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Handkerchief

A handkerchief is a small, usually square piece of cloth used for personal hygiene purposes, such as blowing the nose or wiping the hands and face, or as a decorative accessory worn in a pocket or purse.^[1] The English word "handkerchief" originated in the 16th century from "hand" + "kerchief," the latter from Old French couvrechief ("cover head"), originally denoting a head cloth but adapted for hand use.^[2] Historical evidence of similar items dates to ancient Rome, where the sudarium—a linen cloth for absorbing sweat or protecting the face—was used by the 1st century BCE as a luxury good among the elite, becoming more accessible by the 1st century CE with cheaper linen production.^[3] In Europe during the late Middle Ages, handkerchiefs reemerged around the 14th century, appearing in French noble inventories as early as 1301 and gaining popularity through Italian influences in the 15th century, often included in dowries as finely woven linen or silk items.^[3] In late 14th-century England, during King Richard II's reign (1377–1399), wardrobe accounts record commissioning small linen pieces "for wiping and cleaning his nose," which some historians associate with early pocket handkerchief development, though its origins may predate him or stem from continental Europe.^[4] Materials traditionally included fine linen from regions like Reims or Holland in the medieval period, evolving to incorporate cotton, silk, and later lace edging for decorative purposes by the 16th century, when they became scented gifts symbolizing status among nobility.^[4]^[3] Beyond hygiene—such as cleaning wounds or meals in Roman times—handkerchiefs served cultural roles, from sun protection in ancient contexts to symbols of community aid in modern traditions, like knotting money inside for gifts during Turkish Eid al-Fitr celebrations.^[5] In contemporary usage, handkerchiefs continue as both functional items for personal care and fashion elements, often monogrammed or patterned, though disposable tissues have largely supplanted them for hygiene in many cultures since the 20th century.

Definition and Overview

Etymology and Definition

A handkerchief is a small, typically square or rectangular piece of cloth primarily used as a personal accessory for wiping the face, nose, or hands to maintain hygiene or absorb perspiration. It is distinguished from related items such as napkins, which are larger and designed for table use during meals, or scarves, which are elongated fabrics often worn around the neck for warmth or adornment.^[1]^[6] The word "handkerchief" originated in English around the 1520s as a compound of "hand" and "kerchief," referring to a cloth held in the hand and used about the person, evolving from earlier head coverings. "Kerchief" itself derives from the Old French couvrechef, meaning "to cover the head," which entered Middle English in the 14th century. In French, the equivalent term is mouchoir, from the verb moucher ("to blow the nose" or "to wipe"), ultimately tracing to Vulgar Latin muccare and Latin muccus ("mucus"), emphasizing its hygienic function of clearing nasal passages.^[2]^[7]^[8] Handkerchiefs are characteristically portable, measuring about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) per side, allowing them to be folded compactly for pocket or purse storage. The earliest recorded use of "handkerchief" in English dates to 1530, in the translation work of John Palsgrave, Lesclarcissement de la langue françoyse. Earlier European textual references to similar cloth items appear in French inventories from the late 13th and early 14th centuries, such as those of Margrite de Pieronne in 1301 and 1328.^[6]^[7]^[3]

Materials and Design

Handkerchiefs are commonly constructed from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and silk, as well as modern synthetic blends. Cotton is prized for its high absorbency, softness, and durability, making it suitable for everyday use. Linen provides breathability, natural antibacterial properties, and excellent moisture absorption, contributing to a crisp texture that resists wrinkling over time. Silk offers a luxurious sheen, smoothness, and lightweight elegance, often favored for decorative purposes. Synthetic blends, introduced in the 20th century with materials like nylon, combine these qualities with enhanced affordability, wrinkle resistance, and ease of care.^[9]^[6]^[10] The manufacturing of handkerchiefs begins with weaving the base fabric, followed by decorative printing or embroidery and finishing with hemming. From the 18th century onward, block printing using carved wooden blocks allowed for multi-color patterns, as seen in cotton examples where indigo was applied via pencilling for fine details. Machine embroidery emerged in the 19th century, enabling intricate designs like monograms, while hemming techniques—hand-stitched narrow edges or machine-rolled hems—ensured durability and neatness, often utilizing the fabric's selvages to minimize waste. These processes evolved from artisanal methods to semi-industrial production, with fabrics cut from rolls into squares.^[11]^[12] Design elements include decorative borders, monogramming, and patterns such as florals or geometrics, which enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Borders often feature busy, repetitive motifs to frame the cloth, while monogramming—typically embroidered initials—personalizes the item. By the 19th century, sizes were standardized to approximately 16-17 inches square, balancing portability and utility. The evolution of colors shifted from plain white fabrics, emphasizing hygiene and cleanliness, to vibrant prints in reds, blues, and browns by the late 18th century, reflecting decorative and commemorative uses like souvenir motifs.^[11]^[13]^[14]^[15]

History

Ancient and Medieval Origins

The earliest precursors to the modern handkerchief appeared in ancient civilizations, with the first reliable evidence from ancient Rome rather than Egypt. In ancient Rome, by the 1st century BCE, these cloths evolved into the sudarium, a linen square primarily used to wipe sweat from the face and neck, as referenced in the works of the poet Catullus.^[3]^[16] Initially a luxury item affordable only to the elite because of high-quality linen costs, the sudarium became more widespread among middle and lower classes by the late 1st century CE, with additional uses including shielding the mouth during dusty travels or as signals in gladiatorial games.^[3] By the 3rd century CE, it was also known as the orarium (referring to its hemmed edges) and served functions like cleaning wounds or wiping fingers at meals, with Emperor Aurelian distributing them to theater audiences as a public gesture.^[3]^[16] During the medieval period, handkerchief-like items spread through Islamic trade routes, where they were known as mandil in Arabic texts, functioning as versatile face coverings, napkins, or towels from at least the 10th century CE onward.^[17] A notable surviving example is a linen handkerchief embroidered with silk in Kufic script, birds, and geometric motifs, attributed to the Fatimid Caliph al-'Aziz bi-Allah (r. 975–996 CE) and reflecting the dynasty's patronage of textile arts in Cairo.^[18] These items, often produced in Egypt and the Levant, entered Europe via commerce, influencing early adoption among nobility; by the 13th century, Italian merchants imported fine silks from the East, which elites used not primarily for hygiene but for perfuming and as scented accessories to mask odors.^[19] Key artifacts from the Byzantine era (6th–10th centuries CE) further illustrate this development, with embroidered sudaria—elaborate linen or silk handkerchiefs fringed and patterned for elegance—found in tombs, showcasing their role as status symbols in courtly and religious contexts.^[19]^[20] These pieces, preserved in arid Egyptian graves under Byzantine cultural influence, featured intricate designs that bridged Roman traditions with Islamic ornamental styles, highlighting the interconnected trade networks of the Mediterranean world.^[21]

