How to Style a Bow Tie and Pocket Square for Groomsmen
By Bridesmaid Dresses & Gowns from $89 | Birdy Grey | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn to coordinate a bow tie and pocket square for your wedding party. Get step-by-step styling tips and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Coordinate your groomsmen's bow tie and pocket square by choosing a shared accent color, then folding the square in a simple classic style to let the tie stand out.
Why coordination matters more than matching
A perfectly matched bow tie and pocket square can look overly uniform. Instead, aim for coordination: pick one accent color from your wedding palette and use it in both accessories. For example, a Daniel Bow Tie in Turquoise paired with a Didi Pocket Square in a neutral shade like white or ivory creates a polished contrast.
The pocket square fold makes the difference
The way you fold the pocket square changes the formality of the look. A flat presidential fold is clean and traditional, while a puff fold adds a relaxed, modern touch. For a bow tie, a simple square fold keeps the attention on the tie without competing details.
How to style a bow tie and pocket square
- Choose your color strategy: Decide whether to match the bow tie and pocket square exactly or use a complementary neutral. Exact matching creates a formal, intentional look; a neutral pocket square (white, ivory, or light gray) adds subtle contrast. If you want a softer, more modern feel, pick a pocket square a few shades lighter than the bow tie.
- Select the pocket square fold: For a bow tie, avoid elaborate folds. Use the presidential fold (flat, crisp rectangle) for black-tie events or the puff fold (gathered center) for semi-formal or outdoor weddings. Both keep the focus on the tie. A common mistake is over-folding. Stick to two or three folds maximum.
- Coordinate with the rest of the outfit: Hold the bow tie and pocket square up against the groomsmen's shirt and jacket. The tie should stand out against the shirt; the pocket square should not clash with the tie. For a safe choice, use a white pocket square with any colored bow tie. Check the combination under both indoor and outdoor lighting before the big day.
Accessories that work together
- Daniel Bow Tie: The Daniel Bow Tie is available in colors like Aquamarine, Cactus, Fondant Pink, Guava, Mango, and Turquoise. This range lets you match or complement your wedding palette without buying from different collections.
Daniel Bow Tie - Didi Pocket Square: The Didi Pocket Square is a signature pocket square offered in the same color range as the bow tie. You can pick the same shade for a unified look or choose a contrasting neutral for depth.
Didi Pocket Square
