Handkerchiefs

[RazorDingo]

A hundred years ago, when my mom and dad were busy kitting me out for boarding school, one of the items on the list was a dozen white cotton handkerchiefs.

I have somewhat mixed emotions when it comes to the good old cotton hankie. There was a time when no self-respecting gentleman (or lady) would leave the house without a clean handkerchief tucked into a purse, pocket or sleeve. But those days are long gone.

From the perspective of basic hygiene, it does seem somewhat ridiculous to carry around a piece of cloth filled with semi-congealed mucus. For the obvious purpose of blowing one's nose - it appears that the disposable Kleenex tissue is a far superior choice. As long as the supply of tissues exceeds the demand for nose-cleaning, then the tissue is always going to beat the cotton. There is always the environmental argument to be made - that a handkerchief can be washed many times, while a paper tissue kills trees and ends up in a landfill. Although I'd be as hesitant to throw a used hankie in with the rest of my laundry as I would to mix in a dirty diaper.

Of course, a handkerchief has other uses: It can serve as an ad-hoc bandage, sling, or (in an unfortunate British stereotype) a sun hat. They can be useful for polishing eyeglasses, or as an impromptu carry sack.

The other use of the handkerchief - so serve as a decoration for a gentleman's jack breast pocket - I believe specialty silk pocket squares are vastly superior.

Do any of you folks still carry a cotton handkerchief? Thoughts?

[Noebie]

i must admit that i seldom actually use it for the intended purpose, but i nearly always carry one

nice to be able to offer a lady a hankie when needed

and in the midwest heat and humidity, it's handy to blot the perspiration from my forehead, if nothing else

[Obsessed]

I carry one every day and use it to wipe perspiration off my face.

[paulboeck]

I carry one every day. Mostly for the enviromental aspects you mentioned, but it's also easier on the nose than most tissues (except for the ones with lotion in 'em which I prefer during a cold or bad allergy attack).

[Thelonius1]

I carry one every day, seldom have I ever used it for nasal cleaning. However, its good to know its there if I need to. However, the multi-purpose handkerchief comes in handly for everything, cleaning messes, poslishing whatever, extending to a greatful lady who may be tearing up, the list goes on and on...

[DanOK]

I carry one every day. White for dress, blue or red with jeans for all the reason adove. You will after awhile people who know you exspect ytou to have one.

[Austin]

I never leave home without one. I have pulled it out many times to offer to my mother, girlfriend, etc. I have some monogrammed that I carry in rotation. It's a gentleman essential.

[TimmyBoston]

I carry one as well.

[Brodirt]

My dad taught me the importance of carrying one, and his dad taught me the importance of carrying two.

I carry two...one for me and one for any other circumstance where you might need to offer a clean one to someone else. In my grandfathers mind that would likely have meant to someone of the fairer sex!

[tam.audio]

I never leave home without one. I have pulled it out many times to offer to my mother, girlfriend, etc. I have some monogrammed that I carry in rotation. It's a gentleman essential.

I've noticed a common theme with those that do carry one. They have it on hand to offer someone else who may need it at a time. Maybe it's just me but my first reaction would be "ugh, I don't want/need a used hankie!"

[Austin]

I've noticed a common theme with those that do carry one. They have it on hand to offer someone else who may need it at a time. Maybe it's just me but my first reaction would be "ugh, I don't want/need a used hankie!"

That's what washing machines are for. :rolleyes: I only offer it to people I love. I would never hand my hanky to a stranger.

[Hawkeye5]

Yes, I carry one every day. I even still have a few that were my grandfathers and my fathers.

[RBE17]

I haven't carried a handkerchief in years. My grandfather always had one and my dad carried one for quite some time, but probably not in the last 15 years. I've never carried one as an adult. I do remember being a kid and carrying one when I was sick. By the time the school day was over it would be riddled w/ wet, runny snot that it would make my pants pocket wet...yuck!!!

[Monkeydad]

My dad always has and still does.

I have to admit...I never liked the idea of carrying it AFTER using it once, or using it a second time.

I know with tissues, if I have a cold, there are times where I really load them up and even need a few to complete a single blowing...I couldn't imagine putting that into my pocket.

[Clem]

I carry two. Also a sandwich bag for when they get "wet." Nothing makes a more foul impression than a wet spot in the front pocket.