Early Modern Development

During the Renaissance, handkerchiefs gained prominence as luxury items among European elites, particularly in England under Queen Elizabeth I. By the 1570s, embroidered handkerchiefs had become symbols of status and favor at court, with the queen frequently receiving and exchanging them as New Year's gifts, often adorned with intricate floral patterns or personal motifs that signified royal patronage. These items, crafted from fine linens like cambric, were not merely functional but served as tokens of affection and hierarchy, influencing courtiers to adopt similar accessories to emulate royal fashion.^[22] In the 17th century, innovations in design elevated handkerchiefs further, especially in France during the reign of Louis XIV. Lace edging became a hallmark of opulence, promoted through Colbert's establishment of royal manufactories in 1665 that standardized and expanded lace production for court attire, including delicate bobbin and needle laces applied to handkerchief borders. These developments reflected the era's growing emphasis on aesthetic refinement in personal accessories.^[23] By the early 18th century, production shifted toward handloom weaving in England, particularly in regions like Renfrewshire, where fine linens were woven for handkerchiefs using traditional looms before mechanization. This handloom era produced affordable yet quality items.^[24] Socially, handkerchiefs transitioned from exclusive elite possessions to middle-class staples, aligning with broader civilizing processes that emphasized personal refinement. This shift was evident in their adoption across social strata by the late 17th century, as described in contemporary literature and inventories. Additionally, during plague outbreaks like the 1665 Great Plague of London, handkerchiefs played a hygiene role, often scented with vinegar, rosewater, or herbs to filter perceived miasmic air and protect against contagion, underscoring their practical utility in public health crises.^[25]^[26]

19th and 20th Century Evolution

The invention of the Jacquard loom in 1804 by Joseph Marie Jacquard revolutionized textile production by using punched cards to automate the weaving of intricate patterns, enabling the mass creation of decorative handkerchiefs with complex designs previously limited to hand labor.^[27] This mechanization aligned with the broader industrialization of textiles, where cotton emerged as a dominant material for affordable handkerchiefs. In the United States, cotton mills expanded rapidly after the 1850s, employing thousands to produce everyday cotton goods, including handkerchiefs that became accessible to wider social classes.^[28] The Victorian era's growing emphasis on public health, driven by sanitation reforms in the 1860s, highlighted the role of personal items like handkerchiefs in controlling disease transmission, as medical advocates stressed cleanliness to combat infections.^[29] This awareness spurred innovations in hygiene products, culminating in the 1894 patent for disposable paper handkerchiefs by German chemist Gustav Krumm, which offered a convenient alternative to reusable cloth for containing germs.^[30] In the 20th century, handkerchiefs served practical roles during World War I (1914–1918), where they were distributed to soldiers for hygiene, as improvised aids in first aid kits, and as embroidered mementos to boost morale.^[31] The 1924 patent and marketing of Kleenex tissues as throwaway "handkerchiefs" accelerated the shift toward disposables, contributing to the post-World War II decline of traditional cloth varieties despite a 1920s fashion resurgence where silk pocket squares became essential menswear accessories.^[32]^[33] Production of cloth handkerchiefs reached peaks in the 1930s amid sustained popularity, but the 1950s introduction of synthetic fibers like nylon and acrylic reduced reliance on natural materials, further diminishing demand as disposables dominated hygiene practices.^[34]^[35]

Types and Variants

Hygiene Handkerchiefs

Hygiene handkerchiefs serve essential functions in personal sanitation, primarily for blowing the nose to clear mucus, wiping sweat to maintain comfort during physical activity, and cleaning hands to remove dirt or residue without direct skin-to-skin contact.^[36] These uses rely on the cloth's absorbency, typically from cotton or similar materials, which efficiently soaks up moisture and prevents it from spreading.^[37] To promote hygiene during multiple uses, a common folding technique divides the handkerchief into quadrants, often called the "four corners" method, where the fabric is folded in half twice to create four clean sections; after using one, it is refolded to expose an unused quadrant, keeping contaminants isolated inside.^[38] This approach minimizes germ transfer compared to unfolding the entire cloth. Laundering evolved accordingly, with handkerchiefs boiled in soapy water with soda for sanitation to kill pathogens and lice.^[39] The absorbency of hygiene handkerchiefs provides health benefits by reducing skin irritation during repeated wiping, particularly around the nasolabial area; a 2021 preclinical study found that soft cloth handkerchiefs increased filaggrin production (a key skin barrier protein) and reduced histamine levels (linked to inflammation) in disrupted skin models, outperforming bare-hand wiping which can exacerbate dermatitis through friction and moisture retention.^[37] However, post-2000 studies highlight risks of bacterial retention if not washed frequently; pathogenic bacteria like MRSA can survive weeks on cloth, with polyester blends supporting growth up to 206 days versus 90 days on cotton, necessitating washes at 40–60°C for 99% pathogen reduction.^[40] Debates between disposable paper tissues and reusable cloth handkerchiefs center on hygiene versus sustainability; while tissues limit bacterial spread by single-use disposal, with viruses surviving only hours, cloth variants require diligent washing to match this but reduce waste—though a 2023 life-cycle analysis showed reusable cotton handkerchiefs have 5–7 times higher environmental impact due to production and laundering energy.^[36] Washing a small load of handkerchiefs typically consumes 40–60 liters of water per machine cycle in efficient models, prompting advocates for air-drying and infrequent full loads to mitigate this.^[41]

