Art of the
'Pocket Handkerchief'
The Outfit
The perfectly fitted suit, a well chosen tie and handmade shoes are a magnificent combination preparing any gentleman for the day ahead.
However the magic ingredient is still lacking: a pocket handkerchief made from silk, or perhaps cashmere is a small detail which unites the outfit and takes it from being smart to effortlessly stylish.
The Genius of the Pocket Handkerchief
Aesthetically aside from being an elegant touch, the pocket square draws the eye up to the chest making the wearer look broader and taking any unwanted attention from the stomach.
The pocket handkerchief is the perfect way to harmonise subtle colour schemes and balance figuration.
The Subtle Art of Arrangement
There are many schools of thought on how the pocket square should sit in the majestic conduit of the breast pocket.
We consider the squared edge showing to be too mundane and the positively floral origami possibilities too flamboyant.
Simply tucked in and arranged so that an elegant amount of silk is showing in the manner of a cloud or the top of a plume of smoke is the most stylish way.
How to Prepare the Handkerchief
- To allow for a full and effortlessly chic arrangement begin by knotting two diagonally opposite corners.
- Continue in the same fashion by knotting the corresponding corners.
- Holding the knot at the bottom, place the handkerchief in the top pocket and tuck the knot to the bottom.
Aside from any artisan adjustments you may wish to make to it, you should be left with an arrangement as previously described.
Looking a little tired?
Should your square begin to droop or simply look a little worse for wear this can be rectified by a quick press with a steam iron.
Untie the corners and lay the silk square flat on the ironing board. Cover with the fabric of a shirt and give the square a generous amount of steam before finally pressing with a medium hot iron.
Your trusty companion should be as good as new and ready to complete many an exquisite outfit for time to come!
Making the right choices
Once you delve into the fascinating world of Gentlemen's accessories and select the category
of Pocket Handkerchiefs many options reveal themselves to baffle and confound the fledging wearer.
Be sure that your square is made from raw natural materials such as silk, wool, cotton or cashmere and that it is handmade with edge stitching.
Exciting combinations of the aforementioned materials also lie in wait! A stunning combination of wool and cashmere adds a perfect Autumnal touch to winter outfits, as does a mixture of linen and silk in the summer.
Things to remember:
- Avoid pedestrian or ridiculous arrangements
- Like style, your handkerchief should look like it has taken no effort at all
- Buy natural materials such as silk and wool
- Give your square a steam and pre
ss every few weeks to keep it looking fresh
- Choose colours that compliment elements of the outfit such as the shirt or tie
The Cardinal Rule
No truly stylish gentleman EVER wears a matching tie and pocket handkerchief!
Art of the ‘Pocket Handkerchief’ The Outfit The perfectly fitted suit, a well chosen tie and handmade shoes are a magnificent combination preparing any gentleman for the day ahead. However the magic ingredient is still lacking: a pocket handkerchief made from silk, or perhaps cashmere is a small detail which unites the outfit and […]
Looking for the perfect designer denim Jeans? Then look no further!
Robert Old is pleased to announce the arrival of a selected range of Jacob Cohen Jeans to our online store. With their individuality and exceptional attention to detail a pair of Jacob Cohen Jeans are an investment in timeless casual luxury fused with the finest Italian tailoring.
Pure Perfection
Combining the key ingredients of Style, Comfort and Quality in the quest for the perfect jeans may result in something remarkably similar to a pair by Jacob Cohen.
The Details
Each pair of Jacob Cohen Jeans is handmade in Italy using traditional methods and the highest quality Japanese denims.
Finishing touches include hand dyed cotton threads, solid silver rivets and pony hair patches.
Pumice stones, extra colour matched thread and a silver polishing cloth are provided in mini taffeta bags to ensure you have everything required to enhance the finish of your chosen pair.
The Range
In addition to a strong range of readily available ‘stock service’ jeans, Jacob Cohen also produce exciting seasonal ranges of five pockets and chinos realised in cotton, moleskin and wool to compliment their artisan ranges of luxury denim jeans.
Always striving to create above and beyond the sublime, several ranges of Limited Edition jeans are released each season which are made using the finest selvedge denim cloth.
Each pair is finished with solid silver detailing, hand stitching and an embroidered label denoting its individual limited number.
We are now pleased to be offering selected ranges of jeans from Jacob Cohen in our Online Store.
The Fit
With a multitude of fits on offer from Jacob Cohen we carry the two most popular.
