System and method of maintaining pocket square form in a pocket

A system of maintaining the form of a pocket square comprises an insert, a pocket square sleeve, and a holder. The insert comprises a semi-rigid or rigid material. The pocket square sleeve comprises fabric sewn along a lengthwise seam to form a sleeve and a second seam substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise seam forming a cavity configured to receive the insert. The holder comprises an elongate member and a fastening element, the elongate member configured to be folded to cause engagement of the fastening element. The insert is disposed in the cavity of the pocket square sleeve and the combined insert and pocket square sleeve is disposed in the holder with the fastening element engaged.

BACKGROUND

Pocket squares are a well-known accessory in the fashion industry. A pocket square is typically a square- or rectangular-shaped piece of fabric such as silk, cotton, or linen. The pocket square is folded and placed in a pocket (typically the breast pocket of a suit jacket) such that it protrudes from the pocket, typically on the order of ½ to three centimeters of the pocket square being visible as protruding from the pocket. Through the use of different fabrics (including different colors, patterns, and textures), as well as different folding techniques and degrees of protrusion, the pocket square offers a wide range of ways to accent a suit jacket. This wide range of accents via pocket square can be coupled with an equally wide range of suit jacket, shirt, socks, and tie selections to create a nearly endless variety to a suit.

Despite their versatility, pocket squares suffer from many drawbacks that are also well-known to the fashion industry and consumers in general. Because pocket squares are simply a piece of fabric and are typically made from finer fabrics, they lack the rigidity to hold their form for long periods of time. In addition, the linings of many pockets include fabrics that are not conducive to maintaining the position of a pocket square. As a result, a pocket square placed in the breast pocket of a suit jacket will frequently sag or slide down into the pocket (reducing the amount of the pocket square visibly protruding from the pocket), move side-to-side within the pocket, or become bunched. When a pocket square loses its form in these ways, it destroys the desired style and presentation of the pocket square, such as the crisp presentation of a pocket square line protruding from the breast pocket. Pocket squares are also notoriously difficult to fold and place in the breast pocket.

Many in the fashion industry have made previous attempts to overcome these shortcomings. For example, certain companies now offer the option to have a pocket square sewn into place in the breast pocket of a suit jacket. While this solution may overcome the problem of the pocket square losing its form during wear, it obviously creates a new problem in that the suit jacket and pocket square are now attached to each other, such that the user cannot easily change the styling of the suit jacket. This solution therefore destroys the versatility afforded through the use of pocket squares.

Similarly, some in the fashion industry have taken to sewing a pocket square to a structural member such as a piece of cardboard, and then inserting the sewn-together pocket square and structural member combination into a breast pocket. Sewing the pocket square in a fixed orientation or fold pattern reduces the versatility of the pocket square (which could otherwise be folded in numerous styles) and can be problematic for laundering.

Another solution known in the industry is the use of a plastic sleeve or pouch that envelops a portion of the pocket square. This solution is akin to a common plastic “change purse” design, having a plastic sleeve that is closed on three sides but open on the fourth side. Squeezing the sleeve near the open fourth side causes temporary deformation of the sleeve to create an opening large enough to place a pocket square inside, and cessation of the squeezing pressure allows the sleeve to close and grip the pocket square. The “change purse” sleeve and pocket square are then inserted into the breast pocket. This solution is less than ideal because the pocket square is typically hard to place in the sleeve since the sleeve is closed on three sides. The pocket square—again, typically made of delicate or fine fabric and folded with some degree of precision—is required to be stuffed into a plastic sleeve at one end without disrupting the presentation of the other end that will protrude from the breast pocket. This is difficult to accomplish and often results in a poor presentation of the pocket square in the breast pocket.

As none of these prior solutions have succeeded in maintaining the versatile nature of the pocket square while correcting for the tendency to lose shape, there is thus a long felt need in the fashion industry for improvements to the use of pocket squares.