Decorative Pocket Squares

Decorative pocket squares emerged as a distinct fashion accessory in menswear during the 1920s, when they were routinely folded into the breast pocket of suits to add a touch of elegance and sophistication, setting them apart from utilitarian handkerchiefs carried in trouser pockets.^[42] This placement emphasized their role as visible accents rather than functional items, often crafted from luxurious materials like silk to provide a subtle sheen that catches the light and enhances the overall attire.^[43] The accessory reached a peak of popularity in the 1930s, largely influenced by Hollywood icons such as Cary Grant, who frequently sported pocket squares in films, portraying them as essential elements of refined gentlemanly style.^[44] A revival occurred in the 1960s amid the mod fashion movement in Britain, where pocket squares complemented slim suits, narrow ties, and sharp silhouettes, incorporating bold patterns to reflect the era's youthful, pop-art-inspired aesthetic.^[45] Styling techniques for pocket squares vary to suit different occasions and outfits, with common folds including the presidential fold—a straight, flat edge that projects a clean, formal look; the puff fold, which creates a casual, rounded flourish ideal for silk fabrics; and the straight fold, a simple horizontal placement for understated elegance.^[43] Color coordination plays a key role, with white pocket squares favored for formal black-tie events to maintain versatility and crispness, while patterned or vibrant options in complementary hues add personality to casual or business attire.^[46] Modern etiquette emphasizes subtlety and harmony in pocket square use, advising against exact matches with the tie to avoid a contrived appearance—instead, select colors or patterns that echo secondary elements from the tie or jacket for cohesive yet distinctive layering.^[46] For optimal drape and fit within the breast pocket, pocket squares are typically sized at 12x12 inches, allowing sufficient volume without overwhelming the suit's proportions.^[47]

Cultural and Regional Variants

In various non-Western cultures, handkerchiefs have evolved into distinctive forms that blend functionality with artistic expression, often serving as head coverings, gifts, or multi-purpose cloths. In Punjab, India, rumals are square cotton cloths, typically measuring 12 to 14 inches, embroidered with phulkari techniques featuring floral and geometric motifs in silk threads. These items, prominent from the mid-19th century, were used by women as head coverings or ceremonial gifts, symbolizing prosperity and crafted across Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities before the 1947 Partition.^[48] A specialized variant, the Chamba rumal from Himachal Pradesh, emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries as square silk-embroidered cloths on muslin bases, employing a double-sided satin stitch (do-rukha) that creates identical motifs on both sides without knots. These pieces depict mythological scenes from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, alongside floral borders and natural elements, originally produced by royal women as dowry items or offerings. Recognized under India's Geographical Indications Act in 2007, Chamba rumals highlight Pahari craftsmanship and continue to be preserved in museums like the Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba.^[49]^[50] Beyond India, similar adaptations appear in East Asia and Africa. Japanese tenugui, thin cotton cloths roughly 14 by 35 inches, have been multi-purpose items since the Edo period (1603–1868), functioning as handkerchiefs, sweat towels, wrapping cloths, or headbands with hand-dyed patterns in indigo or bold colors. In West Africa, wax print fabrics—cotton textiles with vibrant, wax-resist designs introduced via Dutch trade in the 19th century—evolved in the 20th century to include smaller versions used as handkerchiefs or headties, symbolizing status and cultural identity in local markets and commerce.^[51]^[52]^[53] In the Middle East, Ottoman mandils from the 16th century were fringed silk scarves or veils, often tucked into belts or used for head covering among elites and military personnel, reflecting influences on broader customs through luxurious Bursa weaves. These items, derived from earlier Islamic traditions where mandil denoted a versatile cloth for veiling or as a token of affection, incorporated metallic threads and bold motifs, underscoring their role in daily and ceremonial practices.^[54]^[55]

Usage and Functions

Personal Hygiene Practices

Handkerchiefs have long been integral to personal hygiene routines, with established protocols for carrying, using, and storing them to promote cleanliness and discretion. Traditionally, men carried handkerchiefs in the rear trouser pocket to avoid displaying a soiled item, while women kept theirs in reticules or bodices. Upon need, the cloth is unfolded to expose a clean section, gently dabbed or blown into as required, and then refolded to isolate the used area, allowing multiple hygienic uses before laundering. These practices ensure the handkerchief remains a practical tool for managing nasal discharge, sweat, or minor spills without compromising decorum. Absorbent materials like cotton enhance their efficacy in such routines.^[56]^[38] Victorian etiquette strictly regulated public handkerchief use to uphold social propriety, prohibiting overt nose-blowing in company or at meals. According to contemporary guides, individuals needing to cough or use a handkerchief should excuse themselves from the table, retire to a private space, and only resort to discreet covering if immediate departure is impossible. This decorum stemmed from concerns over hygiene and refinement, reflecting broader 19th-century norms that viewed bodily functions as indelicate in social settings.^[57] As of 2025, general respiratory hygiene guidelines emphasize covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues (which should be thrown away immediately) or the elbow, followed by handwashing. For reusable cloth items like face coverings, authorities such as the CDC and WHO recommend washing in hot water with detergent after use to reduce pathogen transmission, though disposable options are preferred to minimize recontamination risks. This contrasts with single-use tissues, which reduce infection spread but contribute to environmental waste. In recent years, cloth handkerchiefs have seen renewed interest as an eco-friendly alternative, with growing adoption due to sustainability concerns.^[58]^[59]^[60] In 19th-century Western societies, gender differences prevailed, as women often employed smaller handkerchiefs—typically around 12 inches square—tailored to their slimmer silhouettes and decorative preferences, while men used larger versions for robust utility. Personalization through monograms embroidered with initials aided identification and ownership in hygiene contexts, preventing mix-ups in shared households. Protective cases, such as padded silk porte-mouchoirs from late 18th-century France, further supported cleanliness by shielding handkerchiefs from dust during transport.^[61]^[62]^[63] In the 18th century, handkerchiefs served as subtle tools for flirtation within European courts, particularly in France, where women might intentionally drop theirs to signal interest, prompting a gentleman to retrieve it as an invitation to engage. This gesture evolved from earlier courtly customs, where such actions conveyed unspoken intentions without overt declaration. By the 19th century, formalized "languages" of handkerchief movements emerged in Victorian society, such as drawing one across the cheek to mean "I love you" or dropping it to indicate friendship, reflecting broader norms of restrained romantic signaling. In the 20th century, the handkerchief took on new social meanings in subcultures; in the 1970s United States, gay men adopted the "hanky code," using colored bandanas in rear pockets to discreetly indicate sexual preferences and roles amid widespread discrimination.^[64]^[65]^[66] Handkerchiefs historically signified social class through material and craftsmanship. In the 1700s, aristocratic women favored elaborate lace-edged versions made from fine silk or linen, which demonstrated wealth and status as luxury imports often embellished with embroidery. In contrast, working-class individuals used simpler plain cotton or linen squares, which were affordable and mass-produced for practicality. Gifting handkerchiefs reinforced these customs, particularly in romantic contexts; during engagements, women commonly presented embroidered ones to suitors as tokens of affection and commitment, a practice rooted in 17th- and 18th-century European traditions where such items symbolized fidelity.^[67]^[68]^[69] Gender norms shaped handkerchief usage until the mid-20th century, with women favoring decorative, lace-trimmed designs for display and subtle gestures, while men opted for plain, functional cotton ones tucked into pockets for utility. This divide reflected broader societal expectations of femininity as ornamental and masculinity as pragmatic. By the 1950s, however, wartime fabric shortages and the rise of disposable tissues began eroding these distinctions, leading to more unisex adoption in everyday carry, though decorative pocket squares persisted in men's formal wear.^[11]^[70]^[71] In contemporary etiquette, offering a clean handkerchief to someone in tears remains a polite gesture of empathy, especially at events like weddings or funerals, where it is considered a gift rather than a loan to avoid awkward returns. Some theaters discourage carrying handkerchiefs due to potential rustling noises from unfolding or use during performances, aligning with broader rules against disruptions like crinkling wrappers.^[72]^[56]^[73]