Firstly the 'Edward' that same as the old '620' regular straight leg fit guaranteeing comfort for every occasion making it irresistible for these to be your everyday go to denim!
The 'Nick' which is the same as the old '622' fit is a slim fit tapered Jean that gives the opportunity show off your physique, whilst not being skin tight they do narrow from the lower calf down to your ankles so you can show off your shoes.
All styles are finished at standard long leg length of 34”. Matching thread is provided so that they may if necessary be shortened by a tailor to the correct length.
A master class in casual luxury, subtle detailing and uncompromising quality, Jacob Cohen jeans are undoubtedly the smartest denim wardrobe staple to invest in.
Looking for the perfect designer denim Jeans? Then look no further! Robert Old is pleased to announce the arrival of a selected range of Jacob Cohen Jeans to our online store. With their individuality and exceptional attention to detail a pair of Jacob Cohen Jeans are an investment in timeless casual luxury fused with the […]
Robert Old awaits the Bournemouth Wheels Festival
It’s only a few days until the Bournemouth Wheels festival kicks off and Robert Old is geared and ready for the action.
We are proudly supporting Poole Bay Racing’s efforts to raise awareness of the Amelia Grace Rainbow Fund. By offering you with the opportunity to experience the thrill of the ‘Demonstration Straight’ as a passenger in a two seater race Kart in front of thousands of envious onlookers!
So if speed-fuelled adrenaline is your thing I can hear you ask ‘How Can I Join In’!!!
First step get down to Robert Old and Co (Westover Road, Bournemouth, Bh1 2EX)
Step Two get the attention of one of our glamorous assistants!
Step Three Hand £10 to our glamorous assistant and sign your name on the board of 100 numbers. Making sure you leave your mobile number and name too.
Step Four Wait until Thursday 22nd at 4pm for the draw to find out which 3 lucky squares are the winners.
Winners will be posted on the Robert Old Facebook page
Amelia-Grace Rainbow Fund
Robert Old and Poole Bay Racing are aiming to raise £1000 for this worthy cause so even if you are unlucky on this occasion you are still offering a little light for our chosen charity. So here is a little about them.
The fund was set up in memory of Amelia-Grace who died in 2010 from an aggressive childhood cancer. The concept of the charity started with Amelia when she used some of her money to buy an Xbox for one of her friends who she spent time with in hospital. She appreciated the gifts that she benefited from but felt that other children should also have the same opportunities that she did. In this way the trustees try to ensure that all monies granted go towards creating an environment that is full of fun, laughter, achievement and memories.
The fund supports children in Dorset and the surrounding area who are suffering from Terminal, Life Limiting and Serious Chronic Illness. They aim to create an environment full of fun, laughter, achievement and memories through providing funds for activities and play which may enrich the lives of children who are suffering with similar illnesses.
The Trustees will consider funding holidays, family days out, games or toys, social activities such as swimming or dancing lessons or any other request which they feel supports the aim of the charity.
They are a need driven service. They help children by providing funds to create happiness in times of need without weeks of waiting for panel decisions. There criterion is simple and is governed by whether the child has a serious chronic, life limiting or terminal illness.
They work closely with both Poole and Dorchester Hospitals to ensure that children in their care are able to access funds when needed. Most referrals come through the hospitals although families are also able to self refer.
They are unique in that we are able to assist children suffering from any childhood illness including mental health conditions. In this way they can help many more children and capture those children who are not covered by any other disease specific charity.
http://www.ameliasrainbow.org
Robert Old awaits the Bournemouth Wheels Festival It’s only a few days until the Bournemouth Wheels festival kicks off and Robert Old is geared and ready for the action. We are proudly supporting Poole Bay Racing’s efforts to raise awareness of the Amelia Grace Rainbow Fund. By offering you with the opportunity to experience the […]
Thank God It's 'Good Friday'!
Spirits and Donations were raised at our annual Charity Event.
The sun was smiling on the South Coast this Good Friday which clearly created a convivial mood among the guests at our annual Invited Easter Charity Event.
Fine wine was flowing and delicious canapés from Patisserie Angelique were dotted around to provide suitable shopping sustenance!
Everyone was on fine form and spirits were not dampened by Sunday's impending rain!
The new Spring/Summer Collections evoked the hope of hot weather to come and gave our guests plenty of inspiration and in some cases amusement!
Team member Tom Barker's ever so brilliant idea was that the staff members should all be bright and bold in fun shirts from Eton of Sweden...
