UNIFORM | Pocket Squares


Photo via Alterations Needed.

I've been noticing (but only barely) that women's blazers are being increasingly designed with functional breast pockets. This is good news because one of the biggest head-scratchers when it comes to women's suiting is that they never have a breast pocket (or interior pockets, but that's another post for another day). No breast pocket means no pocket squares, and that just feels like giant missed opportunity. Why exclude the option for an added color pop—especially since we don't wear ties? Plus, the flamboyance and frill of a pocket square, to me, seems much more suited to a women's ensemble. On the higher end, Hermes, Ralph Lauren, Paul Smith and Paul Stuart have all been known to add working breast pockets on jackets for ladies, but I'd love to know if you guys know of any other designers, it'd be great to compile a list. Would you wear a pocket square?

In the mean time, here are some springy men's pocket squares I'm really liking: Clockwise from top left: Ikat pocket square ($19); Polka Dot Penny Bun square ($32); Floral pocket qquare ($50); Two-tone Linen pocket square ($35); Sid Mashburn pocket square ($55); Buzzy square ($12). 

Comments

Anonymous said…
I know GAP does. Or, at least they did at one point. I bought a blazer from them several years ago, and it has a functional breast pocket—which I've taken advantage of by wearing pocket squares!
Lizzie said…
Oh good to hear! I was hoping there were some more affordable options out there. Thanks!
Anonymous said…
I have an old Theory blazer with a working pocket, but it's so rare. I would totally rock a pocket square!
Emily Fleck said…
Hell yes I would...blazers are one of my staples. I love the polka dots.

I'm so envious of the internal pocket that I have considered taking a high-quality but thrifted men's jacket to a tailer to get totally re-done to fit my frame...but perhaps it's better to just have that same tailor add an internal pocket to my lady blazer. =)
Lizzie said…
Seriously, the internal pocket situation is so bizarre. It needs to end.
Mariah said…
Haha, you KNOW I do.
Nomadic D. said…
I have a stunning wool blazer from The Kooples,

http://bit.ly/SeDVIf

that has a breast pocket. I've never opened it up (it has the little stitching to keep it flat right now but I'm positive it's functional) because I never even thought of doing pocket squares. Until now that is... What a great idea!

I know The Kooples isn't exactly cheap, but they do have quiet impressive sales, and even without that, let me tell you, it's worth it!

www.nomadicd.com
Christin said…
My old BCBG blazer also has a functioning pocket, so that might be a good place to look.

But, if you're stuck without pocket, I kind of like the idea of these lapel flowers as a way to add color. They might be a little more on the feminine side, but I think you could make them work.

http://www.hookandalbert.com/lapel-flowers-at-hook-CID268.aspx

I'd wear one but would have to remember to carry another one too. Best to keep the first purely decorative!
Katie said…
So funny you posted this. I intentionally just bought a J Crew Schoolboy blazer b/c it has the breast pocket so I could wear a pocket square. :)
Lynn said…
I've been wanting to have one of those in my pocket for years!!! But I don't have and can't find any blazer's with Breast pockets.......guess I'll have to settle for the pocket watch :)
Liz said…
I wear one of my five8ths pocket squares with a vintage equestrian blazer. I'm a big proponent of women (as well as men) wearing pocket squares that are functional as well as decorative!
Anonymous said…
JCrew makes quite a few blazers with breast pockets, as well as internal pockets, sometimes. I believe that Hacking Jacket from last fall had both.
Angelica Tynan said…
Nonny is correct, JCrew's hacking jackets have both pen pockets, along with internal & external breast pockets. I personally love pocket squares & handkerchiefs. My absolute favourite is a glow-in-the dark McNairy kerchief with some ... ah, rather choice words, in a pretty font. ;^)
Amielle said…
I would love to wear a pocket square! I just need to find a new blazer to go with it. And that yellow one is STUNNING.
Aubri Teague said…
I just got a jacket at Banana Republic that has a functional breast pocket - I was ecstatic!
Anonymous said…
I have a couple blazers from Emersonmade / Emerson Fry from seasons past with pockets, and yes sported a square in one to my cousin's wedding last summer. Tks for the affirmation that I wasn't doing anything faux-pas-y :)
Dani Marie said…
This post makes me SOOOOO happy! I've been trying to get my friends to appreciate pocket squares within womenswear.
Indian suits said…
Way cool, some valid points! I appreciate you making this article available, the rest of the site is also high quality. Have a fun.
Sheena Medina said…
Yes, I love pocket squares! I have a blazer from Banana Republic from 3 seasons ago that has a functioning breast pocket. I also have a more recent linen blazer from UNIQLO that has a functional breast pocket. I don't buy my blazers without it! Thanks for this post.
Walter Hnot said…
Hello,

As an aside to my studying for law school, I would make pocket squares- I decided a couple of weeks back to make a female oriented pocket square. Would you mind sending me your email so that I can forward a photo, and receive your input for future production notes?

Thanks,

Walter Hnot
wavevector@hotmail.com
I've been noticing (but only barely) that women's blazers are being ... womensblazerjacket.blogspot.com
Anonymous said…
Joseph A Banks will custom tailor any men's suit to a woman's fit. I just found this out and the results of just a few nips and tucks on the blazer are amazing in the fit.

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