Practical and Symbolic Applications

Handkerchiefs have served numerous practical purposes in emergencies and daily tasks, particularly as improvised medical aids. In military contexts during the early 20th century, soldiers often used handkerchiefs as makeshift bandages for wounds when formal supplies were scarce. For instance, World War II Special Operations Executive (SOE) training manuals instructed agents to improvise bandages using handkerchiefs, ties, or similar fabrics to dress injuries in the field.^[74] Similarly, post-1900 survival guides recommended cloth items like handkerchiefs for wound dressing in austere environments, emphasizing their availability and absorbency. In 20th-century emergency protocols, such as those for burn injuries, wet handkerchiefs were advised to filter toxic fumes and particles from the air during inhalation.^[75] Beyond medical applications, handkerchiefs functioned as utilitarian tools in household and survival scenarios. In 19th-century cooking, clean cloths resembling handkerchiefs, such as cheesecloth, were commonly employed to strain liquids and separate solids in recipes, a practice adaptable to everyday fabrics for tasks like clarifying broths or draining curds. For water purification in survival situations, 20th-century manuals suggested using layered cloth—potentially including handkerchiefs—to filter out sediments and particulates before boiling, as seen in civil defense guides from the mid-1900s.^[76] Additionally, handkerchiefs appeared in magic performances of the 1800s, where they enabled illusions like the sudden production of silk items; for example, magicians such as Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin used borrowed handkerchiefs in tricks involving vanishing and reappearing objects, such as transforming a silk cloth into an egg or concealing items within a covered goblet to reveal an aquarium effect.^[77] Symbolically, handkerchiefs have conveyed messages of peace, submission, and grief across centuries. Since the 18th century, a white handkerchief has been recognized in military traditions as an impromptu flag of truce or surrender, signaling non-aggression to opposing forces; historical accounts from the era describe soldiers waving white cloths, including handkerchiefs, to indicate capitulation or parley.^[78] In the Victorian era (1837–1901), black-bordered handkerchiefs held deep mourning significance, required at funerals to demonstrate grief's depth—the border's width denoting the mourner's relation to the deceased—with fine linen examples mandated for widows and family members during public observances.^[79]^[80] In modern protests, such as those in Hong Kong during the 2010s, demonstrators employed wet cloths—including handkerchiefs—as protective barriers against tear gas, echoing their role as symbols of resistance and drawing parallels to improvised tools like umbrellas in the 2014 Umbrella Movement.^[81]

In Literature and Media

In William Shakespeare's tragedy Othello (1603), Desdemona's handkerchief emerges as a pivotal motif symbolizing fidelity, love, and ultimately jealousy, as Iago manipulates its loss to sow doubt in Othello's mind about his wife's loyalty. The delicate cloth, a gift from Othello embroidered with strawberries representing their union, becomes a tangible emblem of betrayal when it is planted on Cassio, fueling Othello's tragic descent into rage and murder. This object underscores themes of deception and the fragility of trust in marital bonds.^[82] Charles Dickens frequently employed handkerchiefs in his 19th-century novels to evoke the harsh realities of poverty and social inequity, particularly in Oliver Twist (1838), where they serve as everyday items targeted by pickpockets in London's underclass. The abundance of stolen pocket-handkerchiefs highlights the desperation of orphaned children like Oliver, forced into petty crime amid the workhouse system's failures, critiquing Victorian society's neglect of the poor. These recurring thefts illustrate how mundane possessions symbolize survival and moral erosion in impoverished environments.^[83] In film, handkerchiefs often convey emotional vulnerability and romance, as seen in Michael Curtiz's Casablanca (1942), where Ilsa Lund's tearful confrontation with Rick Blaine includes moments of wiping away tears, amplifying the pathos of their rekindled but doomed love amid wartime exile. This intimate gesture reinforces the motif's role in highlighting sacrifice and nostalgia for lost innocence.^[84] Artistic representations in the 17th century, particularly in Dutch Golden Age works, featured folded handkerchiefs or similar linens in still lifes and portraits to symbolize domesticity, purity, and the quiet virtues of household life. In paintings by artists like Pieter Claesz, these crisp white cloths draped over tables or held by figures denote the ordered prosperity of bourgeois interiors, reflecting the era's emphasis on moral and material stability in everyday settings. Women holding handkerchiefs in portraits often conveyed restrained emotion or fidelity, aligning with cultural ideals of feminine restraint and familial harmony.^[85] Thematically, handkerchiefs in literature and media recurrently embody betrayal, as in Othello's catalytic jealousy, while also evoking nostalgia for simpler eras, seen in mid-20th-century films and advertisements that romanticize the cloth's tactile elegance. Their narrative prominence waned in the 20th century following the invention and widespread adoption of disposable tissues in the 1920s, which shifted cultural focus from reusable symbols of personal history to hygienic disposability, diminishing the motif's depth in storytelling by the post-World War II period.^[86]

