Rugged Couture, Scene I: The Handkerchief

Walking through the forest on a cloudy spring day, finally having caught the cold that has been floating around, I find myself congested - yet still desiring to impress the beautiful girl walking with me. Fumbling around checking for a pack of tissues, I turn to her to see if she has any - no luck. With a runny nose, any chance of a kiss can be, well, kissed goodbye...

Enter the handkerchief.

This handy piece of cloth lost a lot of its popularity with the rise of products like Kleenex, whose availability made it much more plausible, especially for extensive usage. But with sites like Etsy appearing, where users can sell their own handmade / vintage goods, these sorts of products are regaining appeal. I personally bought one of the fantastic handkerchiefs by snowbirdling, which are simple, practical, and made for me by a human.

But why a handkerchief? Why not just pack a pile of tissues, using a new one whenever you need it?

Firstly, there are few better signs of a gentleman than someone who does not settle for cheap, disposable products - and uses even his handkerchief to distinguish his style and sense of self.

Secondly, you're helping the environment. And I don't need to mention the importance of taking care of the earth, only that it is our duty - for our kids, for each other, for ourselves.

Thirdly, it is as practical to the textile world as the swiss army knife to the tool world. Just as the towel to the hitchhiker, the handkerchief can be incredibly useful in many situations:

• Blowing your nose (the obvious one)
• A face mask to protection from dangerous/poisonous fumes
• Bandana
• Wound dressing
• Clothing patch
• Facecloth
• Cleaning cloth (for spills etc)
• Fixing a plumbing leak temporarily
• Offering to a lady when she is in need
• Replacement pocket square
• Grip for opening / turning
• Coaster
• Hot plate
• Ad Infinitum

And all while preserving pocket real estate.

I've found the best place for things like this is, hands down, etsy.com. Handmade goods, independent sellers, great prices.

As mentioned before, I personally use a custom handkerchief by snowbirdling (http://snowbirdling.etsy.com) - and highly recommend her work. Hand sewn and printed on durable fabric. So far none of the color has faded on mine, and I take it with me everywhere. All for ~7$, which is a steal when it comes to handmade goods!