SUMMARY

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a system of maintaining the form of a pocket square comprises an insert, a pocket square sleeve, and a holder. The insert comprises a semi-rigid material. The pocket square sleeve comprises fabric sewn along a lengthwise seam to form a sleeve and a second seam substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise seam forming a cavity configured to receive the insert. The holder comprises an elongate member and a fastening element, and the elongate member is configured to be folded to cause engagement of the fastening element.

In some embodiments the insert is disposed in the cavity of the pocket square sleeve and the combined insert and pocket square sleeve is disposed in the holder. In some embodiments the pocket square sleeve is closed with a third seam proximate an end of the sleeve, said third seam substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise seam. In some embodiments the pocket square sleeve is dimensioned such that folding the pocket square sleeve to fit into a pocket requires folding the pocket square sleeve in a single dimension. In some embodiments the pocket is a breast pocket of a suit jacket. In some embodiments folding the pocket square sleeve in quarters along a lateral dimension achieves an appropriate dimension of a folded pocket square sleeve to fit into the pocket.

In some embodiments the fastening element comprises a hook and loop fastener, with a hook panel disposed opposite the loop panel when the elongate member is in a folded position, wherein folding the holder about the combined insert and pocket square sleeve causes engagement of a portion of the hook panel with a portion of the loop panel. In some embodiments the fastening element comprises a pair of magnets, with a first magnet having a first polarity disposed opposite a second magnet having a second polarity when the elongate member is in a folded position, wherein folding the holder about the combined insert and pocket square sleeve causes engagement between the pair of magnets sufficient to hold the holder about the combined insert and pocket square sleeve.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, a system of maintaining the form of a pocket square comprises a pocket square, a semi-rigid insert, and a holder. The pocket square comprises a polygonal piece of fabric configured to be folded to a polygonal shape dimensioned to fit substantially within the breast pocket of a suit jacket. The semi-rigid insert is dimensioned to fit substantially within the breast pocket of a suit jacket and configured to be folded within the pocket square. The holder comprises an elongate member and a fastening element, with the elongate member configured to be folded to cause engagement of the fastening element. The insert is folded within the pocket square and the combined insert and pocket square is partially disposed within the holder, with the fastening element of the holder at least partially engaged.

In some embodiments the fastening element comprises a hook and loop fastener, with a hook panel disposed opposite the loop panel when the elongate member is in a folded position, wherein folding the holder about the combined insert and pocket square causes engagement of a portion of the hook panel with a portion of the loop panel. In some embodiments the fastening element comprises a pair of magnets, with a first magnet having a first polarity disposed opposite a second magnet having a second polarity when the elongate member is in a folded position, wherein folding the holder about the combined insert and pocket square causes engagement between the pair of magnets sufficient to hold the holder about the combined insert and pocket square. In some embodiments the fastening element comprises an elastic band configured to extend between and couple opposing sides of the elongate member when the elongate member is in a folded position to hold the holder about the combined insert and pocket square. In some embodiments the elastic band is attached in at least one location to the elongate member. In some embodiments the fastening element comprises a clasp configured to extend between and couple opposing sides of the elongate member when the elongate member is in a folded position to hold the holder about the combined insert and pocket square.

According to yet further aspects of the present disclosure, a method of maintaining the form of a pocket square comprises: inserting an insert into a cavity of a pocket square sleeve, the pocket square sleeve comprising fabric sewn along a lengthwise seam to form a sleeve and a second seam substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise seam forming a cavity configured to receive the insert; folding the pocket square sleeve having the insert disposed in the cavity to form a folded pocket square sleeve insert; placing the folded pocket square sleeve insert in a holder, the holder comprising an elongate member and a fastening element; and folding the elongate member to engage the fastening element such that the folded pocket square sleeve insert is held by the holder.

In some embodiments the step of folding the pocket square sleeve comprises folding in a single dimension to achieve a folded pocket square sleeve insert dimensioned to fit in the breast pocket of a suit jacket. In some embodiments the pocket square sleeve is folded in quarters. In some embodiments the step of folding the elongate member comprises folding the elongate member in a bi-fold manner such that a first portion of an interior surface of the elongate member substantially faces a second portion of the interior surface.

