This first posting is on the rather mundane subject of handkerchiefs.
Now when I talk about handkerchiefs, I’m not talking about those garishly colored paisley ‘kerchiefs or bandanas that some Americans wear on their heads, round their necks, or hanging out of their back pockets (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handkerchief_code).
I’m talking about crisp white handkerchiefs, made from 100% cotton or linen, 16″ to 18″ square, with a thin hemmed edge and embroidered monogram, if you’re into that sort of thing. I’m talking about practical handkerchiefs carried in the pants pocket, not the decorative pocket squares worn in a jacket’s breast pocket.
Advice. A gentleman should always carry a pocket handkerchief. One of these days, you’ll be able to offer a clean white handkerchief to a tearful friend, a gesture of compassion that says more than words can.
About. The Romans used a cloth of linen to wipe perspiration from face and hands. They were worn by knights in the Middle Ages, to indicate a lady’s favor. During the Renaissance they became popular, lavishly embroidered or laced. Today the handkerchief is more practical than decorative.
Uses. A handkerchief has hundreds of uses including: wiping away the sweat from your brow, the tears from your eyes, the lipstick from your cheek, the food from your lips, the egg on your chin, the ketchup on your tie, the oil on your dipstick, etc, etc,. Because of some trick of science, a crumpled handkerchief has an almost infinite number of clean wiping surfaces.
Buying. Buy the best you can afford (from $3 to $35 per). (http://giovannislinens.com/mens/mens_handkerchiefs.html) The best deal is often to buy in bulk. In some places, handkerchiefs are still sold by the Baker’s Dozen (13).(http://www.boscovs.com/StoreFrontWeb/Product.bos?quantity=1&itemNumber=15546&type=Product)
Tips. Wash before using. This vastly increases a handkerchief’s absorption capacity, whether for tears or hayfever’s outpourings.
Ironing. Sooner or later, you’re going to run out of clean handkerchiefs. They should be washed with a small quantity of bleach, with the rest of your “whites”. Afterwards they need to be ironed to remove the wrinkles. The quick way is to use your hand as an “iron”, to smooth the handkerchief out and then to fold it in half 4 times. If you have an iron and ironing-board, set the iron on “high” and use the “steam” setting, if there is one. Lay the handkerchief out flat on the ironing-board and press one side nice and flat. Fold the bottom half up towards the top and iron again. Fold in half again, and iron. Fold in half again, and iron. Fold in half again, and iron. Caution: if you made the mistake of buying polyester handkerchiefs, do not set the iron on high: they will melt.