Religious and Traditional Contexts

In Christian tradition, the Veil of Veronica represents a pivotal relic associated with the Passion of Christ, tracing back to a first-century legend. According to the narrative, a woman named Veronica—identified in extra-biblical accounts as the hemorrhaging woman healed by Jesus (Mark 5:25–34)—encountered him on the Via Dolorosa while carrying his cross to Calvary. Moved by compassion, she offered her head-cloth or handkerchief to wipe the blood and sweat from his face, upon which his image miraculously imprinted itself on the fabric through divine means, without human artistry.^[87] This cloth, often described as a fine Egyptian linen handkerchief, became a symbol of Christ's suffering and Veronica's act of mercy, venerated as the Sudarium Christi or Holy Face.^[88] The relic's veneration grew in the medieval period, with claims of its presence in Rome by the eighth century, where it was said to have cured Emperor Tiberius of leprosy. Housed in St. Peter's Basilica since 1606, it is displayed in a silver reliquary during Jubilees and holy days, inspiring the sixth Station of the Cross in Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran devotions.^[87] In liturgical contexts, similar small cloths, akin to handkerchiefs, serve as purificators or corporals on altars to handle the Eucharist, echoing the veil's theme of sacred wiping and imprinting divine presence.^[88] In Islamic traditions, handkerchief-like cloths have held practical and symbolic roles in prayer and pilgrimage, particularly from the seventh century onward. Pilgrims undertaking the Hajj often receive or use embroidered rumals—square cloths similar to handkerchiefs—as head covers or ceremonial wraps, denoting completion of the sacred journey to Mecca and Medina. These Haji rumals, crafted in regions like Bengal with chain-stitch embroidery in floral and paisley motifs, were exported to ports such as Jeddah and Istanbul, symbolizing religious prestige and the perils overcome during travel by camel caravan or sea until the mid-nineteenth century.^[89] Additionally, in daily ablutions (wudu), wiping excess water from the face and hands with a handkerchief is permissible and recommended in Maliki jurisprudence, linking to broader cloth-based hygiene practices akin to prayer rugs for maintaining ritual purity.^[90] Hindu customs incorporate embroidered handkerchiefs, known as rumals, in rituals and weddings, with notable evolution in nineteenth-century India. The Chamba rumal from Himachal Pradesh, a double-sided embroidered square on silk or cotton, originated in the seventeenth century but gained prominence under royal patronage in the nineteenth, featuring motifs of deities like Krishna, Shiva, and Ganesha drawn from mythology. These cloths are used to cover offerings in temples, enhancing sacred spaces during pujas, and symbolize auspiciousness and devotion in religious ceremonies.^[91] In weddings, they are gifted as ceremonial items depicting divine love stories, such as Radha and Krishna, or festive scenes of dancers and musicians, evolving from simple threads like rakhi in sibling protection rituals to more elaborate embroidered squares for broader familial and communal bonds.^[92] European folklore from the nineteenth century includes superstitions involving handkerchiefs tied in knots for luck and protection. In Spanish traditions, tying a knot in the corner of a handkerchief while reciting a prayer to Saint Cucuphas or Saint Anthony was believed to aid in recovering lost items, with the knot symbolizing a binding of focus to "unblock" the mind and invoke divine assistance. This practice reflects broader knot magic in European lore, where knots in cloths warded off evil or secured memory, as seen in mnemonic uses like reminding errand-keepers.^[93] In African traditions, wrapping cloths serve ancestral and spiritual roles, often functioning similarly to handkerchiefs in rituals. Among the Kuba people of the Congo, raffia-based cloths with over 200 embroidered patterns are essential for ancestral veneration, wrapped around bodies or offerings to ensure recognition in the afterlife and passed down through generations during ceremonies. Headwraps, rooted in sub-Saharan aesthetics, are tied with crown knots for spiritual protection in rites like voodoo or baptisms, symbolizing resistance, identity, and connection to forebears, as adapted in African diaspora practices.^[94]^[95]

Modern Cultural References

In the 21st century, the television series Mad Men (2007–2015) played a pivotal role in reviving mid-20th-century menswear aesthetics, prominently featuring pocket squares as essential accessories that echoed 1960s sophistication. Protagonist Don Draper's frequent use of simple white linen pocket squares, often tucked into suit jackets, inspired a resurgence in their adoption among modern fashion enthusiasts seeking a polished, retro look.^[96]^[97] This revival extended beyond the screen, with replicas of show-used handkerchiefs entering museum collections and influencing contemporary tailoring trends.^[98] Subcultural scenes have further embedded handkerchiefs in niche expressions of identity. The steampunk movement, gaining prominence in the 2000s, incorporates Victorian-era printed handkerchiefs and neckerchiefs as key elements of its aesthetic, combining ornate historical motifs with industrial-futuristic attire to evoke an alternate 19th-century world.^[99] Paralleling this, eco-conscious movements in the 2020s advocate for reusable cotton handkerchiefs as a sustainable alternative to disposable tissues, highlighting their lower environmental footprint—such as reduced paper waste and deforestation—while encouraging personal waste reduction among younger generations like Gen Z.^[36]^[100] Globally, handkerchiefs have appeared in activist contexts, underscoring their practical versatility. During the 2019 protests in Chile against social inequality and gender-based violence, demonstrators repurposed handkerchiefs as face masks, with green versions symbolizing demands for abortion rights in feminist flash mobs like "Un violador en tu camino."^[101]^[102] These uses reflect broader critiques in contemporary fashion discourse, where handkerchiefs are examined as markers of traditional masculinity in menswear, evolving from hygiene tools to stylistic symbols amid shifting gender norms in the 2020s.^[103]