True, most people look askance when offered a hankie but I keep mine pressed so they do not look used. Offering a used hankie is just tacky.
I generally offer a hankie to a lady and say "it's clean", smiling as I do so. Believe it or not, it is a welcome thing to most ladies and I don't expect them to give it back. In my experience the act also makes a positive impression.

Kleenex get used at home mostly and I do keep a box in the car. There just aren't enough hankies in reach to cope with allergy season.

[knlgskr]

Excellent thread. Yes, I carry a handkerchief; sometimes several and also tissues on or about my person.

[CowboyKissle]

I carry a plain white handkerchief every day. I use it for everything but nasal cleansing unless there's an emergency. In many ways its like a good pocket knife. You can find all kinds of uses for it.

[Mr. Clean]

For those of you who carry, is it me or have quality 100% cotton white handkerchiefs and (red or blue) bandanas become hard to find? You can still find white handkerchiefs, but most are rather thin and try finding a good ol' Made in the USA bandana amongst the sea of Made in China. I could stand some replacements.

[Emmett]

I do remember being a kid and carrying one when I was sick. By the time the school day was over it would be riddled w/ wet, runny snot that it would make my pants pocket wet...yuck!!!

This is my memory. I had one because not all the teachers kept tissues in their classrooms. But oh, the snot. It's tissues now for me.

[Obsessed]

Mr. Clean raises a good question. Where do you guys get your handkerchiefs? I get mine at Bloomingdale's and find them to be good.

[Masterofsparks]

I own several dozen in my drawer and always have one in my pocket. As far as washing them I don't have a problem with that at all! After all you don't have a problem washing your underwear!
I am 55 now and have carried one ever since I was a kid. I have a box of kleenex on my office desk but still prefer my good old cotton hankie!

[TimmyBoston]

That's what washing machines are for. :rolleyes: I only offer it to people I love. I would never hand my hanky to a stranger.

Me too.

[galopede]

Only ever carry white cotton hankies when out performing with my morris dance side. We need them to wave about!

Mine are permanently stuck in the waistband of my trousers as I only play the squeezebox these days (finally succumbed to Morris Dancer's Knee) but they are an essential bit of kit for Cotswold morris.

Gareth

[pal]

Interesting, I was taught when I was young that a gentleman always carries a handkerchief. I carry one most days, even if I don't ever use it.

[Confuzius]

I carry one in the summer to mop up sweat from my face, brow and head.

I've always thought it was rather gross to blow your nose into a hankie, if you're going to do that why not just blow it in your hand and wipe it inside your pocket...

Still, the sweat rag is kind of gross too, so I can't judge too much.

[S. Holmes]

I always carry a clean 100% cotton one. I have some allergies and if paper tissues are not available how would one clean their nose? The handkerchief is generally preferred over the shirt sleeve.

[Clem]

Mr. Clean raises a good question. Where do you guys get your handkerchiefs? I get mine at Bloomingdale's and find them to be good.

Conway (I live in New York), Sears has them on occasion and failing that I own a sewing machine and will make my own. I haven't had to do that too much lately because good solid hankies last a long time.

[Penn]

I'm an avid snowboarder. Gloves actually have a fabric swatch specifically for wiping. It ain't pretty after a full season, that swatch. And it's a lot of wiping and sniffling, wiping and sniffling - which is fine, but if there's a better way.....

A couple years ago I rode with someone who was carrying a hanky. Just brilliant. I picked up some casual-but-good-quality hankies from Duluth Trading. Always have one with me now. I also have a couple weeks of algery sniffles each spring and fall. The hanky is absolutely superior as far as being more gentle on your snoz. And tissues can be dusty which can actually irritate allergies. I'm giving hankies as gifts.

Hankies. I'm opinionated. Another thing we shouldn't have given up on.

[The Nid Hog]

I always carry one too. These days, I pick them up in Japan where handkerchiefs remain an essential item. My favorite handkerchiefs were linen ones that I bought at Banana Republic back when they sold odd and exotic items. They were originally made for British officers and were wonderful. Sadly they have disappeared over the years--I'd love to find more.

[tpoof]

I've been packin the red and blue spotted ones for many years..