In some embodiments the fastening element comprises a hook and loop fastener, with a hook panel disposed opposite the loop panel when the elongate member is in a folded position, wherein folding the holder about the folded pocket square sleeve insert causes engagement of a portion of the hook panel with a portion of the loop panel. In some embodiments the fastening element comprises a pair of magnets, with a first magnet having a first polarity disposed opposite a second magnet having a second polarity when the elongate member is in a folded position, wherein folding the holder about the folded pocket square sleeve insert causes engagement between the pair of magnets sufficient to hold the holder about the folded pocket square sleeve insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of maintaining the form of a pocket square when disposed in a pocket. The disclosed systems and methods overcome the aforementioned deficiencies, namely the tendency of a pocket square to lose its shape or form when worn in a pocket, while preserving the versatility of the pocket square as a fashion accessory. The disclosed system of maintaining the form of a pocket square may comprise a pocket square, an insert, and a pocket square holder. The pocket square may be a typical square or rectangular-shaped piece of fabric or a fabric of varying shapes and sizes, or may be a fabric sleeve as disclosed below.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a typical pocket square100is used.FIG. 1Ais an isometric view of a typical pocket square100that is well-known in the fashion industry and to the general public. Pocket square100comprises a polygonal piece of fabric, such as a square or rectangle. The fabric may comprise silk, cotton, linen, or similar material, or a blend of materials.

FIGS. 1B, 1C, and 1Dprovide isometric views of the folding of a pocket square100to include an insert102in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pocket square100is first folded in a lateral dimension (typically lengthwise for rectangular-shaped pieces of fabric) as illustrated inFIG. 1B. In the illustrated embodiment the pocket square100is folded in thirds; however, additional folding divisions, such as by quarters, are contemplated. By folding the pocket square100along fold lines A and B and as indicated by the arrows ofFIG. 1B, the pocket square100presents a reduced width at a constant length as compared to the pocket square100ofFIG. 1A. The reduced width achieved by the folding illustrated inFIG. 1Ballows for placement of the pocket square100in a pocket. In other words, the reduced width is less than the width of the pocket in which the folded pocket square is to be placed.

Moving toFIG. 1C, the pocket square100is next folded along fold lines C and D, as indicated by the arrows ofFIG. 1C. Prior to executing these folds, an insert102is placed as shown. The insert102comprises a rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic, cardboard, polyurethane, vinyl or similar materials, and is dimensioned to be the approximate desired dimensions of a folded pocket square. In other words, the insert102may be dimensioned slightly smaller than the dimensions of a typical breast pocket of a suit jacket. In some embodiments, the insert102is 8.5 cm by 8 cm. When folded into the pocket square100as illustrated inFIGS. 1B, 1C, and 1D, the insert102will provide structural rigidity to the folded pocket square. It is desirable that the rigid or semi-rigid material used for the insert102allows the insert102to be thin so as not to be bulky and/or noticeable when disposed in a pocket.

AtFIG. 1D, the pocket square100is further folded along fold line E as indicated by the arrow ofFIG. 1D. This fold completes the folding of the pocket square100. The final combination of a folded pocket square100and insert102—which this application shall refer to as a folded pocket square insert110—is illustrated in the isometric view ofFIG. 1E.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a pocket square sleeve200is used instead of a standard pocket square100such as that described above.FIG. 2Ais an isometric view of a pocket square sleeve200in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. A pocket square sleeve200comprises a rectangular piece of fabric that is folded onto itself at edge G and sewn at seam H to create a tube, or sleeve, of fabric.

The tube is closed at a first end201by a sewn seam I, and closed at an offset from an opposing end202by a sewn seam J. The offset between the end202of the tube and seam J creates a fabric cavity203.

