A Guide to Matching Ties and Pocket Squares

When it comes to matching your ties and pocket squares, only one rule applies and this is that – they shouldn’t exactly match.

A pocket square is a very important part of every gentleman’s wardrobe, but sadly is one that is overlooked by many. This simple but powerful menswear accessory makes a nice touch if you incorporate it well into your outfit.

I’ve written quite a number of articles on this all-important accessory. The very first one was on The Power of A PocketSquare | 7 EASY WAYS TO FOLD A POCKET SQUARE. In another article titled 25 Suit Rules All Men Need to Know I mentioned an important pocket square rule in the 23rd Suit rule. See below

#Rule 23: Avoid matching ties and pocket squares in pattern or fabric choice, instead find colors that complement the outfit. #styletip #mrkoachman #kobikoachman

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While many people would argue that it’s okay to match them, matching your ties with pocket squares cut from same cloth simply goes a long way in showing you always love to keep it safe when it comes to color coordination of your accessories.

This could be boring sometimes and when repeated consistently, it is guaranteed to make one look like he lacks taste. As a Stylish gentleman, you should never wear exactly matching accessories, but rather you have to go the extra mile with a little color coordination.

Unfortunately, these days you see so many fashion brands and department stores selling matching pocket square and tie to their customers in combo packs.

A lot of men are always excited when they walk into a fashion store and see the matching set –  they are like “What a relief! the burden of thinking how best to match my ties and pocket squares have been lifted off my shoulder”

Sorry, but that is Boring.

For those that buy these matching sets, my suggestion would be to not match them together in an outfit, but rather pick either the pocket square or tie from one set and match it with another tie or pocket square that would go well with it.

Take a look at the color wheel below…

A short course in “Colour Analysis” could help you especially if you are not naturally gifted when it comes to combining colors exceptionally well in your outfit. But today, I’m going to give you some ideas for matching ties with pocket squares. So get ready to mix things up.

Of course, not just any colors will look good together, but don’t worry this guide will help you choose the right pocket square for any tie you own or you intend to buy.

Also Read: 10 Tie Rules All Men Need to Know

How to Match Ties and Pocket Squares

Basically when next you want to wear a tie and a pocket square, here are the elements you should consider – COLORS, PATTERNS & PRINTS, and FABRIC:

1. COLORS

There are different ways to figure out which colors go together well.

A) For a contrasting effect: Go for complementary colors, such as yellow and purple; red and green or blue and orange

A combination of complementary colors involves choosing two colors that are found on exact opposite sides of the color wheel. These colors are highly contrasting and look very bold if put together.

B) For a more subtle look : Go for analog colors such as yellow and orange, green and blue or blue and violet

Analog colors basically mean that you will be choosing one color from the spectrum, skip one and then choose the next one. These combinations are very simple yet highly elegant.

C) A neutral tie goes best with a colorful pocket square and vice versa. Although neutral colored items (black, white, gray or beige) can be combined with any other color, so if any one of the items (either tie or pocket square) is a neutral color, you can always match it with any color you want for the second item.

D) When wearing a white shirt you can opt for a white pocket square, especially if your jacket is navy blue or black. In this case, you can choose any color of tie you want (just as stated above – white is a neutral color).

2. PATTERNS & PRINTS

Let’s look at 3 different cases and see how best to combine it.

Also Read: How To Match Your Tie to Your Suits and Shirt | PATTERNS

A) CASE 1: Solid colored Tie Vs Patterned or Print Pocket Square

In this case, choose the patterned/print pocket square that has at least one of its colors as the color of the Tie. Alternatively, you can choose a pocket square that has a lighter or darker shade of the solid colored tie reoccurring on the pocket square.

B) Case 2: Patterned or Print Tie Vs Pattered or Print Pocket Square

The first thing you must know is that You should never match patterns of the same size or same patterns together. If you have a tie with pattern, prints or stripes, you can go for a pocket square of the same pattern so as long as the patterns, prints or stripes on the pocket square are not of the same size as that of the Tie.

For example, if your tie has thin stripes, you can combine it with a pocket square with thick stripes or you could go for a different pattern such as a large polka dot. If the stripes on the tie are thick, you can go for a smaller polka dot pattern.

C) CASE 3: Patterned or Print Tie Vs Solid Colored Square

Similar rules from Case (1) above would apply. In this case, one of the colors of the tie can be the color of the pocket square or you can pick one of the colors of the tie and then choose a pocket square of a darker or lighter shade of the color you chose.

3. FABRICS

When it comes to fabrics, there is one main rule – The fabric of the pocket square should not be same as the fabrics from which the jacket and tie are made.
If you are wearing a suit made from wool, a nice silk pocket square would do.

You can add a light weight-cotton pocket square if your suit or jacket is made from a fine and smoother material.

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FINAL THOUGHT

You could decide how you wish to match your tie to your pocket square so as long as you don’t match exactly. I think you should try different combinations to see which one works best. Let me know how this goes.

As usual, the social media share buttons can be found at the end of this article. Feel free to share this article with whom ever you think would find it useful. Please leave a comment or a question and don’t forget to join us on social media! You can find us on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and FACEBOOK. Follow us on any of the channels you frequently use as we continuously inspire you on how to dress well, do well and live well.

PS. Ready to upgrade your wardrobe and learn how to dress like a stylish gentleman? Visit our MEN’S STYLING SERVICES to choose the service that best suits your need. Then send us an email, let us start with a free Style Consultation. We also sell KOBI KOACHMAN Gentleman Box containing Pocket Square, Tie, Tie Bar and Socks already matched up to perfection. Contact Us today to get yours.

KOBI KOACHMAN GENTLEMAN BOX

KOBI KOACHMAN GENTLEMAN BOX

Thank you so much for stopping by and for reading till the end. Until next time, continue to do well, live well, and dress really well. Stay Classy, always!

READ NEXT: The Gentlemen’s Guide To Shoes and Shoe Care
READ NEXT: 10 Accessories Every Gentleman Must Have In His Wardrobe

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Mr. Kobi

My name is Kobi O. Mbagwu, a professional image consultant, menswear style expert, and entrepreneur who uses fashion, style and clothing as key tools in transforming ordinary men into extraordinary classy gentlemen. My personal goal is to help gentlemen dress better, live well, do well and develop a unique personal style that matches their lifestyle and goals. I believe that success can be built through style. I believe that fashion is a tool that can be used to change people’s lives positively. I also strongly believe that if you dress well, you look good, and if you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you worry less, and the less you worry the more you are able to stay motivated and focused on your goals pursuit and by so doing you are able to live a more fulfilling and successful life.

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