Prints and patterns lurching from vintage Robots to Evil Octopuses were the order of the day!
However, Sam Old was probably secretly relieved that his multi-coloured Leopard Print shirt didn't arrive in time for the festivities.
Robert Old was pleased to be raising awareness and donations for Bournemouth based Youth Cancer Trust as part of the event.
The Youth Cancer Trust provides support and free activity holidays for young people living with cancer or any malignant disease from the UK and Irish Republic.
Thanks to the generosity of our invited guests we raised over £600 in just a few hours.
Holidays are also available for young people who have been in remission for up to five years or who are living with the late effects of having had cancer as a teenager or young adult.
As days go it was certainly a great success and highly enjoyable to see everyone enjoying themselves (even if in some cases at the expense of the colourfully clothed Robert Old team!)
Our Spring and Summer collections this year were hand selected from many and varied sources including Ermenegildo Zegna, Robert Old 1909, Zegna Sport, Hackett, Armani Collezioni, Robert Graham, Eton of Sweden, La Martina, Orian Shirts, Paul & Shark, John Smedley, Polo Ralph Lauren and Gant with Shoes from Santoni, Alfred Sargent, Crockett & Jones, Zegna Sport and Timberland.
A finer selection of menswear we believe is not to be found in the South West of England and it was certainly well received on Good Friday by our visitors from far and wide!
Why Not Donate or find out more about our chosen charity? 
Thank God It’s ‘Good Friday’! Spirits and Donations were raised at our annual Charity Event. The sun was smiling on the South Coast this Good Friday which clearly created a convivial mood among the guests at our annual Invited Easter Charity Event. Fine wine was flowing and delicious canapés from Patisserie Angelique were dotted around […]
Spring Greetings with Zegna 'Su Misura' at Robert Old!
As the Winter begins to fade and the sun starts to shine, perhaps the old favourite suit and jacket may be looking a little tired, gaps may even appear ready to be filled by new shirts or lightweight Summer jackets...
Whilst we are readily equipped to cater to your exacting requirements with our wide range of seasonal collections, your needs may also be met by taking advantage of our comprehensive Made to Measure Service.
Ermenegildo Zegna 'Su Misura' allows you the opportunity to create personalised garments with the help of our highly skilled tailoring staff which will then be delivered in just a few short weeks.
Suits, Jackets, Trousers, Shirts and Overcoats can be realised in a huge variety of the highest quality fabrics from High Performance Wool to Pure Cashmere (if you are feeling especially indulgent!).
An initial consultation will include a discussion of your ideas and expectations, measuring and the finalisation of small details such as your choice of lining and buttons. Upon receipt of your chosen garment we will invite you for a second fitting and any necessary final adjustments will be completed by our in-house Master Tailor.
The particularly good news is that once you are satisfied with the fit and feel of your garment there is no for a re-measure (provided you don't change shape drastically!) and the next time you require a specific tailored item you can simply call in and choose a fabric!
If you would like to arrange a consultation with one of our tailoring staff please contact us on 01202 290832 or email [email protected] and we will be happy to discuss your needs.
Spring Greetings with Zegna ‘Su Misura’ at Robert Old! As the Winter begins to fade and the sun starts to shine, perhaps the old favourite suit and jacket may be looking a little tired, gaps may even appear ready to be filled by new shirts or lightweight Summer jackets… Whilst we are readily equipped to […]
'Looking for Luxury Tailored Suits for your Wedding ?'
There are many different avenues a bridegroom may take on the subject of his attire for ‘the big day’.
Traditional morning dress, tailored suit be it two or three piece, or tuxedo (more popular I must say among our American counterparts).
At Robert Old we have been dressing Bridegrooms since our foundation in 1909 (We definitely class as the ‘something old’) and whilst the pleats have gradually dropped away and left us with flat fronted trousers little else has changed.
Our aim is to make the process as simple and enjoyable as possible.
In the world of Made to Measure tailoring most tastes can be catered for; however there is the occasional suggestion that requires answering with a raised eyebrow.
Whiffs of a fashion for Tweed suits have crossed our radar of late, but are easily quelled when the happy couple are reminded that their wedding is to take place at the height of summer.
In the course of a fitting we will discuss your needs and preferences, advise on colour, fit and wearability and suggest any finishing touches that may be required to complete the outfit such as shoes, shirts, ties and pocket squares.