Pocket square sleeve200typically has a width W slightly less than the width of the breast pocket of a suit jacket. Such a width eliminates the need for laterally folding the pocket square sleeve200(such as the lateral folding illustrated for a pocket square100inFIG. 1B). In other words, the pocket square sleeve200can, in some embodiments, be prepared for insertion into a pocket by only folding the sleeve200in a single dimension, rather than in multiple dimensions such as shown inFIGS. 1A-1Ewith reference to a typical pocket square100. The pocket square sleeve200can be folded only along the length L of the sleeve (i.e. executing folds perpendicular to the length dimension), and need not be folded along the width W of the sleeve (i.e. no folds executed parallel to the length dimension).

In some embodiments, the length of the pocket square sleeve200is dimensioned such that the sleeve200is folded lengthwise in quarters, as shown and described below with reference toFIGS. 2B and 2C. In some embodiments, the pocket square sleeve20Q measures 8.5 cm wide by 40 cm long.

FIGS. 2B and 2Cprovide isometric views of the folding of a pocket square sleeve200in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. First, an insert102is inserted into the cavity203of the pocket square sleeve200. The insert102may be as described above with reference toFIGS. 1A-1E. In some embodiments the insert102is inserted into the cavity203by a user, and in other embodiments the insert102may be inserted into the cavity203before being shipped to the user. In some embodiments the cavity203may be sewn shut to enclose the insert102after the insert102is inserted into the cavity203.

The pocket square sleeve200is folded along fold lines K and M, as indicated by the arrows ofFIG. 2B. The pocket square sleeve is then folded along fold line N, as indicated by the arrow ofFIG. 2C. This fold completes the folding of the pocket square sleeve200. The final combination of a folded pocket square sleeve200and insert102—which this application shall refer to as a folded pocket square sleeve insert210—is illustrated in the isometric view ofFIG. 2D.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3Cprovide illustrations of a pocket square holder300in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pocket square holder300comprises an elongate member301and fastening element307.

Elongate member301has a first or exterior side302and a second or interior side304. Elongate member301may be formed of leather, polyurethane, flexible plastic, vinyl, or similar material. Elongate member301has a folding seam P that divides the elongate member301substantially in half. The opposing halves of elongate member301are configured such that folding elongate member301along fold seam P causes the elongate member301to fold in a bi-fold fashion.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3C, fastening element307is a hook and loop fastener comprising a first or loop panel311and a second or hook panel312. When pressed together, loop panel311and hook panel312engage to form a non-permanently bonded surface that is detachable by pulling the panels311,312apart. The engaged loop panel311and hook panel312hold the elongate member301together as a folded bi-fold.

Additional fastening elements307are contemplated, such as magnets, clasps, buckles, snaps, elastic bands, temporary adhesive, and similar fasteners.FIGS. 7A and 7Bprovide illustrations of an alternative pocket square holder300with a fastening element307of a first magnet315of a first polarity and a second magnet316of a second polarity disposed on opposing sides of fold seam P. The magnets315,316are coupled to the interior side304of elongate member301, and positioned in an opposing manner such that folding the elongate member along fold seam P will bring the magnets315,316into sufficiently close proximity to form a non-permanent magnetic hold between the magnets315,316. Magnets may also be sewn into or otherwise integrated into the elongate member301so that the magnets are not visible, but are still attracted to each other sufficient to maintain the pocket square in place.

The magnets315,316may be coupled to the elongate member301using an adhesive, a pouch configuration, or similar acceptable coupling means. The magnets315,316may be offset from the fold seam P as well as the lengthwise ends of the elongate member301. Although the magnets315,316are shown as a single, rectangular-shaped magnet on each side of the fold seam P, additional embodiments are contemplated comprising an additional number of magnets, additional magnet shapes, and additional magnet placement within the interior surface304of the elongate member301. In embodiments having more than one magnet on each side of the fold seam P, the magnets on a single side of the fold seam P may have the same polarity or different polarities.