[markb]

Do any of you folks still carry a cotton handkerchief? Thoughts?
I do.. For me it's a utility item same as a pocket knife.

[Left Coast DJ]

I have a roll of toilet paper in my car.

[Mr. Clean]

I have a roll of toilet paper in my car.
I guess that might be good information to know...



you know...just in case...:smile:

[Unknownsoldier]

A hundred years ago, when my mom and dad were busy kitting me out for boarding school, one of the items on the list was a dozen white cotton handkerchiefs.

I have somewhat mixed emotions when it comes to the good old cotton hankie. There was a time when no self-respecting gentleman (or lady) would leave the house without a clean handkerchief tucked into a purse, pocket or sleeve. But those days are long gone.

From the perspective of basic hygiene, it does seem somewhat ridiculous to carry around a piece of cloth filled with semi-congealed mucus. For the obvious purpose of blowing one's nose - it appears that the disposable Kleenex tissue is a far superior choice. As long as the supply of tissues exceeds the demand for nose-cleaning, then the tissue is always going to beat the cotton. There is always the environmental argument to be made - that a handkerchief can be washed many times, while a paper tissue kills trees and ends up in a landfill. Although I'd be as hesitant to throw a used hankie in with the rest of my laundry as I would to mix in a dirty diaper.

Of course, a handkerchief has other uses: It can serve as an ad-hoc bandage, sling, or (in an unfortunate British stereotype) a sun hat. They can be useful for polishing eyeglasses, or as an impromptu carry sack.

The other use of the handkerchief - so serve as a decoration for a gentleman's jack breast pocket - I believe specialty silk pocket squares are vastly superior.

Do any of you folks still carry a cotton handkerchief? Thoughts?

I carry one regularly, and generally do not use it for it's intended purpose having a kleenex in my bag anyway. But it does make you stand out when in a meeting or class, you produce a perfectly white starched ironed and folded handkerchief to cough into or buff ones glasses (a nervous tick I have when remembering if a pupil asks a question, I "strut", polish my glasses and close my eyes whilst reciting whatever they need to know... sounds a bit dippy, but it works for me, especially when trying to gain respect in class, as they are all only a year or so younger than me :D).

Tom

[Deltaboy]

I keep on handy all the time. It is a old habit learned from my Dad and Grandfathers. :biggrin:

[rgc]

I always have a linen, silk or wool pocket square in my jacket pocket for dress. I usually have a cotton handkerchief with me in a rear pants pocket for use. One to show and one to blow.

[Milkbone]

I never leave home without one. I have pulled it out many times to offer to my mother, girlfriend, etc. I have some monogrammed that I carry in rotation. It's a gentleman essential.

+1

I always carry one as well, I like the aspect of being able to offer an unused one, of course, if needed.

[Mr. Clean]

I always have a linen, silk or wool pocket square in my jacket pocket for dress. I usually have a cotton handkerchief with me in a rear pants pocket for use. One to show and one to blow.
Now dat der's funny...I don't care who ya are. :lol:

[pal]

I have a roll of toilet paper in my car.

You know you're a redneck if................
Oh, that was a different thread:lol::lol::lol:

[Yushiro]

Its become a completely dead custom in Malaysia. But Dad carried one with him every day and like the fountain pens he used every day, instilled the hanky habit in me as well. I never leave home without one. While they are cotton all the time, I don't seem to have any white ones. Sadly tho, the quality of these have dropped somewhat significantly these days.

The China and Indian made ones don't absorb any sweat whatsoever and are rather coarse (and are always too small). I still have 5-6 old cotton ones which are still very good. As far as bandannas are concerned, I used to carry a few in the 80's. Apart from the usual red and blue ones, we also had bandannas printed with logos, album art and pictures of Heavy Metal bands (I remember having a Iron Maiden 'Somewhere in Time' Bandanna) but those were for show, absolutely useless when it came to functionality.

I never offer them to anyone, not even wifey. Its a personal thing and I like to keep it that way. :001_smile

[rth97601]

I carry one every day, and have since college, but it's purely utilitarian--in fact I often refer to it as a snotrag. I would never offer it to anyone else for that reason.

My father and grandfather did the same.

I haven't bought any in awhile. When I need more, I make them. We have a decent sewing machine, so I just hem up the edges on a square of muslin--it ain't rocket surgery.

