One of the most common style questions we hear is: “Should my pocket square match my tie?” The short answer? Not exactly.

Matching too closely looks forced — almost like a rental suit. Done right, your pocket square should complement, not copy, your tie or bow tie. It’s about balance, contrast, and coordination — not a perfect replica.

Here’s how to pair them properly, using Buckle’s range of Australian-made pocket squares and accessories.

1. Don’t Match — Coordinate

Think of your pocket square as the supporting act. It shouldn’t compete with your tie or bow tie, and it definitely shouldn’t be identical (same colour, same fabric, same pattern = too much).

Instead, choose a square that pulls out a secondary colour or shares the tone of your tie.

Example:

• Wearing a navy tie with a white shirt? Try a pocket square with a navy border and soft ivory base.
  
  
• Got a burgundy bow tie? Pair it with a patterned square that includes hints of burgundy but adds texture or contrast.
  
  

2. Use Texture to Add Interest

If your tie is silk and shiny, choose a cotton or linen pocket square for contrast. If the tie is matte or textured, a silk pocket square can lift the look.

Basic rule:

• Contrast smooth with textured.
  
  
• Contrast bold with subtle.
  
  
• Let one piece be the hero.
  
  

Buckle tip: Our cotton-linen pocket squares work brilliantly with both classic satin ties and modern wool or knitted ties.

3. Pairing by Colour Group

If you're not sure where to start, stick with colour families — tones that sit well together.

Go-to pairings:

• Navy tie + white or light blue pocket square
  
  
• Forest green tie + ivory or tan square
  
  
• Black bow tie + crisp white linen square (always a winner)
  
  
• Burgundy tie + blush or sand-toned pocket square
  
  

If your tie or bow tie has a pattern, pick one colour from it and use that as a cue for your pocket square.

4. Bow Ties & Pocket Squares

Because bow ties are more compact, there’s less fabric to work with — so you’ve got more freedom to express yourself with the square.

• Solid bow tie? Try a patterned square with complementary tones.
  
  
• Patterned bow tie? Stick to a minimal or solid square.
  
  
• Satin finish? Balance with cotton or textured silk in the square.
  
  

Buckle combo tip: Our Pre-Tied Navy Bow Tie looks razor-sharp with a white pocket square featuring a thin navy border. It’s simple, intentional, and event-ready.

5. The One Rule You Can Break: Black Tie

If you’re wearing a black tux and bow tie to a black-tie event, you’re absolutely fine going full classic with a white linen pocket square in a straight fold.

It’s the one moment when going matchy-matchy is expected — and respected.

Final Word

Matching your pocket square and tie doesn’t mean making them identical — it’s about building a conversation between colours, fabrics, and finishes. Keep things balanced, let one piece lead, and you’ll always look put together without trying too hard.

At Buckle, our pocket squares are designed to work seamlessly with our full range of ties and bow ties — made to be mixed, not matched.