The term handkerchief is a diminutive of cloth . The concept refers to the small piece of cloth that is mainly used to wipe sweat or wipe your nose .
This meaning refers specifically to the so-called pocket square . In this case, the handkerchief is a square piece that is usually worn in the pants so that it is at hand in case of need.
Paper tissues , also known as disposable tissues , can replace pocket tissues made of cloth . As its name suggests, the disposable tissue should be thrown away once it becomes dirty; The cloth handkerchief, on the other hand, is washed and reused.
The notion of scarf also refers to larger pieces of fabric that are used as a clothing accessory , as a coat or to protect yourself from the sun . In this framework, scarves can be tied in different ways and thus fulfill different functions.
A headscarf, for example, covers you from the sun's rays. A scarf tied around the neck, meanwhile, minimizes the impact of the wind . On the other hand, scarves can be tied or arranged with an aesthetic sense.
The handkerchief as a clothing accessory for men should be placed in a pocket so that it is visible to others. Although we associate it with black-tie events, it is important to mention that it can be combined with sports, formal and even casual clothing , so it is used on many different occasions. However, the goal of this type of scarf is always the same: to provide the wearer with a margin of elegance, improving their personal image.
In a ceremony such as a wedding it is very common and, for clothing experts, highly recommended to give a touch of elegance to our appearance. Let us not forget that tradition provides men with a much smaller variety of clothing than women, and therefore it is necessary to exploit any clothing resource to enhance physical appearance .
A detail that many men take into account when choosing a handkerchief for a special occasion is that its design matches that of the tie: both its color and the patterns printed on it can match those of this other element to give it a to the outfit a sense of unity. However, nowadays there are more and more people who do without the tie in favor of wearing the shirt open at the neck, so this combination is not always possible.
Whether we wear a tie or not, the color of the handkerchief should not be the same as that of the jacket, since in that case it would not be easily distinguished. Its pattern must be the same as that of the tie; If this is not possible, then a smooth one is recommended.
The size of the dress handkerchief is one of its most important properties: if it is too small, it can make it difficult for us to fold it so that it protrudes from the pocket, but if it is too large it will generate an unnecessary bulge that can cause an imbalance in the jacket. In general, it is recommended that it measures 30 x 30 centimeters, ideal for playing with folds and achieving striking results.
It is important to mention that scarves can also carry symbolism or have ritual or artistic uses . In many dances , dancers use scarves; Waving handkerchiefs, on the other hand, can be a sign of protest or emergency .
In Argentina , the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo have the handkerchief as their emblem. Women who gathered during the military dictatorship to demand the appearance of their children began to wear a scarf covering their hair as a way of identifying themselves as a group. Over the years, as they continued to demand justice, the use of the handkerchief remained as a symbol .