While many fashion media outlets recommend pocket squares in this no-tie era, there are hardly any that discuss the importance of handkerchiefs. Even though many men carry them, there are undoubtedly many who underestimate the importance of handkerchiefs.
However, it seems that the common opinion among women is that "a handkerchief is an important item that makes a good impression."
With White Day just around the corner, we asked three female employees from Mitsukoshi Isetan to talk about handkerchiefs, a classic gift for graduation and entrance ceremonies, as well as farewell and welcome parties for new employees and transfers.

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  [Three female employees from Mitsukoshi Isetan who participated in the roundtable discussion]
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  Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building Category Specialist: Sawako Shibuya
  A stylist who can guide you through the entire Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building focusing primarily on business attire.

  
  

  Main Building, 5th Floor = Bed, Bath & Interior Stylist: Risa Harada
  I am in charge of the towel and linen section on the 5th floor of the main building, which also carries towel handkerchiefs.
  
  
  
  

  Underwear, socks, and nightwear Assistant Buyer: Aya Saito

  I'm in charge of the handkerchief section on the first basement floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . I have strong opinions on choosing handkerchiefs.

I want men to always carry a clean handkerchief.

— Do you guys pay attention to the handkerchiefs men use?

I think any man who doesn't carry a Shibuya handkerchief is a bit wild (laughs). Even if you don't use it, it's smarter to carry one around.
Saito: I'm a little surprised when I see a man come out of the restroom with wet hands.
I can't help but wonder what Harada will do with his wet hands... (lol).
I might even be bothered by the fact that the handkerchief that came out of Shibuya's pocket was all crumpled...
Harada , when you see a man with no bags, don't you think a lot of them don't have a handkerchief? Most women carry bags, so their handkerchiefs are usually in there.
Saito, there are many situations where you might use it, right?
Harada: I don't just use it to wipe my hands; I sometimes use it to touch up my makeup too. But, I guess I also carry one simply because I like handkerchiefs.
Saito: I understand that. I'm also involved with handkerchiefs through my work, and I love them, so I guess I'm just drawn to men's handkerchiefs.
When I see men's handkerchiefs, I sometimes look at them from a coordination perspective. For example, they might match the handkerchief to the color of their tie, or they might carry a handkerchief as a pop of color with a dark suit.
When I'm dressed casually, I also pay attention to the colors peeking out from the back pockets of my pants.
I once saw someone in Shibuya whose socks and handkerchief were the same color. I thought it was very stylish to have the same color peeking out from both the socks and the pocket.


—So, what kind of handkerchief would you actually like a man to carry?

Harada: I think it's wonderful when the items are chosen to match the season. For the coming season, materials with a crisp texture would be nice, and for summer, refreshing colors and patterns would be lovely.
Saito: A handkerchief in a nice color might make a good impression!
I think a Shibuya beige handkerchief is quite stylish. And if it's made of linen, it would be even more seasonal and lovely. Conversely, bright, eye-catching primary colors are also fashionable.
Harada Akifuyu looks more mature when she wears slightly muted, dark colors, doesn't she?
Choosing the right color and pattern for a Shibuya handkerchief really shows your sense of style. In that sense, a pure white linen handkerchief is a basic and classic choice. For formal occasions, I also highly recommend white Irish linen for pocket squares.
Saito: A pure white handkerchief looks clean and stylish, doesn't it?
In Shibuya , a clean handkerchief makes a good impression. Ideally, I'd like you to carry a new one each season. When you unexpectedly offer a woman a clean handkerchief, it makes a huge difference in creating a positive impression!

—I see, a well-used handkerchief would seem to absorb moisture better and be easier to use (laughs). But it seems that's not the case from a woman's perspective.

Perfect as a casual, easy-to-give and easy-to-receive small gift.

Spring is a season for giving and receiving gifts, with graduations, school admissions, new jobs, and transfers. I think handkerchiefs are just the right kind of small gift for such occasions.

Saito handkerchiefs are something everyone uses, so they're easy to give as gifts, right?
When choosing a gift for a man in Shibuya , a tie is a classic choice, but it can be surprisingly difficult because it depends on the recipient's preferences. In that respect, a handkerchief is easier to choose because you don't have to worry too much about the color and pattern.
Saito: The recipient will also have less chance of getting a bad color or pattern. It's especially easy to give as a gift if the recipient is a business partner.
Shibuya is practical, and the price is reasonable so it doesn't feel like a burden for either the giver or the receiver (laughs).
I think Harada's gifts are easy to give away, and because they're small and light, they're also convenient because the recipient can easily take them home.
Even if you receive it at a farewell party in Shibuya , it's not bulky, so you can just pop it in your bag and take it home.
At Saito's handkerchief shop on the first basement floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , customers can choose between a box and a bag when purchasing a gift, but the overwhelming majority of customers prefer bags. It's not too extravagant, so the recipient doesn't feel obligated, and the return gift doesn't have to be as formal.

