TV Fold

Definition and Overview

TV Fold is a folding method that neatly straightens the visible part of a pocket square. It creates a horizontal band visible from the breast pocket opening for a refined look with restrained decoration. It is also sometimes called the Presidential Fold.

It refers not to the pocket square itself or to its sewing specifications, but to the way the pocket square is folded. It is also called the Square Fold or Plain Fold, though the wording varies in sales contexts and fashion terminology.

Shape and How to Place It in the Breast Pocket

In general, the pocket square is shaped into a square or rectangle, and the lower part is folded up to match the depth of the breast pocket. Insert it so that one edge with no crease at the top, or a thin horizontal fold line, is visible.

The amount shown outside the pocket is adjusted modestly while checking how it looks with the lapel and the width of the pocket opening. Its outline differs from a puffed style that creates volume and a Three Peaks style that shows multiple peaks.

• Iron the pocket square flat before folding it.
• Even out the layered thickness at the bottom so the inside of the breast pocket does not become uneven.
• If the visible top edge tilts, take it out once and adjust the crease.

Materials and Finish

White solid colors make the straight outline of the TV Fold easier to show and are a choice that also works well with formal wear. The appearance changes depending on the material: silk is smooth and tends to have a sheen, while cotton and linen help the outline hold its shape relatively well.

Thin, slippery materials are more likely to sink inside the pocket, while thick or stiff materials are more likely to look bulky. It is important to check the thickness of the pocket square, the depth of the breast pocket, and the angle of the pocket opening, then adjust how much is shown outside.

How to Match It with an Outfit

The TV Fold is used in situations that call for a neat, understated presentation, from daytime formal wear to suit styles with a more businesslike feel. In general, white solid colors are easy to match with formal dress and semi-formal wear, while colors and patterns are chosen by considering harmony with the suit, shirt, and tie.

For evening tuxedos and the like, give priority to dress customs, the host's instructions, and the venue's dress code. If you want a more decorative look, there are folding styles such as Three Peaks, but the TV Fold is suited to situations where you want to keep the statement subtle and tidy overall.

Selection and Handling Notes

To keep the finish stable, choose a pocket square that is slightly larger than the width of the breast pocket opening and easy to crease. If the edge stitching of the pocket square is thick, it is easier to make it neat by folding it in a position where the visible top edge will not look uneven.

After use, check for any stains and care for it according to the washing instructions for the material. For materials where you do not want to leave strong fold marks, try ironing from a low temperature, using a pressing cloth if needed, and take care not to leave it strongly folded during long-term storage.

Frequently Asked Questions