket square. 

Let's get started on this stylish tour!

What Will You Find In This Article?

• Choosing the right color of pocket square for the occasion. Black and white both go well with formal occasions. Choose the one that compliments well with the color of your suit.
• If you want to keep your overall appearance subtle, go with a white pocket square with polka dots or smaller motifs. Choose a black one if you are into power dressing.
• Personal style and fabric matters most when choosing  a pocket square. If your personal style choice has more pastel shades, white will always be a better choice.

Pocket Square Tips: Choosing Black or White

A pocket square may be small, but at times it might bring out the right edge in your appearance. 

Here's how to select the right one based on the context of the event, your general look, and your style.

Context of the Event

The nature of the event determines your pocket square. 

Black suit lover, anyone? Simple and elegant pocket square in the classic Presidential fold is the way to go with your dinner jacket. 

At a cocktail party, a burgundy-colored pocket square, puffed with elegance, adds just a splash of color and texture. Attending a daytime wedding? 

Think light, flowing linen-soft pastel shades or muted tones for an effortless air of sophistication without overpowering your look. 

For a less formal gathering, get playful: consider bolder colors or, even to the point of whimsy, polka dots or stripes. 

For a choice between black or white opt for a black pocket square to generate formality surrounding evening events. 

A white pocket square on the other hand is pretty much timelessly clean when matched day and night.

Overall Appearance

Your pocket square should add a great look to your outfit. While it may give you just that popped color, it must harmonize with the rest of your clothing. 

The black suit paired with the white shirt and white pocket square is simply jaw-dropping, while a similar contrasted pocket square serves to up the drama. 

A monochrome contrast pocket square in a deep blue or emerald green can add just that pop of color vibrancy that might otherwise be missing from a one-tone outfit. 

To add depth and dimension, layer different textures, such as a silk pocket square over a wool suit. 

Black pocket squares tend to fade harmoniously with darker suits, providing an elegant and understated look, while white pocket squares give contrast to sharp, minimalistic ensembles. 

Both colors, however, give a balanced, refined finish depending on whether you want to blend or stand out.

Personal Style

Express yourself through your pocket square!

If you enjoy bold and unusual styles, go for an eclectic pattern. If the person is minimalist, then a simple white or charcoal gray pocket square would be fine.

To infuse that 40s or 50s charm to a man, there's the use of subtle floral motifs or geometric prints that seem to belong in another era. 

If you are more on the modern side, then a metallic-finish pocket square or even just an abstract design would do the job to make you stand out more. 

Bear in mind that it's not about your outfit matching your personality but about how you manage blending your personality into your outfit. 

Black pocket squares are a good choice if you're a minimalist or like anything slick, whereas a white pocket square will give you that old school crisp feel, talking strictly about sophisticated blankness. 

If you happen to like modern style, chances are you'll go for a black pocket square in satin or silk, otherwise, you cannot go wrong with the historical tactility that leaves the issue untouched for the traditionalist.

Fabric Matters

The pocket square is also a bit of an indication of your character. 

Silk pocket squares often prove to be quite sexy and perfect because they remain sleek and shiny. 

Cotton or linen is fine when you want to sound a little more careless, as these materials are ideal for more casual events-such as a garden party or brunch, perhaps. 

Since these fabrics crinkle easily, choose black pocket square as it will help hide the crinkles. 

Velvets and wool make good winter choices because they add warmth and texture to your look. 

A white silk pocket square screams refinement especially for very formal occasions. But a linen or wool pocket square in black may be more fashion-forward and structured for semi-formal or even artistic kind of events. 

Whether you're attending a formal business meeting or an all-black-tie affair, the choice of your blacks or whites combined with the right fabric will always balance things out.

Folds and Techniques

The fold of your pocket square can completely change the whole feel of your outfit. A clean, straight Presidential fold makes the outfit sophisticated while a puff fold looks informal and casual. 

The three-point fold is a dramatic piece and works for those who want to make a stronger statement. 

Knowing a few old-school folds lets you adjust your pocket square from the subtlest of affairs to the most formal of dinner parties without breaking a sweat. 

White pocket squares in a Presidential fold add that crisp, clean look which is always in vogue while black pocket squares in a puff fold add a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. 

Try different folds to see how each one adds depth and texture to the color and fabric and varies with each occasion .

Patterns and Prints

For prints, think about how they might work within the overall picture.

Solid black and white pocket squares are amazing. However, small prints on a black pocket square can add character to even the most classic of ensembles without overpowering the entire look.

While the fine details on a white pocket square, such as stripes or minimal motifs, offer versatile pieces that work from day to night. 

A black pocket square with some playful print can also spice up a dull simple outfit for a more casual occasion, whereas a white pocket square carrying delicate patterns manifests charm and sophistication. 

Both of the printed black and white pocket squares allow you to add individual touch while keeping your outfit well-grounded.

Conclusion

With regard to the pocket squares, one might express that it is a real pleasure to carry art in your pocket. Taroob is well known for their exquisite and unique pocket squares. 

Though they have more recently extended their range of high quality men's accessories that encompasses beautiful scarves, stoles and dushalas.

Their pocket squares contain well-curated motifs of artworks, printed or embroidered nicely on good-quality silk and hand-crafted with nice edges etc. 

The size of Taroob pocket squares is just right, fitting easily in the pocket and having enough folds. 

With the different folds, along with a lot of colors in the motif, the pocket square is very versatile for complementing an outfit.