In some embodiments fastening element307comprises one or more elastic bands configured to extend around the holder300and pocket square sleeve insert210. The one or more elastic bands may extend between and couple opposing sides of the elongate member301. The one or more elastic bands may be attached in at least one location to the elongate member301. In other embodiments fastening element307comprises a clasp configured to extend between and couple opposing sides of the elongate member301.

The positioning of a folded pocket square sleeve insert210within the pocket square holder300determines the height of the pocket square when placed in a pocket, which can also be described as the extent to which the pocket square protrudes from the pocket.FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5Bare illustrative. Although these figures are described with reference to the placement of a folded pocket square sleeve insert210, it is to be understood that a folded pocket square insert110may be substituted for the folded pocket square sleeve insert210in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Similarly, although these figures are described with reference to the pocket square holder300described inFIGS. 3A-3C, it is to be understood that similar pocket square holders—for example, the pocket square holder300described with reference toFIGS. 7A and 7B—may be utilized with equal success.

FIGS. 4A and 5Aprovide front profile views of a folded pocket square sleeve insert210and pocket square holder300, withFIG. 4Ashowing the folded pocket square sleeve insert210and pocket square holder300before coupling andFIG. 5Ashowing the folded pocket square sleeve insert210and pocket square holder300after coupling. Similarly,FIGS. 4B and 5Bprovide side profile views of a folded pocket square sleeve insert210and pocket square holder300, withFIG. 4Bshowing the folded pocket square sleeve insert210and pocket square holder300before coupling andFIG. 5Bshowing the folded pocket square sleeve insert210and pocket square holder300after coupling.

As shown in these figures, the pocket square holder300is placed or held in an open position in which the fastening element307is not engaged (in the illustrated embodiment, the loop panel311and hook panel312are not coupled). In the open position, the pocket square holder300may be partially folded along fold seam P, such that respective sides of interior surface304are substantially facing each other.

The folded pocket square sleeve insert210is positioned within the open pocket square holder300(in the illustrated embodiment, between loop panel311and hook panel312). The pocket square holder300is then folded additionally along fold seam P until the fastening element307fastens opposing sides of the interior surface304. In the illustrated embodiment, the pocket square holder300is folded until at least a portion of loop panel311is engaged with at least a portion of hook panel312. The engagement of the fastening element307holds opposing sides of the interior surface304together, such that the pocket square holder300is holding or gripping the folded pocket square sleeve insert210.

By varying the position of the folded pocket square sleeve insert210within the pocket square holder300, and more specifically by varying the depth D to which the folded pocket square sleeve insert210is inserted into the pocket square holder300, the user is able to control and vary the extent to which the folded pocket square sleeve insert210will protrude from a pocket. Positioning the folded pocket square sleeve insert210in a manner that increases the depth D shown inFIGS. 5A and 5Bwill cause the folded pocket square sleeve insert210to protrude to a greater extent, while positioning the folded pocket square sleeve insert210in a manner that decreases the depth D will cause the folded pocket square sleeve insert210to protrude to a lesser extent.

The combined folded pocket square sleeve insert210and pocket square holder300—referred to herein as the combined element600—is ready to be placed in a pocket.FIG. 6provides a view of the combined element600disposed in the breast pocket601of a suit jacket. The combined element600may be disposed in other types of pockets.

The pocket601comprises a pocket pleat603coupled to a pocket pouch605. The pocket pleat603at least partially defines the opening607of the pocket601. The pocket601has a height Y and width X.

The combined element600is inserted into the pocket601via the opening607. When inserted, the combined element600, and more particularly the folded pocket square sleeve insert210, will protrude from the pocket601at a height H. As described above, the folded pocket square sleeve insert210will typically protrude from the pocket601at a height of between ½ and 3 cm.

As shown inFIG. 6, pocket square holder300may be dimensioned to have a height—as defined when the pocket square holder300is folded substantially in half to hold the folded pocket square sleeve insert210—that is less than the height Y of the pocket601. Pocket square holder300may also be dimensioned to have a width that is less than the width X of the pocket601. In some embodiments the pocket square holder300has a height of 11.5 cm (and a total length when unfolded of 23 cm) and a width of 7.5 cm.