-- Everyone has probably received a handkerchief as a "return gift." They come in a range of colors and patterns, from safe choices to flashy ones, but even the flashy ones are still usable, so you can't really go wrong receiving one.

Colors, patterns, materials, brands, etc. — There are many ways to choose.

--So, specifically, what are some key points to consider when choosing a handkerchief as a gift?

Saito handkerchiefs allow you to be particular about how you choose them, from the color and pattern to the material, brand, and craftsmanship.
Shibuya might seem plain at first glance, but it offers a wide variety of options, making it enjoyable for both the giver and the receiver of gifts.
Saito : I think the easiest way to choose is by color, pattern, or material. Men often choose blue or checkered handkerchiefs for themselves. Conversely, if a woman is giving a handkerchief as a gift to a man, a safe bet would be blue or checkered.
When giving a Shibuya tie as a gift, you tend to choose a safe color or pattern because you worry it might not suit the recipient's taste. But handkerchiefs are practical items, so why not be adventurous and choose a bold color or pattern sometimes?
Saito : Geometric patterns, cute illustrations, and playful colors and patterns are perfect gifts for stylish people.
Harada: I also want to be particular about the materials I use.
Saito: As for material selection, how about handkerchiefs treated with Nisshinbo's Apollocot® process, which is a wrinkle-resistant finish? They retain the feel of 100% cotton, are easy to care for and wrinkle-resistant even after washing. No ironing is required.
Shibuya , that must be really easy for your wife!
For those who sweat a lot, especially during the summer, a towel handkerchief is recommended.
Harada: They're thick and bulky, so smaller ones are better. On the 5th floor of the main building, in the towel section, there are towel handkerchiefs that are rectangular and, when folded in half, are the size of a folded handkerchief, and they're very popular.


Saito: This is a smartphone cleaning handkerchief from BROOKS BROTHERS. It's a small size and combines jacquard weave with microfiber that can also be used to clean glasses. The way you fold it changes the color and pattern, which is also interesting.
The Shibuya pattern is cute, isn't it? The sheep logo is called the Golden Fleece, and it's Brooks Brothers brand logo.
Harada, this is really soft. And it would look really cute if an adult man were carrying it!
Saito: This brand is popular with older people, so I think your boss would be happy to receive it as a gift.

Is this linen ? Linen handkerchiefs have a strong following. When I used to work at the Haneda store, quite a few people bought linen handkerchiefs. Apparently, they're not available in many places.
Saito : The crisp linen material is perfect for the coming season. Due to the nature of the material, it wrinkles easily, but it absorbs moisture easily and dries quickly, so once you start using it, you won't want to let it go.
Shibuya: This cotton feels really nice against the skin. What brand is it?


Blumer from Saito Switzerland. Switzerland is famous for its cotton fabric production, and in particular, it excels in printing techniques. It is said that the colors are beautiful because it is made in a land with clean water.
Harada , the colors are truly beautiful. It's also wonderful that you chose a brand specializing in handkerchiefs, not just a fashion brand.
While Italian brands like Mungai are well-known for pocket squares in Shibuya , handkerchief-only brands aren't as widely known, so this would likely be a welcome gift for fashion-forward individuals.
Saito: Among Japanese handkerchief brands, H TOKYO is well-known. The materials are nice and the designs are stylish. The series that uses leftover shirt fabric as material has a limited number of pieces, so it feels special.
You can also choose based on Shibuya's eco-friendly and sustainable perspectives.
Saito: This is Robert Fraser. It's a brand famous for its ties. They only started selling handkerchiefs about two years ago.
I think it's called a Harada geometric pattern. It's a cute pattern.
Some of the patterns resemble Shibuya ties, so you could even use them as pocket squares when you're not wearing a tie!

Assistant buyer Saito, in charge of handkerchiefs, and her meticulous selection process.

Personally , I prefer to choose based on the craftsmanship. I'm particularly interested in the "hem" of a handkerchief.
Harada , what do you mean? (laughs)
The edges of Saito handkerchiefs are called "hems," and there's a distinctive way they're sewn. While it's common to fold the edge three times and sew it with a sewing machine like a picture frame, I highly recommend the "hand-rolled" method. There's also a sewing technique called "zigzag roll," which uses a sewing machine to create a hand-rolled look. This also results in a slightly plump, rounded hem.

"Shibuya Hand" means it's hand-stitched, right?
What are the advantages of Harada's hand-sewing?
Because craftsman Saito takes his time sewing by hand, the edges feel softer than those sewn by machine.
The Shibuya bag is noticeably softer when folded.
Each Saito stitch has its own unique character, making each one different. Knowing that it's a one-of-a-kind handkerchief makes you feel a real attachment to it.
Harada certainly has a distinctive style.

— Paying attention to the stitching of the hem is the same kind of attention to detail as when tailoring a gentleman's suit.
Choosing a handkerchief with such care and attention to detail is enjoyable for both the giver and the receiver. Why not consider choosing a handkerchief for the upcoming farewell season?


Text: Yasuyuki Ikeda
Photo: Natsuko Okada