Men are deemed clumsy when they do not carry a handkerchief, more so when they have their nose leaking profusely. Handkerchiefs for men are a necessity as much as they are for the female counterparts. So what if you stray from the bandwagon, who think carrying a handkerchief indicates an effeminate disposition. It may well save you from a sneeze-y embarrassment!
“A plain white handkerchief is the sure sign of a confident and elegant dresser”
This is a quote by Allan Flusser. Sounds so true, does it not? Well, women do carry handkerchiefs, but what about men? Do they? Let’s unravel the mystery.
Taking up from the point I just pointed out, men are indeed shy to carry a handkerchief even when they have a blocked nose or a nose that promises to run a water supply facility 24/7. However, they fail to understand that this very unappealing tendency is doing a fantastic job of letting them down every time they strut around looking out for tissues in the vicinity.
The scenario turns all the more anecdotal when the sneeze is about to prove its intensity. Well, to deviate on a serious note, maintaining hygiene is of paramount importance, in an age that marks the birth of novel diseases and ailments that are making their way up the ladder to prove their potency. Apart from personal hygiene, another factor that shares the platter of dominance is that of personal grooming. The art of handkerchief folding is far from realization for the men folk! Let us take one scenario with two situations.
Scenario 1 – A man has adorned a dinner jacket, with classy cuff links and polished moccasins, what would you think of him? Sophisticated?
Scenario 2 – A man adorns himself in a dinner jacket, with classy cuff links and polished moccasins is accompanied with a sneeze minus the handkerchief? The sneeze is not his fault, agreed! But does he have a handy handkerchief to wipe off the grim? What would you think of him, NOW?
. . Still sophisticated? I am sure your response is a somersaulted version of sophistication.
Chivalry has been a long-forgotten, relic etiquette of history. Offering a crisp handkerchief to a damsel in distress could be viewed no more as an etiquette, but a virtue few men are blessed with. It is but distasteful for a woman to look around for some ‘material’ help, only to find a man digging into the debris of his pocket to find nothing, but an inverted pocket! A thorough gentlemen is one who produces a well-groomed square when a lady needs it most. . . . Perhaps, to wipe the pearls of joy swinging down her cheeks. The essence lies in impressing the lady with your charm, gentlemen!
Handpicked Handkerchiefs for Men
Handkerchiefs have been around for ages. Tissues have been the new breed of handkerchiefs. However, there is nothing better than our old, faithful and very sustainable handkerchief. There are various styles on offer to suit a man’s preference. If gifting a set of handkerchiefs is your proposed idea, you could forge ahead and choose from the variety listed below.
Cotton Handkerchiefs
Men love practicality and simplistic sophistication. What about cotton handkerchiefs? Even plain white cotton kerchiefs are suitable to be used. Handkerchiefs made from 100% cotton are the ideal choice. The traditional cotton kerchiefs can be really handy and worth the penny. Men have a tendency to wait until the last piece from the handkerchief set makes its way into the closets ‘daily’ department before they buy a set of new one’s! Procrastination cannot be the answer all the time!
Monogrammed Handkerchiefs
Well, monogrammed hankies are also doing the rounds with it being an ideal choice for daily use for men. Monogrammed handkerchiefs work well with semi-formal wear. They are generously sized for optimum usage. They are elegantly woven and embroidered handkerchiefs. They predominantly possess a cross-weave pattern. Its edges are hand-stitched. There are no issues of washing this embroidered linen. This could even be the perfect gift for men who need style packed in kerchiefs, desperately! (That was a mean statement, I suppose!)
Personalized Handkerchiefs
A set of personalized handkerchiefs could serve to be the perfect gift item for men. Simple yet elegant messages can be woven or embroidered on the kerchief triangle with colors and hues that define a sober yet classic sense of taste. Be it a love message etched on the fabric or two words conveying gratitude, you are sure to have your messages delivered in the most crisp manner possible.
Do not jumble up while choosing between a monogrammed and a personalized handkerchief. Though they share a thin line of distinction, the former is an embroidered and designed initial(s) of an individual, whereas, the latter has little sayings or fond expressions woven through the fabric. Generally available in a set of three/four, they look crisp and traditional and moreover have a personalized touch.
Vintage Handkerchiefs
Vintage-styled handkerchiefs are one amongst the most luxuriant accessories for men. They are predominantly made of virgin cotton. Pay attention to the detailing as you discover the hand rolled edges and intricate embroidery to lend a classy demeanor to the hand piece. Ideal for weddings, especially for the bride’s father; they may come handy to wipe a tear or two. Offering it around for a mass ‘weeping’ session at the wedding may portray how chivalrous you have grown to be!
Silk Handkerchiefs
Silk handkerchiefs or the pocket square plays a major role in uplifting the sophisticated gentry even more! Yes, it’s true. The basic difference between a pocket square and a handkerchief lies in the sole factor of visibility. A pocket square needs to be placed in the breast pocket, whereas the handkerchief needs to be snug in your pocket without playing pick-a-boo with your attire! However, silk handkerchiefs are an expensive buy.
You wouldn’t like to invest in a silk pocket square only to discover its use being transformed from a fold of style to a fold for the sneeze! They lend a finishing touch to the formal look that you adorn. It is a matter of sheer style when a silk hankie is seen in your breast pocket. Who says that your pocket square must be in perfect hue harmony with the tie or the suit you wear. The crux lies in the way you carry the look, gentlemen!
The traditional men hankies should be an accessory that covets panache, creative cheek and prerogative sauciness. So, all you men out there, it is time that the traditional hankie dives into deep waters only to emerge as the clear winner . . . where this eternal accessory is worth the keeps and not the sneeze!
A Piece of Advice: Men will be Men. If they are not ready for a pleasant change, let them enjoy the unpleasant ones! (By this statement, I do not wish to be gender-biased and I hope I have not dug my own grave!)