[mark the shoeshine boy]

i carry one everyday too....i haven't offered mine to anyone lately, however, if you are in the middle of a store or resturant and you are about to sneeze, it is only proper to cover you mouth/nose.


How embarrasing if something would fly out. :w00t: Or you sneeze something on your hand in front of a date, client or boss....what shows better sense?

I agree why would you think twice about carry something as nasty as a used cloth in the back of your pants. But like Autsin I have a daily rotation of mongramed ones and they are always clean.:001_rolle

[Mr. Clean]

I've had many occasions to offer my handkerchief to ladies of all ages. I seem to recall many moons ago offering it to another guy who had cut his hand/finger (c'mon the memory ain't that good) and was bleeding at a pretty good clip.

For funerals, my lovely Wife carries her own hankie, and I will carry a spare because sometimes you offer one up and it doesn't come back.

I'm still watching for a source of quality (not thin) men's 100% cotton handkerchiefs. I think I would also entertain a nice Irish linen if I read some good comments. Don't forget the 100% cotton bandanas, on these I definitely prefer USA materials and construction.

[thecopilot]

I typically carry one every day. I've bought some from Brooks Brothers but much prefer hankies from Giovanni's (http://giovannislinens.com/).

[Blondie]

For those of you who carry, is it me or have quality 100% cotton white handkerchiefs and (red or blue) bandanas become hard to find? You can still find white handkerchiefs, but most are rather thin and try finding a good ol' Made in the USA bandana amongst the sea of Made in China. I could stand some replacements.

Fellow Texan...

Here is a link for good old made in the US of A bandanas:

http://www.wholesaleforeveryone.com/category/bandanas-paisley-western-USA-22-dozen.html

and one more...

http://www.tansclub.com/prpabainuspr.html

Cheaper by the dozen, maybe we could do a group buy. Don't know if any of the Brooks Brothers guys would be interested, Texans on the other hand...

[Mr. Clean]

I typically carry one every day. I've bought some from Brooks Brothers but much prefer hankies from Giovanni's (http://giovannislinens.com/).
Judging by the photo this appears to be similar to some of my current handkerchiefs and not what I want. It appears in the photo that the material is "gauzy" or see-through. I'm looking for heavy duty, ironable 100% cotton.


Fellow Texan...

Here is a link for good old made in the US of A bandanas:

http://www.wholesaleforeveryone.com/category/bandanas-paisley-western-USA-22-dozen.html

and one more...

http://www.tansclub.com/prpabainuspr.html

Cheaper by the dozen, maybe we could do a group buy. Don't know if any of the Brooks Brothers guys would be interested, Texans on the other hand...

Thanks for the links. These look to be just what I'm looking for. Do you know anyone who has ordered from one or the other site? I would be up for a group buy if someone wanted. Maybe buy a dozen or so of at least 2 colors (red and navy for me - but would consider the green or black as a third or fourth option).

Are you in Dallas or in one of the surrounding suburbs? I ask because there is a guy on another forum who lists his location as Dallas, but is actually in Grapevine.

This are favorable attributes:

Good for long term use. - Who doesn't like this?

100% cotton. - Absolutely a must

Size: 21.5" x 21.5" - Good size. I measured one of mine at 19x19 but that is after several years of washes.

Made in USA. - Or comparable quality, which I haven't seen in some of the Chinese imports.

Double side printed(except black-red-white and navy-red-white). - Do they come printed on only a single side? Evidently so. By all means I want both sides to match.

Much softer. - Softer than what?

7, Color faster. - I don't care how fast my color goes, but I would like the material to be colorfast. :biggrin:

8, Overlock stitched 4 edges. - Sounds good.

9, Made of heavier-weight and higher-thread-count premium fabric than the standard single sided bandanas. - Now their talking my language. :biggrin:

[mark the shoeshine boy]

I have a roll of toilet paper in my car.


