10 Best Handkerchiefs UK 2024
Not to mention, if you’re a regular user of tissues, switching to handkerchiefs is more environmentally friendly and cuts down on waste paper. Hankies don’t have to be unhygienic, and if folded properly you can get a multitude of uses out of one. Read on for our buying guide explaining the best materials and sizes for handkerchiefs, and our ranking of the best handkerchiefs for men and for ladies to buy on Amazon and John Lewis.
Quick List - Top Handkerchiefs
Hetherington Gray
Extra-Large Practicality from Hetherington Gray
John Lewis & Partners
Classic Simplicity for the Smart or Everyday
Kentex
A Great Quality Versatile Set for Everyday of the Week
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How to Choose a Handkerchief in the UK – Buying Guide
Choose a Material Which Suits Your Purpose
Cotton Is Soft and Versatile
Yarn count is a measure of the thickness of the cotton thread used in the material. A higher yarn count means a finer thread and translates to a better quality, softer handkerchief. For example, 60s yarn count is considered fine quality for handkerchiefs.
Silk Adds a Touch of Sophistication
The only drawback is you do sacrifice some practicality as silk is a less absorbent material than cotton – so it’s not as ideal for practical uses such as blowing your nose or wiping your hands. It is also advised that you hand wash any silk products and let them air-dry due to its delicacy.
Microfibre Is Easy to Keep Clean
However, like silk, microfibre handkerchiefs lack the absorbency of cotton and are instead more suited for use as a formal pocket square.
Decide on the Right Size for You
If you are thinking of using your handkerchief as a pocket square, you’ll need one which is big enough to fill your pocket and avoid slipping back down, but it won’t have to be as big as a general-use handkerchief. For a jacket top pocket, around the 35 x 35 cm mark should be sufficient.
Top 10 Handkerchiefs in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hetherington Gray 1. Hetherington Gray Classic Gold Pure Cotton Handkerchiefs Pack of 3｜Pack of 3 | | Extra-Large Practicality from Hetherington Gray | |
2 | John Lewis & Partners 2. John Lewis Designer Handkerchiefs Pack of 7｜Pack of 7 | | Classic Simplicity for the Smart or Everyday | |
3 | Kentex 3. Kentex Assorted Woven 100% Cotton Hankies Pack of 7｜Pack of 7 | | A Great Quality Versatile Set for Everyday of the Week | |
4 | Shlax & Wing 4. Shlax & Wing Solid Blue Pocket Square | | Stylish Simplicity Fit for Any Occasion | |
5 | Houlife 5. Houlife Ladies 100% 60S Cotton Handkerchiefs | | Soft and Great Quality by Houlife | |
6 | Hisdern 6. Hisdern Men’s Silk Floral Pocket Square Pack of 4｜Pack of 4 | | Stylish Paisley Design on Microfibre | |
7 | John Lewis & Partners 7. John Lewis Check Cotton Handkerchiefs Pack of 6｜Pack of 2 | | Flamboyant Colour for the Extroverts | |
8 | Merrysquare 8. Merrysquare ‘Chachapoya’ Men’s Handkerchiefs Pack of 6｜Pack of 6 | | A Stylish and Classy Selection | |
9 | Merrysquare 9. Merrysquare ‘Arnold’ Workers Handkerchiefs Pack of 12｜Pack of 12 | | Thick and Durable ‘Workers’ Handkerchiefs | |
10 | Hankytex 10. Hankytex Men’s White Handkerchiefs Assorted Woven 100% Cotton Pack of 12｜Pack of 12 | | Simple and Practical Functionality |
Hetherington Gray 1. Hetherington Gray Classic Gold Pure Cotton Handkerchiefs Pack of 3 ｜ Pack of 3
Extra-Large Practicality from Hetherington Gray
Reviewers have praised the quality of these cotton hankies with the print stitched into both sides. You can choose from red, navy blue, or a mixture of both. They come neatly boxed, making them a great purchase either for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.
John Lewis & Partners2. John Lewis Designer Handkerchiefs Pack of 7 ｜ Pack of 7
Classic Simplicity for the Smart or Everyday
Packaged in a neat box that you can see the patterns in, so a wonderful gift idea for a birthday or Christmas! They are also machine washable and the soft cotton will feel nice and comfortable to use.