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[11]
Considerations on a Handkerchief • V&A Blog
### Summary of Handkerchiefs (18th-19th Century)
[12]
English Embroidery of the Late Tudor and Stuart Eras
May 1, 2010 · The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries saw a flowering of the art of embroidery for secular use, particularly in England.
[13]
Fancy Work (French and Eyelet/Cutwork Embroidery)
Jun 29, 2020 · Handkerchiefs were embellished with florals, scrolls, eyelets, anything beautiful and dainty. The handkerchief designs to the right (Fig. 6) can ...
[14]
Handkerchief | The Art Institute of Chicago
19th century. ... Dimensions. 31.8 × 31.8 cm (12 1/2 × 12 1/2 in.) Credit Line. Gift of Mrs. Charles H. Schweppe. Reference Number. 1930.104. IIIF Manifest The ...
[15]
Reading American History Through Handkerchiefs - Atlas Obscura
May 8, 2018 · During the mid-20th century, handkerchief design took a decidedly modern turn. With the Great Depression and World War II in the sociocultural ...
[16]
French Fashion: The History of the Handkerchief - Bonjour Paris
Feb 15, 2016 · The origin of the word handkerchief can be best explained by stepping back to 2,000 BCE. Wealthy Egyptians were carrying the first handkerchiefs ...Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
[17]
https://lugatism.com/2022/06/22/headwear-and-footwear-in-the-fatimid-caliphate-2/
[18]
Headwear and footwear in the Fatimid Caliphate (909–1171 CE)
Jun 22, 2022 · The mandil in medieval times had numerous purposes, it was used as a napkin, towel, wrapper, waist sash, or kerchief, even a substitute for a ...
[19]
Handkerchief/ textile fragment - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum
This handkerchief is attributed to the Fatimid caliph, al-'Aziz bi-Allah who ruled from AH 365–86 / AD 975–96, and who was known for his tolerant policies ...
[20]
Dress in Byzantium - Hagia Sophia History - - Pallasart Web Design
You can see Constantine has an embroidered linen or silk handkerchief with a fringe on it, this is another sign of his sophisticated elegance. As far as ...Missing: 6th- | Show results with:6th-<|control11|><|separator|>
[21]
The Byzantine Empire - St.John Chrysostom
Accessories to wealthier Byzantine dress include: Sudarium, an elaborate embroidered handkerchief; contabulatim, a long embroidered cloth, sometimes fan ...
[22]
Social Fabrics: Inscribed Textiles from Medieval Egyptian Tombs
Social Fabrics looks at tiraz—highly prized textiles enhanced with woven, embroidered, or painted inscriptions in Arabic—to trace the structure of medieval ...
[23]
Handkerchief | Unknown | V&A Explore The Collections
Nov 10, 2003 · Queen Elizabeth I frequently received sets of embroidered handkerchiefs on new Year's Day. The embroidery here, creating a pattern of stylised ...Missing: courtiers | Show results with:courtiers
[24]
Lace and the Seventeenth-Century French Economy
Jul 21, 2025 · In 1665 Louis XIV (1638–1715) and his ambitious finance minister Jean- Baptiste Colbert (1619–1683) established the French lace industry.Missing: handkerchiefs | Show results with:handkerchiefs
[25]
18th Century Handkerchiefs - wee red thread - WordPress.com
Sep 2, 2018 · Around the middle of the century, a few Renfrewshire textile manufacturers began experimenting with silk gauze weaving, in direct imitation of ...
[26]
[PDF] Napkins and Handkerchiefs in Early Modern - Joan Fitzpatrick
1 For the early moderns the napkin was apparently synonymous with the handkerchief, reputedly invented by King Richard II. 2 The handkerchief was, ostensibly, ...
[27]
Plague - Encyclopedia of Smell History and Heritage - Odeuropa
Oct 19, 2023 · Fumigation was the primary method for plague prevention in urban centres. The use of scented or smokey woods, such as cypress, pine, juniper, ...Missing: hygiene | Show results with:hygiene
[28]
Programming patterns: the story of the Jacquard loom
Jun 25, 2019 · When Joseph-Marie Jacquard, a French weaver and merchant, patented his invention in 1804, he revolutionised how patterned cloth could be woven.revolutionary invention · Step by step: how a Jacquard... · The Jacquard loom in...
[29]
Petersburg's Cotton Industry - Historic Petersburg Foundation, Inc
1850s Boom time for Cotton. The 1850s were a boom time for cotton factories. By 1850, six mills were in operation in and around Petersburg and they employed ...
[30]
Florence Nightingale: a pioneer of hand washing and hygiene for ...
Mar 23, 2020 · During the Crimean War (1853-1856) Nightingale had implemented hand washing and other hygiene practices in British army hospitals. This was ...
[31]
Papier handkerchief patented 125 years ago – DW – 08/13/2019
Aug 13, 2019 · Papermaker and chemist Gustav Krumm had his hygiene invention patented in imperial Berlin in 1894, partly to help against ailments born in air ...
[32]
Making handkerchiefs for the troops - NZ History
Aug 28, 2014 · Children at Te Aroha Public School make handkerchiefs for New Zealand soldiers during the First World War.
[33]
History | Kleenex® US
1924. America says “Happy Birthday” to Kleenex® products on June 12, 1924 ... The company responded with its new position – “The handkerchiefs you can throw away.
[34]
https://journalofantiques.com/digital-publications/joac-magazine/features/vintage-handkerchiefs/
[35]
Vintage Handkerchiefs - The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
Sep 24, 2015 · Though Kleenex was introduced in the 1930s with the slogan “Don't Carry a Cold in Your Pocket,” cloth handkerchiefs remained popular through the ...
[36]
A Short History of Manufactured Fibers - Dharma Trading
The first commercial scale production of a manufactured fiber was achieved by French chemist Count Hilaire de Chardonnet.
[37]
Handkerchief Uses: Head Covering, Veil, Disguise, Cleaning, Wounds
Sep 28, 2023 · In the late 19th century the “handkerchief code” was a system of colour coding and handkerchief placement used to indicate sexual preferences, ...Missing: theory | Show results with:theory
[38]
Preclinical Study to Evaluate the Effects of a Soft Handkerchief in ...
Oct 1, 2025 · The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of a wet handkerchief (SKNW) on the skin barrier balance by measuring filaggrin and ...
[39]
How to Fold a Handkerchief (Secret Sanitary Method Revealed)
My handkerchief folding technique has a simple aim: To use as much hanky real estate for nose blowing as possible but always ensuring that germs do not spread.
[40]
The little-known history of cleanliness and the forgotten pioneers of ...
Oct 20, 2022 · Nightingale (59) urged nurses to wash their hands and faces regularly throughout the day, demonstrating a long-standing appreciation for the ...Missing: handkerchiefs | Show results with:handkerchiefs<|separator|>
[41]
Laundress-Laundry Methods - Fort Scott National Historic Site (U.S. ...