Although the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 3A-3Ccomprises a loop panel311and a hook panel312that cover substantially all of the interior side304, in some embodiments of the present disclosure the loop panel311and hook panel312are substantially smaller and limited to the region proximate the fold P.FIGS. 10 and 11A and 11Billustrate such an embodiment. In this embodiment with a limited loop panel311and hook panel312, the fastening element307is still configured to hold opposing sides of the pocket square holder300together. Further, the pocket square holder300is able to perform the important function of allowing a user to set the depth D of a pocket square when disposed in a pocket by forming a holding bond proximate the bottom of the pocket square. The embodiment ofFIG. 10may also aid with preventing damage to the pocket square fabric that may be seen when utilizing the full fastening member307shown inFIGS. 3A-3C. Thus in both the embodiments ofFIGS. 3A-3CandFIGS. 10the pocket square holder300is configured to provide a selectably variable depth D for the pocket square when disposed in a pocket.

In some embodiments, the sleeve200is substantially shorter in the length L dimension than that described above with reference toFIGS. 2A-2D. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 12A and 12B, the sleeve1200may be dimensioned to substantially fit into a pocket without folding. The sleeve1200may essentially comprise the portions defining cavity1203, and cavity1203may be configured to receive insert102. Cavity1203may be sewn shut to contain insert102. In such an embodiment, the combined sleeve1200and insert102, referred to as sleeve insert1210, may be disposed in pocket square holder300substantially as described above and as indicated inFIG. 12B.

In some embodiments, a pocket square sleeve and insert combination1310may be double-sided, such that either of two sides may be displayed as protruding from a pocket. An example is provided inFIG. 13. The pocket square sleeve and insert combination1310comprises a pocket square sleeve and insert102substantially as described above. The combination1310may have a first side1351having a first display and a second side1352having a second display. In the illustrated example, the first side1351presents a linear display such that when placed in the pocket with first side1351protruding from the pocket the viewer will see a classic line of a pocket square. The illustrated example also has a second side1352that presents a folded pattern display such that when placed in the pocket with second side1352protruding from the pocket the viewer will see a folded pattern of the pocket square. In such embodiments, either or both of first side1351and second side1352may include a sewn seam or stitching to hold the presentation in place, or may be folded/patterned by the user prior to disposal in a pocket.

In addition to the systems described above, the present disclosure provides methods of maintaining the form of a folded pocket square or folded pocket square sleeve, particularly when disposed in a pocket.FIG. 8is a flow diagram of such a method800. Method800begins at Block801and utilizes a pocket square sleeve20Q and a pocket square holder300such as those described above with reference toFIGS. 2A-2D and 3A-3C. At Block803an insert102is inserted into the cavity203of the pocket square sleeve200.

The pocket square sleeve200is then folded at Block805to form a folded pocket square sleeve insert210. The pocket square sleeve200maybe folded in a single dimension, such as illustrated atFIGS. 2B and 2C, where the pocket square sleeve200and insert102are together folded in a single lateral dimension in quarters to effect a folded pocket square sleeve insert210. The pocket square sleeve200maybe folded to achieve a folded pocket square sleeve insert210dimension to fit in a pocket, which may be the breast pocket of a suit jacket (such as the pocket601illustrated inFIG. 6).

At block807the folded pocket square sleeve insert210is placed in a pocket square holder300, and at Block809the holder300is folded to engage a fastening element307. The folded pocket square sleeve insert210maybe partially disposed in the holder300, such that a portion of the folded pocket square sleeve insert210protrudes from the holder300. The step of folding the holder300may comprise folding an elongate member301in a bi-fold manner such that a first portion of an interior surface304substantially faces a second portion of the interior surface304.

Engagement of the fastening element307holds the holder300about the folded pocket square sleeve insert210. At Block811, the combined folded pocket square sleeve insert210and holder300maybe placed in a pocket, such as the pocket601illustrated inFIG. 6.

