Handkerchief

A handkerchief (/ˈhæŋkərtʃɪf/; also called a hankie or, historically, a handkercher or a fogle[1]) is a form of a kerchief or bandanna, typically a hemmed square of thin fabric which can be carried in the pocket or handbag for personal hygiene purposes such as wiping one's hands or face, or blowing one's nose.

In the United Kingdom, the habit of wearing a handkerchief with tied corners on one's head at the beach has become a seaside postcard stereotype.

)[citation needed] Then in the 16th century, people in Europe began to carry kerchiefs in their pockets to wipe their foreheads or their noses.

The pocket square subsequently fell into disuse until the late 2000s when it made a comeback thanks in part to popular television shows such as Mad Men.

As a visible fashion item there are a wide variety of ways to fold a pocket square, ranging from the austere to the flamboyant: Although it is very common practice for weddings, proms, etc., many style authorities do not recommend wearing a matching (i.e., identical) pocket square and tie, as it tends to look contrived, draws attention away from the wearer's face, and displays sartorial uncertainty.

A rumāl is a small loose piece of cloth, similar to a handkerchief used to cover the head by Sikh boys, sportspersons and other guests who visit a Gurdwara.