Jun 3, 2022 · Clothes were separated into delicates like handkerchiefs, whites and ... Clothes were stirred in the boiling water with a washing stick ...Missing: starch | Show results with:starch
[42]
Laundry Hygiene and Odor Control: State of the Science - PMC - NIH
May 7, 2021 · Pathogenic bacteria and molds, such as Salmonella and MRSA, may survive for weeks in clothing (1). Naturally occurring Pseudomonas aeruginosa ...
[43]
How Many Litres of Water Are Used Per Wash? | PUELLA
Apr 9, 2025 · Older machines use 100-150 liters, standard 50-80, water-efficient 40-60, and eco machines 35-50 liters per wash.Missing: handkerchiefs | Show results with:handkerchiefs
[44]
The History Of The Pocket Square
### Summary of Pocket Square History (1920s, 1930s, 1960s)
[45]
How To Fold A Pocket Square - 8 Stylish Folds For Gentlemen
Aug 31, 2022 · In this guide, you will learn how to fold eight different classic pocket square folds, plus a special bonus.
[46]
Master The 3 Peaks Pocket Square Fold: The Ultimate Flourish To ...
Aug 26, 2024 · The 3 Peaks Pocket Square fold is believed to have been popularised by the Hollywood elite in the 1930s and 1940s. Actors like Cary Grant ...
[47]
Mod Fashion: A Guide to the Iconic Style of the 1960s and Beyond
May 21, 2024 · Men often wore narrow ties, pocket squares, and sunglasses, while women accessorised with scarves, hats, and large earrings. Evolution of Mod ...
[48]
Pocket Squares | Rules and Etiquette in 2025
### Pocket Square Etiquette Rules
[49]
How big is a pocket square? | Men's Clothing Forums
Apr 2, 2006 · Silk should be 16" to 18" to maintain a puff fold. Linen can be as small as 12" by 12" for a tv fold. I find a 12" silk square almost useless.Missing: 12x12 | Show results with:12x12
[50]
Phulkari: The Embroidered Textiles of Punjab from the Jill and ...
Jan 23, 2017 · Phulkari embroideries historically served as a significant symbol of a Punjabi woman's material wealth and were deemed an important part of her ...
[51]
Chamba Embroidery: The Double-Sided Silk Art of Himachal's Royal ...
Chamba rumals are treasured for their mythological motifs and are a testament to storytelling through embroidery.Missing: UNESCO recognition
[52]
Details | Geographical Indications - Intellectual Property India
GI-Logo. Chamba Rumal. Application Details. Application Number, 79. Geographical Indications, Chamba Rumal ... Date of Filing, 22/01/2007. Class ...Missing: recognition | Show results with:recognition
[53]
https://hyperallergic.com/335472/how-dutch-wax-fabrics-became-a-mainstay-of-african-fashion/
[54]
https://ia601303.us.archive.org/29/items/ArabDress.FromTheDawnOfIslamToModernTimesByYedidaKalfonStillman/Arab%20Dress.%20From%20the%20Dawn%20of%20Islam%20to%20Modern%20Times%20by%20Yedida%20Kalfon%20Stillman.pdf
[55]
How Dutch Wax Fabrics Became a Mainstay of African Fashion
Nov 3, 2016 · The Philadelphia Museum of Art examines the past and present of Vlisco fabrics, a symbol of our hyperconnected, postcolonial material world.
[56]
None
Below is a merged summary of the content related to "mandil or handkerchief in Ottoman or Middle Eastern context, fringed silks for veiling, 16th century," consolidating all information from the provided segments into a comprehensive response. To maximize detail and clarity, I will use a table in CSV format to organize the information systematically, followed by a narrative summary that ties it all together. The table will capture specific references, contexts, and gaps across the topics, while the narrative will provide an overview and additional context.
[57]
Silks from Ottoman Turkey - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Nov 1, 2012 · Ottoman textiles produced during this period are unsigned; while we have some data about the inner workings of royal or independent workshops.Missing: fringed veiling customs
[58]
Every Man Should Carry a Handkerchief - The Art of Manliness
Mar 26, 2009 · Be sure to put one in your pocket when you go see a tear-jerker movie with your girlfriend or accompany your wife to a funeral.
[59]
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness
All fine articles, lace, embroidery, and handkerchiefs, should be placed by themselves in a drawer, always laid out smoothly, and kept from dust. Furs should be ...
[60]
Hygiene and Respiratory Viruses Prevention - CDC
Aug 18, 2025 · Practice good hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
[61]
Advice for the public: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Mar 18, 2023 · This page includes advice from WHO on ways to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
[62]
https://londonhandembroidery.com/unraveling-the-history-of-embroidered-monograms/
[63]
Why do women use a small handkerchief while men use a large one?
Feb 22, 2014 · ... Handkerchief More Hygienic than Tissues? - HankyBook. Getting rid of ... one side. Upvote ·.What do you do with a handkerchief after you use it? - QuoraIf I'm at fine dining restaurant with only the one cloth napkin ... - QuoraMore results from www.quora.com
[64]
Unraveling the History of Embroidered Monograms
Jul 27, 2023 · Embroidered monograms evolved beyond mere identification and developed symbolic significance. They became a reflection of social status, power, and lineage.
[65]
Handkerchief Case (Porte Mouchoir) | V&A Explore The Collections
Aug 28, 2018 · The padded, book-like structure made this case a a secure holder for valuable handkerchiefs that were either embroidered or trimmed with lace.
[66]
Handkerchiefs and Flirting Language - geriwalton.com
Feb 14, 2014 · ”[3] However, Elizabeth I loved handkerchiefs and gave as many to women as she received, and it was during her reign that the handkerchief ...
[67]
The Handkerchief Flirting Code - New England - Yankee Magazine
Jan 22, 2017 · Dropping: We will be friends. Folding: I wish to speak with you. Letting it rest on the right cheek: Yes. Letting it rest on the left cheek: No.
[68]
Hanky Panky: An Abridged History of the Hanky Code
Apr 23, 2019 · The hanky code was a covert sartorial code used predominately by queer men in the 1970s and into the 1980s.Missing: US | Show results with:US
[69]
18TH CENTURY HANDKERCHIEFS - The IK Foundation
May 17, 2017 · The aim of this essay is to focus on a small branch of the Swedish East India Company dealing in fabrics used for handkerchiefs.
[70]
Handkerchiefs - eighteenthcenturylit - PBworks
Handkerchiefs in the Eighteenth century have also been noted as large squares of material, folded or cut and sewn into a triangle, and worn around the neck.
[71]
Handkerchiefs And Their 'flirty' Language | Cowper & Newton Museum
The first historical evidence of the kerchief was found in archeological artefacts from 1000 BC China. Small figures from the Zhou dynasty were found holding ...
[72]
The History of the Handkerchief
### Historical Facts About Handkerchiefs
[73]