A method900of maintaining the form of a pocket square is provided that utilizes a pocket square such as pocket square100illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1Eand a pocket square holder such as pocket square holder300illustrated andFIGS. 3A-3C. Method900beings at Block902and proceeds to Block904, where a pocket square100is folded to include an insert102. At Block906, the folded pocket square insert110is placed in a pocket square holder300, and at Block908the pocket square holder300is folded to engage a fastening element307. The combination of the folded pocket square insert110and pocket square holder300with engaged fastening element may be placed in a pocket at Block910. Method900ends at Block912.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and method of maintaining the form of a pocket square are presented substantially as described above, but without the use of a pocket square holder300. Thus, a system of maintaining the form of a pocket square may comprise a pocket square sleeve200and insert102. Once combined, the pocket square sleeve200and insert102may be disposed in a pocket without the use of a pocket square holder300.

In some embodiments, the user may be presented with a kit having several inserts102of varying lengths. The user may select an insert102of an appropriate length to achieve a pocket square depth as desired. In such embodiments the insert102may both functionally provide rigidity to the pocket square and provide a grounding point against the bottom of the pocket to ensure the pocket square maintains a consistent distance of protrusion from the pocket. Thus, the functionality of both the insert102and pocket square holder300as described in earlier embodiments may be combined such that the insert102performs both functions. In some embodiments, the kit may provide three to five inserts102, or more or less, with each of the inserts102having a length different from the other inserts102of the kit.

It should be noted that although the illustrated embodiments present a straight pocket square line (the pocket square protruding from the pocket is straight and usually substantially parallel with the pocket opening), additional shapes, folds, and patterns for the portion of the pocket square protruding from the pocket are contemplated with the disclosed systems and methods. The illustrated straight pocket square line may be referred to in the industry as a flat fold, Presidential fold, or TV fold.

The presently disclosed systems and methods therefore provide substantial advantages over the prior art. A system comprising a pocket square or pocket square sleeve, an insert, and a pocket square holder provides a degree of structure and rigidity to the folded pocket square to overcome the tendency of a pocket square to lose its form when worn in a pocket. The insert thus prevents bunching and sagging of the pocket square when disposed in the pocket. The structure and rigidity provided by the insert is achieved without the need for sewing or the use of difficult mechanisms such as the “change purse” sleeve. The structure and rigidity is also achieved with a combined element structure that is sufficiently thin so as not to be readily noticeable when placed in a pocket such as the breast pocket of a suit jacket.

The combination of a folded pocket square insert or folded pocket square sleeve insert with a pocket square holder allows for the adjustment of the height that the combined element will protrude from a pocket, and thus provides both flexibility to a user to alter the style of the pocket square and safeguards against the pocket square having an undesirable height of protrusion. The combination of a folded pocket square insert or folded pocket square sleeve insert with a pocket square holder also maintains the height of the pocket square protruding from the pocket during wear, and therefore prevents sagging of the pocket square.

The disclosed pocket square sleeve additional eliminates the need for lateral folding, and provides an easy-to-use location for placement of an insert. The reduced folding is particularly advantageous as the pocket square sleeve will more readily hold its form than a more-folded pocket square.

The use of an insert and pocket square holder is additionally advantageous because it will allow a user to utilize any pocket square they may have available, thus providing access to the full range of options that make pocket squares such a versatile accessory. A typical pocket square may be folded with an insert and placed in the pocket square holder to great effect. The disclosed systems and methods are therefore largely indifferent to the size, type of material, and shape of the selected pocket square.

As these advantages illustrate, the disclosed systems and methods improve the ability of a user to maintain the form of a pocket square when worn in a pocket while simultaneously maintaining the versatile nature of the pocket square. The disclosed systems and methods therefore correct a long felt need in the fashion industry for improvements to the use of pocket squares.

Although examples are illustrated and described herein, embodiments are nevertheless not limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein by those of ordinary skill within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.