We work with several different companies in order to offer a Made to Measure tailoring service to suit everyone; the pinnacle of the trio being Ermenegildo Zegna Su Misura.
If we discover throughout our initial discussions that Made to Measure is the suitable route in which to realise your desired suit the measuring time is generally 30-40mins, but you may well need to set aside several hours to ponder over the exact cloth colour and we have known weeks to be spent in the vain task of matching the colour of the tie and pocket square to the bridesmaids’ dresses!
Once you are measured and happy with your choices the order will be whisked away and work will begin on the production of the suit. In three to four weeks the suit will be with us and we will arrange a second fitting with you to make any final adjustments necessary.
A week later your suit will be ready for ‘I do’!
In addition to this we offer a broad range ‘off the peg’ suits and waistcoats in various cuts that may (if necessary) be adjusted by our in-house Master Tailor for the optimum fit.
Our offering includes suits by Ermenegildo Zegna, Armani Collezioni and styles under our own labels Robert Old Italia and RO1909 which are produced by only the best manufacturers.
Adjustments on ‘off the peg’ suits will generally take five to seven working days and are free of charge on full price garments.
Any further ways in which we can make your wedding experience less fraught will be undertaken; shirts will be pressed and kept in travel covers, shoes will be shined and we offer a dry cleaning service for last minute emergencies.
If you would like to arrange a consultation you are more than welcome to request an appointment, but if you happen to be passing and wish to ask any questions there is always a dedicated member of highly skilled tailoring staff on site to answer them and to guide you through the process.
Contact Details if you wish to find out more or arrange a consultation.
Master Tailoring Services is available on site
‘Looking for Luxury Tailored Suits for your Wedding ?’ There are many different avenues a bridegroom may take on the subject of his attire for ‘the big day’. Traditional morning dress, tailored suit be it two or three piece, or tuxedo (more popular I must say among our American counterparts). At Robert Old we have […]
Every work of art is an expression of love, research and technique.
Santoni Shoe Care - A Guide to cleaning and caring for your Santoni Shoes.
Santoni shoes are authentic works of the shoemaker’s art and like any valuable item should be treated with great care. By following just a few simple Santoni shoe care rules, the technical and aesthetic qualities of your shoes can be conserved over time.
- After wearing let your shoes air out, they should be left to dry out naturally over a two day period. Help your shoes keep their shape while drying out by using a pair of Santoni shoe trees (made exclusively of cedar wood). Cleaning your shoes without removing the shoe trees will assist you in cleaning them more thoroughly.
- Treat the leather with only excellent quality leather care products. Creams with a high wax content nourish the leather and will slow down the ageing process.
- Never use water repellent products as they will damage the colour of the upper that has been aged by hand.
- Choose a cream polish that is closest to the colour of the upper, or one tone lighter. Never use a darker colour polish.
- To keep your Santoni shoes at their best, use the cream frequently but only in small quantities on cleaned shoes.
How to clean your Leather Santoni shoes
After carefully dusting the upper, apply the cream polish with a cloth and let it dry for a few minutes. With your shoe trees still inserted, polish the shoes using a brush with soft bristles (a horse hair brush is best). We recommend that you always test the cream polish on a concealed part of your shoe such as the tongue before applying it to the whole shoe.
How to clean your Suede Santoni Shoes
For suede or shoes with suede inserts, we recommend only using rubber (suede) brushes. To remove small spots you can cautiously use a fine sandpaper (type 00), followed by the rubber suede brush to push the nap back in the right direction. Remove stains with a damp cloth but take care not to spread the stain. Avoid contact with liquids or solvents as this may cause the suede to lose its colour.
The Secret to Beautiful Santoni Shoes
Every work of art is an expression of love, research and technique. Santoni Shoe Care – A Guide to cleaning and caring for your Santoni Shoes. Santoni shoes are authentic works of the shoemaker’s art and like any valuable item should be treated with great care. By following just a few simple Santoni shoe care […]
Men's Designers Swim Shorts from Vilebrequin
Established in 1971 in Saint Tropez, French swimwear specialists Vilebrequin are renowned for producing unique luxury swimwear. Famed for their distinctive graphic prints, use of vibrant colours and attention to detail, Vilebrequin offers the finest selection of men’s swimwear.
The Moore is the original model designed in the 70s in Saint Tropez. The Moorea is constantly being updated and remains a Vilebrequin classic. Revolutionary yesterday, stylish today, a fashion icon forever!
