What to Look for in a Handkerchief
6 Things to Watch For When Learning How to Choose The Best Handkerchiefs
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The fabric that the handkerchief is made from is the foundation of the handkerchief. In short, if you choose the right fabric, many of the things you need in a high quality handkerchief will already be present.
Since this is the case, majority of the this article will be based on what materials suits your needs. This helps you immensely in finding out how to choose the best handkerchiefs.
Durability
One thing is for sure, if the handkerchief only lasts a short period, don’t even buy it. There’s no point in investing in something that won’t even last a couple of outings. There are many handkerchiefs you’ll see that can’t stand the test of time and you’ll noticeably see them fall a part.
- Loose threads
- Pilling
- Overall drop in softness/quality
If you’re using a handkerchief, it means you’re going to be using it quite a bit. There’s no point in using one that’s going to fall apart when you know there are high quality ones that won’t.
Moisture handling
A handkerchief as I mentioned before will be used quite a bit. It’s basically the what people use instead of a tissue. One common thing amongst the uses of a handkerchiefs are that they all relate to moisture related activities
- Wiping sweat
- Sneezing into
- Wrapping around a cut
- Cleaning your hands if you need to dry them
Knowing all of this, it makes sense that the handkerchief you get not only is good at absorbing moisture, but also moisture-wicking (evaporate moisture quickly). Moisture wicking is especially important as it stops majority of bacteria from even forming on the handkerchief.
Anti-Bacterial
We just spoke about bacteria buildup and it’s especially important for handkerchiefs. Handkerchiefs are versatile and can be used for many things, but that also means if not cared for or chosen properly, it can be a breeding ground fro bacteria. The last thing you want is carrying something that is infested with germs that harm you.
This goes back to the importance of choosing the right fabric. The right fabric already takes this into account and will be able to combat bacteria soundly.
Not accounting for this can cause you illnesses and overall decrease in hygiene.
Environmentally Friendly
When choosing a handkerchief, it’s worth paying attention to how it’s made.
Many modern fabrics use synthetic fibers and chemical processing that release toxins into the environment during production. Those same chemicals often stay in the fabric, touching your skin and running through every wash cycle into the water supply. Over time, this creates pollution that affects both the planet and the people living on it.
That’s why natural linen is different. It’s made from flax, a plant that needs very little water to grow and doesn’t rely on synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. When woven into fabric, it’s fully biodegradable and leaves no lasting trace.
But the impact goes beyond the environment. Because it’s made without harsh chemicals, linen is naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, which makes it gentler on your skin and safer for everyday use. It also lasts much longer than synthetic fabrics, staying soft and fresh for years, saving you money and keeping you from constantly buying replacements.
Choosing an environmentally friendly handkerchief isn’t only better for the planet.
It’s a smarter choice for your skin, your health, and your comfort.
Company
If you’ve read something from us before, you’ll know how important it is to look at the company and see if they’re legit and have been making high quality pieces for a long time. The ones with the most experience are the ones that you’ll see that put the most detail in their products
They know what type of finish to put on the handkerchief, what type of weave pattern the handkerchief needs to follow. They’ll also always keep in mind what the handkerchief is actually being used for which will make them find the best material to match your needs.
What Are The Different Types Of Handkerchiefs?
Cotton
Cotton handkerchiefs are a decent option. They’re soft, breathable, and natural, which already puts them above most synthetic alternatives. However, cotton doesn’t handle moisture well.
Once it absorbs liquid, it tends to hold onto it, allowing bacteria to grow within the fabric. This can make the handkerchief less hygienic over time, especially with repeated use throughout the day.
Silk
Silk handkerchiefs are known for their smooth texture and elegant appearance. They feel soft to the touch and are often marketed as a luxury item. The issue is that silk isn’t durable at all, no matter what the store claims.
It weakens quickly, loses shape after a few washes, and isn’t antibacterial or hypoallergenic like other natural fabrics. You end up buying something beautiful that performs poorly and doesn’t last long.
Synthetic Cotton
Synthetic cotton is a man-made blend that attempts to imitate natural cotton but with added chemicals and artificial fibers. It’s usually cheaper, but that lower price comes with a trade-off.
Because it’s made with chemicals, it exposes your skin to unnecessary irritants. If you have the chance to choose something natural for your handkerchief, you should. The short-term savings aren’t worth the long-term exposure to harsh materials.
Polyester
Polyester handkerchiefs are made from crude oil and heavily processed with chemicals. While they may look neat and smooth, they don’t breathe well, don’t absorb properly, and can trap odour.
More importantly, polyester is terrible for the environment. It doesn’t biodegrade and releases microplastics into water systems. Using a polyester handkerchief means exposing yourself to unnecessary chemicals while contributing to long-term environmental damage.
Linen
Linen stands above every other option. It’s made from flax, a natural plant fibres that’s incredibly durable and environmentally friendly. Linen handles moisture far better than any other material, as it wicks it away instead of letting it sit on the surface.
That means no bacteria buildup, no lingering dampness, and a fresher, more hygienic handkerchief. The flax fibres are also stronger than those in cotton, which makes linen much more durable.
At the same time, it maintains the softness people love about silk, without the fragility or chemical exposure of synthetic fabrics.
Because handkerchiefs are used mainly for moisture-related activities, linen simply performs best. It’s natural, long-lasting, and healthier for both you and the environment.
What is the Best Material for Handkerchiefs
Not cotton. Cotton has been stated to be the best material to use for handkerchiefs. They claim it’s for performance but in actuality, it’s because cotton is much cheaper to mass produce so companies can sell more of them.
Producing more products for more people is nice, but there’s always a catch with those types of tactics. What’s the catch here? Quality. Cotton does not have the same quality that other high quality fabrics have.
Linen has proven itself to be a far better item
