Anyone carry a handkerchief?

[TheShaun]

I'm not talking a pocket square here. I'm talking about a hanky in your pocket to clean your nose when needed. I almost never leave the house with out throwing a tissue in my pocket. I know that most days, I may need to wipe my nose at some point.

If you buy/carry a handkerchief where do you buy them, how big are they, what material are they? I wear suits to work often so don't want anything too big.

 

[Topgumby]

Every day. I keep it in the back pocket of my pants, and it's usually just plain old white cotton, although I do have some with printed patterns. After laundering they get ironed, mostly so they'll sit flat.

If I'm going to a social event, I'll also keep one in a jacket pocket or front pants pocket, maybe two if it's a wedding. I was told that's the one you give up when a gal gets the waterworks going and she hasn't brought her own, and you don't ask for it back. I've lost a few that way.

 

[TheShaun]

I was just looking online and see that most are 17x17 inches. that seems huge and would bulk up a pocket!

 

[PlayerPiano]

They do seem quite large, but I carry one and it's thin enough that I can fold it until it fits. I bought mine at Walmart actually, it came in a pack of three.

 

[Topgumby]

Not if they are folded and pressed.

Not to be gross, but if you use one to blow your schnozz rather than just wipe it, you want layers, and more than a couple!

 

[johnmrson]

Yes, I never leave the house without one. I bought cotton monogrammed ones off ebay.

 

[James1971]

I don't leave the house without a pocket knife, lighter, hanky, pocket watch and a good hat, of course. Weddings and funerals call for extra hankies for weeping ladies.

 

[instpasr]

I sometimes carry the ones I was issued in basic training a thousand Years ago, my nose is constantly running so it comes in handy.

 

[narativesoul]

yeah i buy a pack of them for like 5$ at walmart. and fold and press them and then scent them with either lavender(normally use this), old spice or 4711

 

[Navig8tor]

yeah i buy a pack of them for like 5$ at walmart. and fold and press them and then scent them with either lavender(normally use this), old spice or 4711

+1 (minus the scent, but I think I may try that now. Thanks)

 

[Legion]

I started carrying one again after reading this article. Just a large plain cotton one.

http://artofmanliness.com/2009/03/26/every-man-should-carry-a-handkerchief/

They don't take up any room if you keep them folded and ironed.

 

[ImaWestie]

I always carry two: one in each front pocket. 1 to use for the honker, 1 for eg glasses, monitors, etc.

I just buy a packet from K-Mart / Target /... - either that or "Santa Clause brings them" along with the sox and boxers!

17" sounds mighty large... sure they aren't 17 cm which would be 6" square or so?

 

[okey]

almost never unless i am off to an occasion that it may help and not necessarily for me. An example was last week ..my wife's younger brother passed away and when i heard the news and in shock i grabbed a couple of hankies from the drawer and went to the initial family home. I needed one and my sister in law was very appreciative of the other. I had three at the funeral though.

 

[dklaiman]

I always carry one. I fold but don't iron mine.

I just measured one of mine. It's 14" x 14". Folded, it isn't bulky at all--I carry it in the front pocket of whatever trousers or shorts I'm wearing.

 

[Saunterer]

Of course, I never leave home without one.

Here's a few reasons to carry one:

*To blow your nose*as a head cover*western style for dust and grit*wet, for escape from a smoky fire*headband*sweat rag*under cap for sun protection (aka Foreign Legion sun shade*tourniquet*sling*mark a trail*signal flag*diaper*washcloth*dish rag*napkin*eye patch*bind a splint*ice pack*pre-water filter*pot holder*cover food to keep bugs away*coffee filter*emergency toilet paper*sink drain plug*hand wrap for jar and bottle opening*hobo lunch box*hang flashlight from tent ceiling*neckerchief*tie up a pony tail*shine shoes*clean glasses and other lens*wrap a gift*canine bandana*table cloth*feminine hygiene*ear muffs*wrap up tiny or rattling pieces and parts*1st aid bandage*mark luggage at airport*blindfold for sleeping or surprises*temporary gas cap*wrap breakables in backpack or luggage*flag for lumber or building materials that are too long for trailer or truck*pillow cover*all terrain sitting cloth*waving down a taxi*wipe away a tear*distract a charging animal*disguise*whisk away pestering insects*muffle a sneeze*pad shoulders for carrying a load*pad a tumpline*self defense with a rock in it*bind a stone and toss a line over a limb*place mat*hot/cold compress*scarf/ascot*as a gag to shut someone up*bikini top/bra*watch fob*belt*bookmark*bib*salad spinner*window shade*whip*garrote*handcuffs*parachute for toy soldier*dog mussel*chafe protector*show your gang colors*flag football*lamp shade*alarm clock muffler*to show someone what paisley is*patch material for muzzleloaders*drink cozy*sunglasses retainer*

 

[danparker77]

I carry 2, one in each back pocket. 1 is for me (snout in winter, forehead/face in summer usually) and one for my son (work great as a stand in burp cloth). I get them at wal-mart, not very expensive. My wife hates them. Makes me launder them separately a keep them separated from other dirty clothes. She never complains when she needs one at weddings or such though. Maybe because she knows I break out brand new ones for special occasions when I know she will want one!

 

[p.m.a.]

I started using them a few years ago, and find them indespensible. Especially handy with children! I keep a folded white cotton handkerchief in a pant pocket.

 

[Austin]

I have always carried them since High School. I can't be without one.

 

[mretzloff]

I started carrying one again after reading this article. Just a large plain cotton one.

http://artofmanliness.com/2009/03/26/every-man-should-carry-a-handkerchief/

They don't take up any room if you keep them folded and ironed.

I read that article and still cannot understand why I should carry one. Most public places have tissues and every public place is air conditioned (in the US at least). Maybe it is a generational thing.

 

[Austin]

I read that article and still cannot understand why I should carry one. Most public places have tissues and every public place is air conditioned (in the US at least). Maybe it is a generational thing.

Matthew, I rarely blow my nose with my kerchief. I carry mine to offer to women. Many of times, I have offered my kerchief to a crying lady or a lady with an infant. I usually tell them to keep it. They are cheap and I have a drawer full of them.