Distinctive Design Details Featuring:
Mottled drawstring cord, designed with an inside ‘core’ to keeps its shape.
Prints are designed in-house by Isabel “Zaza” De Brito, Artistic Director since 1996, with each collection featuring 50-70 exclusive prints.
Metal cord tips, applied by hand to create a customised finish and to keep fraying at bay– stainless and engrave with Vilebrequin’s logo.
5cm high elasticated waistband for a flattering fit. Elastic made of waterproof filaments to keep its shape for years of wear. Signature blue label stitched to rear of waistband. Two rear eyelets allow for air escape to avoid the ‘ballon effect’.
Couture back pocket, hand-cut and positioned to ensure precision alignment.
Men’s Designers Swim Shorts from Vilebrequin Established in 1971 in Saint Tropez, French swimwear specialists Vilebrequin are renowned for producing unique luxury swimwear. Famed for their distinctive graphic prints, use of vibrant colours and attention to detail, Vilebrequin offers the finest selection of men’s swimwear. The Moore is the original model designed in the 70s […]
Like Achilles and his heel, the most elegant and aesthetically pleasing of tailored ensembles can so easily be ruined by a wrinkled shirt. Taking the necessary time and care to ensure that you have a perfectly pressed shirt will pay dividends.
Cotton shirts should not be tumble dried and are best ironed when damp.
If the shirt has dried completely take a spray bottle of fresh water and add moisture to the cloth, place it in a plastic bag and allow the moisture to distribute evenly for a few minutes.
Ensure the iron is sufficiently hot and filled with water before you begin.
- Turn the shirt collar up and lay it flat on the ironing board with the back facing up.
- Gently press from left to right using a little steam. Repeat the same process on the other side taking care not to over-iron the corners of the collar as they are very delicate. Fold the collar and lightly press the seam to give the collar its original shape.
- Fashion the yoke over the smaller end of the ironing board and press out any creases. Repeat the same process on the other side of the yoke. Many overlook this area of the shirt when ironing, however when the jacket is removed any such ill-attentions will be spotted immediately.
- Next begin with the cuffs. Whether they are single or double iron only the inside from left to right and in the case of a double cuff press in a neat crease to return it to its original shape. To iron the sleeves ensure that they lie flat with no creases in either of the layers of cloth. Start from the top of the sleeve and work down towards the cuff using plenty of steam.
- Place the left side of the front of the shirt over the ironing board, steam the cloth and iron carefully from the top down to the bottom. Pay special attention to the Placket and Pocket should they feature and press lightly.
- Rotate the shirt around moving through the back to the opposite side repeating the same process. Be delicate with the buttons of the shirt and iron between each one using the tip of the iron.
The shirt should now be perfectly ironed. Place it on a wooden hanger and fasten the top button to ensure the collar keeps its shape.
Wear at your leisure and be confident in the knowledge that your shirt will not let your outfit down.
Like Achilles and his heel, the most elegant and aesthetically pleasing of tailored ensembles can so easily be ruined by a wrinkled shirt. Taking the necessary time and care to ensure that you have a perfectly pressed shirt will pay dividends. Cotton shirts should not be tumble dried and are best ironed when damp. If […]
“Like all relationships, diligent ‘tender love and care’ of your fine shoes will ensure you spend a long and happy life together.”
Step 1 - With laces removed and cedar shoe trees in place, prepare for polishing by removing any traces of dust and dirt from the uppers and soles with a horse hair brush.
Step 2 - The next step, using two fingers and a cotton cloth, is to apply a neutral conditioning cream to the leather uppers and to the soles. Allow ten to twenty minutes for this to dry before continuing.
Step 3 -Using a small brush, apply a cream based coloured polish (which is best suited to the colour of the shoes) evenly over the upper and welt of the shoe. Allow a little time to dry.
Step 4 - Again taking two fingers wrapped in a cotton cloth, begin to apply thinly and evenly a wax based coloured polish to the leather.
Step 5 - After ten minutes, begin to buff the uppers and soles using a larger brush.
Step 6 - Finish this process with a Chamois leather cloth to add to the shine.
Hint - For the ultimate finish and shine? With two fingers in a cotton cloth take a little water and using a circular motion begin the gentle cohesion between the wax polish and the water and continue until it builds to a glass-like finish.
“Old or New your fine shoes will now be at their optimum both aesthetically and practically.”
If your old shoes are beyond repair take a look at our Collection of Crockett and Jones and Santoni.
For more general care advice check out our Care Guide