The Complete Handkerchief History - HankyBook
The humble handkerchief is tied into human history, culture, and literature more than you realize. The history of the hankie spans continents, traditions, ...Missing: credible sources
[74]
Miss Manners: Is it awkward to offer a handkerchief?
Apr 26, 2020 · Dear Miss Manners: Many years ago, I learned the usefulness of carrying an extra handkerchief to weddings and funerals.
[75]
Theater Etiquette - Blake Theater
Sitting in a live show is not like being at a movie theater – it's usually much more quiet, so you have to be more careful not to make noise. ... handkerchief on ...
[76]
Pre-hospital care in burn injury - PMC - NIH
Moreover, breathing should be done through the wet handkerchief to filter out the fumes, carbon and other toxic particles. Put out the fire in an ...
[77]
[PDF] Emergency Resource Guide - Skagit County
n Filter water using coffee filters, paper towels, cheese cloth or a cotton plug in a funnel . Boiling n Boiling is the safest way to purify water . n Bring ...
[78]
[PDF] Nuclear War Survival Skills - County of Waldo, Maine
This book provides self-help instructions to increase survival chances during a nuclear attack, covering psychological prep, evacuation, shelter, and more.<|separator|>
[79]
Magic, Stage Illusions and Scientific Diversions Including Trick ...
Take a white napkin or a large[132] sized silk handkerchief and cover the glass with it. Upon removing the napkin or handkerchief, the glass will be found ...<|separator|>
[80]
Charles Drake Ferris, Unknown Veteran of San Jacinto - jstor
and exalted courage, seized a flag-staff, to which he has white handkerchief, and advanced himself (his affrigh following and clinging to him as their only ...
[81]
[PDF] Funeral and Mourning Customs - Miami University
Black, gray, and violet were conventional mourning colors, accessorized witl1 veils, shawls, black gloves, bordered handkerchiefs, and black jewelry.
[82]
[PDF] Woman and Death in Nineteenth Century America
Mourning handkerchiefs of fine linen were required to have a black border, as were mourning cards.”66 This. 60 Aries, Western Attitudes Toward Death, 55-56.
[83]
The tactics Hong Kong protesters use to fortify the front lines - Reuters
Jul 12, 2019 · Police have regularly fired tear gas and pepper spray at protesters. Demonstrators often use equipment such as goggles and gas masks or face ...
[84]
Desdemona's Handkerchief: Its Symbolic Significance - Academia.edu
In describing the origins of the handkerchief, Othello reveals the conditional love he feels for Desdemona. In Act III, scene iv, Othello knows that ...
[85]
The Purloined Handkerchief - jstor
As they reappear and pass from one context to another, handkerchiefs take on increasing thematic and figurai significance in the novel.
[86]
Great Scene: “Casablanca” - Go Into The Story - The Black List
Dec 13, 2016 · Ilsa's eyes well up with tears. Rick puts his hand to her chin ... Ilsa looks at Rick and he returns her stare with a blank expression ...
[87]
women holding handkerchiefs in seventeenth-century Dutch portraits
The paper examines the symbolism and cultural significance of handkerchiefs held by women in seventeenth-century Dutch portraits.
[88]
Diminutive Adornments - PieceWork magazine
Oct 16, 2024 · Most historians agree that the handkerchief came into general use throughout Europe during the Renaissance (1200–1500).
[89]
Is Veronica mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org
Jan 4, 2022 · Moved by His suffering, she removed her head-cloth, or handkerchief, and gave it the Lord to wipe the sweat and blood from His face.
[90]
The Veil of Veronica and the Passion - TAN Direction
The Veil of Veronica is a handkerchief with Jesus' face miraculously impressed on it when Saint Veronica wiped his face, representing his passion.Missing: legend | Show results with:legend
[91]
Keeping the Faith in Haji Rumal | The Voice Of Fashion
Feb 17, 2025 · Among these are the Haji rumals, which were exported to Indonesia and the Arab world and worn as headdresses by men upon completing the Hajj ...
[92]
Chapter 17 Mudawwanah – The Chapter About Wiping the Water ...
Sep 7, 2010 · Ibn al-Qaasim said Maalik said, “Its OK to wipe one's self with a handkerchief after wuduu'.” Ibn Wahb said after transmitting from Zayd bin al ...
[93]
The Enchanted World of Embroidered Handkerchiefs
Chamba is the home of fine embroidery craft that came to be known simply as Chamba rumal, the Persian word for kerchief. Since every home in India practiced ...
[94]
Chamba Rumal – Exquisite Embroidered Art from Himachal Pradesh
### Summary: How Chamba Rumal is Used in Religious Ceremonies and Weddings in India
[95]
10 Elaborate Superstitions From Unlikely Places - Listverse
Nov 24, 2014 · In parts of Spain, it is customary to tie up the corner of a handkerchief in a knot if you have misplaced something and can't find it. If you ...
[96]
Out of Africa: A tapestry of traditional textiles - The EastAfrican
Jul 6, 2020 · ... ancient African tradition of raffia cloth weaving. “The abstract patterns on the Kuba cloth inspired artists such as Picasso, and Matisse ...
[97]
The African American Woman's Headwrap: Unwinding the Symbols
The African American woman's headwrap has functioned as a "uniform of rebellion" signifying absolute resistance to loss of self-definition.
[98]
Mad Men Fashion: Celebrating the Pocket Square - Flavorwire
Jan 7, 2010 · After noticing this, Sydney-based graphic designer Christina Perry has created a series of posters celebrating the unique looks sported by Don ...Missing: handkerchiefs revival 1960s
[99]
https://www.historicalemporium.com/top-ten.php?type=Neckerchiefs&cat=Mens%20Ties&theme=Steampunk
[100]
Handkerchief used by Jon Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men
Description: White embroidered handkerchief used by Jon Hamm as Don Draper in the AMC television series, Mad Men. Matthew Weiner created this 1960s period ...Missing: revival style
[101]
https://www.vice.com/en/article/30-wild-photos-of-chiles-masked-feminists/
[102]
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/demonstrator-girl-wearing-green-handkerchief-mask-news-photo/1187053655
[103]
30 Wild Photos of Chile's Masked Feminists - VICE
Jan 7, 2020 · Ximena still carries the mask in her purse: a black handkerchief with two holes for the eyes, a big R for resistance written in white paint. She ...
[104]
A demonstrator girl wearing green handkerchief mask... - Getty Images
Dec 8, 2019 · A demonstrator girl wearing green handkerchief mask performing in a feminist flash mob "A Rapist in Your Path" in protest of violence ...
[105]
Why I rarely wear a pocket square today (and what I do instead)
Apr 29, 2020 · The pocket square, or handkerchief, is an interesting indicator of how dapper clothing has trended in the past 15 years.Missing: gender studies 2020s