How to Match a Pocket Square with a Tie

A pocket square can make a suit look more polished, but it shouldn't match your tie exactly.

The goal is to coordinate both accessories using color, pattern, or texture.

Do Not Choose an Exact Match

Avoid wearing a tie and pocket square made from the same fabric and pattern. This can make the outfit look too contrived.

Instead, choose a pocket square that:

• Includes one color from the tie
• Uses a complementary color
• Adds a different pattern or texture

For example, a navy tie can be paired with a pocket square in burgundy, cream, gold, or light blue.

Use One Shared Color

The easiest way to create a balanced combination is to repeat one color.

If your tie is burgundy, your pocket square could feature small burgundy details within a floral, paisley, or geometric pattern.

The shared color ties the accessories together without making them identical.

Balance Patterns

A solid tie goes well with a patterned pocket square.

If the tie has a pattern, choose a simpler pocket square or use a pattern with a different scale.

Let one accessory stand out while the other complements the look.

Consider the Suit

The color of your suit should also help guide your outfit choices.

Navy Suit

Try burgundy, gold, light blue, cream, or rust.

Grey Suit

Try navy, burgundy, green, pink, or white.

Black Suit

Keep the look simple with white, burgundy, black, or deep green.

Beige or Brown Suit

Choose warm colors such as olive, rust, mustard, navy, or cream.

Match the Occasion

For business settings, use subtle colors and simple folds.

For weddings and social events, you can wear more color, patterns, and textures.

For black-tie events, a white pocket square with a neat fold is usually the most elegant choice.

Easy Combination Ideas

• Navy tie with a burgundy patterned pocket square
• Burgundy tie with a floral pocket square
• A green tie with a gold or cream pocket square
• Blue tie with a rust- or orange-colored pocket square
• Patterned tie with a white pocket square

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid matching sets, too many competing patterns, and colors that clash with the shirt or suit.

The best combination should look coordinated, not copied.

Final Tip

Start with the tie, choose one color to repeat, and let the pocket square add a touch of personality.

A well-chosen pocket square is a small detail that can completely transform a suit.