Handkerchiefs

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    Learn More About Handkerchiefs

    Although handkerchiefs are great for dealing with runny noses, there are many other ways these useful accessories can come in handy. Wipe that sweaty brow on a warm day, remove makeup in a pinch, or mop up that Earl Grey spill. Are you tearing up at your cousin’s wedding? Soft cotton handkerchiefs are great for dabbing your eyes. Colorful handkerchiefs tied around the strap of your handbag can even make a unique fashion statement, and larger linen handkerchiefs can act as a jaunty scarf to shield the back of your neck from the sun’s rays if you forget your sunscreen.

    The shops on Etsy have an array of personalized handkerchiefs that combine classic elegance with heartfelt sentiment. These beautifully embroidered handkerchiefs can add a touch of class and charm to your ensemble or make a wonderful gift for a loved one. Choose from various designs, including custom text handkerchiefs that let you share a thoughtful message and monogrammed handkerchiefs that beautifully showcase your or a loved one's initials.

    Handkerchiefs are reusable—simply throw them in with your next laundry load. When properly cared for, you can use your trusted handkerchief for years. Best of all, when compared to single-use tissues, handkerchiefs can eliminate waste when reused. The sellers on Etsy even carry beautiful vintage handkerchiefs with charming decorative embellishments such as florals, scalloped edges, and delicate embroidery. A vintage handkerchief brings new life to a piece from the past, making it just as useful today as it once was.

    Just as there are many uses for handkerchiefs, there are myriad ways to fold them. Each type of fold depends on how you’ll be using your handkerchief. Here are some common folding styles:


    • For a runny nose: When cold and flu season or springtime allergies strike, keeping things sanitary is the goal. To fold a used hanky, fold all four corners into the middle. Next, fold the entire handkerchief in half, then one more time in half again. If you have a particularly large handkerchief, fold it again. Keep it in your pocket or handbag until you can run it through the wash.
    • As a classic pocket square: Place the handkerchief or pocket square flat on an even surface such as a table. Fold it in half diagonally, forming a triangle. Take one corner, and fold it along the base, just past halfway. Now do the same with the opposite corner, overlapping it with your previous fold. Your handkerchief should now look like an open envelope. Stick it in your jacket pocket with the pointy corner up.
    • As a stylish pocket accessory: For a more striking look, place your decorative handkerchief on a table, grab it in the center, and lift it off the surface. With your other hand, pinch the hanging handkerchief in the middle. Fold the tip up a little past half, and voila! You have a nice puff to decorate your pocket.