I guess that might be good information to know...



you know...just in case...:smile:


at least this way you are covered at both ends......:confused1

[Mr. Clean]

at least this way you are covered at both ends......:confused1

Better to be covered on both ends with TP than one of my handkerchiefs or bandanas. :scared:

I do like my tp to share some of the attributes of my handkerchiefs and bandanas...I like it to be soft...I like it to be strong...but I don't need it for long term use. :laugh:

[thecopilot]

Mr Clean,
The handkerchiefs I buy from Giovanni's are not at all gauzy or see through, they are made from nice heavy cotton and are ironable. Their linen handkerchiefs are nice as well. When you find some that fit you like be sure to let us know, I'm always on the lookout for some more nice handkerchiefs

[Cains Boy]

I carry an ironed, 100% cotton handkerchief every day whether I use it or not. I also keep one on the dresser for cleaning my glasses each morning. Got it from my dad and grandad, both of whom still carry them.

The best ones I ever bought were actually at Foley's; the last set I bought was from Wal-Mart (do not do this). The Foley's ones are soft and thick; the Wal-Mart version is thin and feels "rough" or brittle. Also, I've been washing and ironing the Wal-Mart brand for a year and they still come out of the dryer as wrinkled as can be. My Foley's ones, which I've had for about four years, come out of the dryaer without any wrinkles.

Do you guys think this is because of differing quality, the effects of time, both, or something else?

[Mr. Clean]

Mr Clean,
The handkerchiefs I buy from Giovanni's are not at all gauzy or see through, they are made from nice heavy cotton and are ironable. Their linen handkerchiefs are nice as well. When you find some that fit you like be sure to let us know, I'm always on the lookout for some more nice handkerchiefs

Good to know. I based my opinion on the photo in your link. You can see how the black background is visible through the handkerchief. That and the borders appear similar to some handkerchiefs that I have that I am sorely disappointed in.

I have wondered about linen. How do they wear?

[thecopilot]

Mr Clean,
I order model #6215 & 65215 and although they're pricey at $35 each I truly expect them to last a really long time. I carry them most every day and wash them often and they're still in great shape. I buy one every other month or so, that way it doesn't hurt as much when ordering! The linen is supposedly heavier than the cotton, they just don't come in as many styles. I may order a linen one next and report back.

[benvh]

Just bought a bakers half-dozen box of cotten handkerchiefs at Brooks Brothers today. I needed to spend a bit more to get my total to $300 (save $60 with a purchase of $300). Another purchase inspired by B&B!

[rm71]

I carry one. The ones I have are all cheapies though:blushing: Maybe I should invest in some decent one. I only use them to dry my hands/wipe perspiratiion off, never to blow my nose-I use tissues for that.

[Mr. Clean]

Mr Clean,
I order model #6215 & 65215 and although they're pricey at $35 each I truly expect them to last a really long time. I carry them most every day and wash them often and they're still in great shape. I buy one every other month or so, that way it doesn't hurt as much when ordering! The linen is supposedly heavier than the cotton, they just don't come in as many styles. I may order a linen one next and report back.

If you decide on the linen model, please do post back your impressions.

[Ruvane]

My father recently passed down his father's handkerchiefs to me. After receiving them, and a little reading on the Art of Manliness site, I decided to start carrying one. I got a pack of 9 plain white at Kohl's yesterday for $12. I was happy I was able to find someplace local that carries them.

It's an exciting new venture for me (to be more of the man I want to be), but being my age (teenager) I don't think my friends will see it the same way I do :sad:.

Hope for the best, I guess.

[prof500]

http://www.chockcatalog.com/item_detail.php?item_id=243

These are really good handkerchiefs -- big, good-quality cotton, long-lasting, white (so they can be used at work etc.). I've used them for years.

[Macion grey]

Thing I always have with me:

Insulin and related equipment (Type One Diabetic)
Wallet
Mobile Phone
Swiss Army Spartan
Cigar Lighter & Cutter
Handkerchief

They really are handy to have at all times.

[beyboo]

Carry one every single day. More use for sweat than anything else. It is a must where I am.

[johnniegold]

I carry one everyday in the back pocket of my suit. Irish Linen from Brooks Brothers. :thumbup1:

[razorrookie]

All this talk about "a gentleman is never without one"... let me tell ya, I've met alot of people at home in Alabama that are far from what most of you would call "gentlemen" or "ladies" and quite a few carried the standard issue handkerchief tucked into the back pocket of their pants for daily use.

My dad carries the red (what I call railroad engineer style) one in the backpocket for utility purposes and often a nicer white hanky for cleaning his glasses if/when they get sweat/dirt on then.

2 cents.