6 Reasons to Carry a Handkerchief: A Visual Guide

by Brett & Kate McKay on February 16, 2012 · 113 Comments

in Accessories, Dress & Grooming, Visual Guides

Illustration by Ted Slampyak

101 Paul February 22, 2012 at 10:02 am: I’ve been looking through this blog for a few weeks, and I’m very pleased with the content promoting the lost aspects of manliness in our culture.

In my area I didn’t see many men carry a white hankie, and it was the one gentlemanly behavior I was never taught, so I didn’t think much of the reasons/benefits for carrying a white cloth in my pocket (other than examining evidence at a crime scene). This is one I will add to my daily habits.

I began using a bandana two years ago in my martial arts training once I saw the practical uses beyond the gang-banger stereotypes I grew up with. The little kids in class are always asking me why I have it tied around my head LOL. Forget the precut do-rags…be a man and learn how to tie a real bandana!…http://www.bandannaclub.com/Tie-Bandanna.shtml
102 James Hosler February 22, 2012 at 2:52 pm: Love the pictures. I did a quick search for “blood” on the full comments page and it came up a few times. In the part of my mind where much time is wasted, I have often imagined using a handkerchief to tend a serious wound until paramedics can arrive. Maybe one handkerchief isn’t enough, gentlemen.
103 Maxwell Church February 24, 2012 at 1:17 pm: My grandfather always told me; “a gentleman keeps the following things with him at all times; a handkerchief, a pocket knife and a safety pin.”

I don’t know how many times those items have come in handy, around the house, in the shop and in the office. I have been the hero of the day simply by being able to help one of the ladies in the office when she loses a button on her blouse. Or to help out when there is an open cut while searching for a band aide.

Great tips all over this site, i have forwarded several posts to my nephews and co-workers.
104 Eric February 24, 2012 at 1:37 pm: Oh man…it should be 7….. “to wipe your manly beard/moustache while eating or drinking”.
105 Matt February 27, 2012 at 12:21 pm: The man in the illustration for , “mopping your brow,” “blowing your nose,” and “offering to a crying lady” all look a little like Dean Martin.
106 Christopher Battles March 3, 2012 at 11:59 pm: -Putting down on ground to knee on and keep your pant knee clean
-Joining a gang
-Wrapping a wound
-Wrapping around hand if you need to brake glass/grab onto something

Thank for this.

K, bye
107 Ron Pawley March 5, 2012 at 2:15 pm: My father and grandfather always carried a handkerchief, now I know why. Guess I’d better start. I’m 61 so it will look natural.
108 Paul March 5, 2012 at 10:07 pm: Well, Matt. It could be that the artist based it off Dean Martin. These all seem like excellent reasons, especially the picture in the 4-5 o’clock position, hint hint. A handkerchief and pocket knife are something that EVERY man SHOULD be carrying. It’s amazing becuase after reading this website, I want to and already do more things on this website than any other males I know.
109 Miss C March 8, 2012 at 4:23 am: How wonderful! Having looked up some direction for an introduction, I found your site, and it was so fun and well written, I explored further. It still surprises me when a man doesn’t have at least a pocket knife; a handkerchief isn’t so common. The few times one has been offered (yes, I was crying), the gallant kindness did as much to dry my tears as the cloth.

As for the “feminist” issue, I believe women should be treated fairly in work and under the law, but I don’t see what this has to do with manners. I respect the differences between men and women, and frankly enjoy them very much! Most women, in my experience, appreciate a man with good manners tremendously. My young nieces (18-22), who are beautiful and talented, have never presented a date to our family who wasn’t polite. My nieces are young ladies, and behave as such. Manners are about respect, and apply to both men and women.
110 David March 8, 2012 at 11:45 pm: My dad said always wear a watch carry a pocket knife,pen(fisherspace pen) and a have a handkerchief and comb.
111 Daniel Kim March 9, 2012 at 12:29 pm: One thing that is not generally mentioned is that a handkerchief can be used as emergency toilet paper when you’re in a bathroom with no TP left. It’s happened to me a couple of times while traveling, and the alternative is definitely unpleasant.
112 Hide IP March 15, 2012 at 11:46 am: Now how about a guide on a proper place to put them. I mean, any sort of sweat wiping or nose blowing seems kind of unsanitary. Do you just stick it back in your pocket and wash it when you get home? Ewww
113 Sven Raphael Schneider March 16, 2012 at 9:02 pm: It can also come in handy when you need to touch something hot, like a pot…