Kentex 3. Kentex Assorted Woven 100% Cotton Hankies Pack of 7 ｜ Pack of 7
A Great Quality Versatile Set for Everyday of the Week
Reviewers have praised the quality and absorbency of these handkerchiefs. You can even choose your preferred choice of colour from white, navy blue or grey according to your mood that day.
Stylish Simplicity Fit for Any Occasion
This hanky is made from high-quality microfibre (nylon) which is more durable than silk and less prone to wrinkling. Just remember to hand-wash and allow to dry naturally to keep it looking smooth and pristine.
Houlife 5. Houlife Ladies 100% 60S Cotton Handkerchiefs
Soft and Great Quality by Houlife
At 45 x 45 cm, they are a great size, and the high 60s thread count guarantees good absorption and softness to the touch. As with most hankies, they’ll be a little stiff when new but will soften up after the first few washes.
Hisdern 6. Hisdern Men’s Silk Floral Pocket Square Pack of 4 ｜ Pack of 4
Stylish Paisley Design on Microfibre
They are a good size so should not slip down too much in your top pocket. The only potential drawback, as with microfibre handkerchiefs, they may not be as moisture-wicking as their cotton counterparts, so may not be as practical.
John Lewis & Partners7. John Lewis Check Cotton Handkerchiefs Pack of 6 ｜ Pack of 2
Flamboyant Colour for the Extroverts
The red handkerchief we feel may not be the easiest of colours to match with an outfit if used as a pocket square, but if you can, it will really elevate the look! As just handkerchief, however, it's a lovely pop of colour to pull out of your pocket or bag
Merrysquare 8. Merrysquare ‘Chachapoya’ Men’s Handkerchiefs Pack of 6 ｜ Pack of 6
A Stylish and Classy Selection
The only drawback is they are made from a printed fabric, meaning the design is a lot more pronounced on one side than the other.
Merrysquare 9. Merrysquare ‘Arnold’ Workers Handkerchiefs Pack of 12 ｜ Pack of 12
Thick and Durable ‘Workers’ Handkerchiefs
Again this is a large set of 12 and great value. These are by no means lightweight and will take up a lot of room in your pocket. Remember to wash before use as they will be extremely starchy and stiff as a board when new.
Hankytex 10. Hankytex Men’s White Handkerchiefs Assorted Woven 100% Cotton Pack of 12 ｜ Pack of 12
Simple and Practical Functionality
Certain reviewers have complained about the quality of this product, with some noting that they changed shape after washing. They also come cheaply packaged so you if you’re looking for a gift for a loved one, you might want to look elsewhere.
Wash Cotton Handkerchiefs Before Using
Please note, you do not need to wash silk or microfibre handkerchiefs before use.
Choosing and Folding a Handkerchief for a Pocket Square
In terms of the design of pocket squares, be as subtle or as flamboyant as you wish. However, try to choose one that contrasts and complements rather than matches your tie. Matching tie-pocket square combos are something of a faux pas in the formal-dress world. Instead, go for something which stands out and adds an element of individuality to your style.
There are numerous different ways to fold a pocket square, ‘the Presidential’, ‘the Two Peaks’ and ‘the Dunaway’ just to name a few. They range from the simple to the outright flamboyant. Have a look online to see which style you would like to go for.
Look and Feel Stylish Whatever the Occasion
Whether it's a wedding, a work's do or just a few drinks with the friends, we have some stylish options for you to try that will have you looking and feeling like a million dollars. Take a look!
Summary
Overall, a clean hanky is a great thing to keep in your pocket, and an ideal way to cut down on waste paper!
Top 5 Handkerchiefs
No. 1: Hetherington Gray ｜1. Hetherington Gray Classic Gold Pure Cotton Handkerchiefs Pack of 3｜Pack of 3
No. 2: John Lewis & Partners｜2. John Lewis Designer Handkerchiefs Pack of 7｜Pack of 7
No. 3: Kentex ｜3. Kentex Assorted Woven 100% Cotton Hankies Pack of 7｜Pack of 7
No. 4: Shlax & Wing ｜4. Shlax & Wing Solid Blue Pocket Square
No. 5: Houlife ｜5. Houlife Ladies 100% 60S Cotton Handkerchiefs
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.