For all you seekers of sartorial splendor, the pocket square is an asset to any suit. It is easy to believe it is a modern phenomenon, a mere 20th-century accessory, an instrument of style designed to reside carefully in the wardrobe of Mad Men's Don Draper. But its roots actually extend for hundreds of years.

In 1603, William Shakespeare wrote Othello, his searing tragedy of love and betrayal, and it has remained one of his most enduring works. Othello's jealous friend, Iago, creates a web of lies that forces each of the play's main characters to turn against each other; when the curtain draws, five characters lie dead. But what relevance does this have to the men's fashion acolyte of this day and age? Aside from its role as a meditation on war, racism, hatred, and personal identity, Othello is a didactic tale reminding one to take good care of one's pocket square.

What, you say? 'Tis true, my lord. A pocket square (or 'handkerchief', its preferred nomenclature when it does not reside in a suit) plays a key role in the play. Symbolically an object of fidelity and devotion within the text, it is also crucial to the plot when Othello's wife's handkerchief is stolen by Iago and used to convince Othello that his wife and lieutenant are having an affair. Othello proceeds to smother his wife with a pillow and, upon learning of his mistake, kill himself.

Hopefully your pocket square will never be involved in such a sordid tale, but if it must, make it look good.

Typically the pocket square should complement some of the colors present in the tie, though it should not be completely identical. A white square can be matched with any tie (and, in the most dire of situations, can be used effectively to signal for surrender or truce). Don't be afraid to steer toward patterns, such as stripes, crosshatching, or paisley. Add some dimension and texture. But remember your choice of pocket square begins with your tie. Faulty matching leads to an incongruous look.

And vindication for our tieless brethren: keep in mind that pocket squares also look great without ties, and can (especially in the summer) replace them.

Some like the pocket square perfectly positioned -- centered, symmetrical, and uniform, for elegance -- while others prefer a more rugged, imperfect look for their square. For the most formal occasions, we recommend careful placement, but on other occasions feel free to get creative with an edgy, 'premeditated messy' look. But a pocket square should never be simply stuffed into a suit pocket -- or look that way.

With the art of the pocket square comes the art of folding the pocket square. Here are some of the more popular forms for the shapeshifting handkerchief:

1. Basic Straight Fold

The Straight Fold is the most basic of the pocket square folds, but may looking dated and fall, quite literally, flat. If you do play it Straight, do not have the square stick too far out of the pocket. But we recommend expanding your pocket square repertoire to some more visually appealing folds.

2. The One Point Fold

One can never go wrong with the One Point. Simple and effective, yet sophisticated without ostentation. Can be used flat, or built and textured. A necessity for any man's arsenal.

3. The Two Point Fold

Similar to the One Point, but adds a more suave, urbane connotation. A refined fold. For men who wish they were more like Bono.

4. The Puff Fold

Best used in informal occasions, The Puff is almost as easy to create as the Straight Fold and ends up as the more attractive option. Thoroughly unpretentious, it displays the most surface area of all folds, leading to a highlighted yet relaxed suit decor.

For the more advanced folds, silk pocket squares may not have the necessary rigidity to avoid falling down; if this occurs, try a cotton or linen square, or move to a different fold. Remember that squares can be starched.

Most importantly, feel free to experiment. Take a glance in the mirror; try different look. Go for a three or four point fold! A pocket square is a personal touch, and you should be conscious of the image it conveys. It is a relatively riskless procedure, and it enlivens any suit. The aesthete within (or the participant in Shakespearean theater) should never forget his pocket square.

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