A handkerchief for every use!

Many of you write to me, asking for recommendations in regards to a particular handkerchief usage.

While responding to the different requests, I thought that an article on the subject could be useful! So here are the different uses for the handkerchief and the ideal handkerchiefs for each purpose. 

Handkerchief Use #1: for nosebleeds

If you get frequent nosebleeds, you’re probably looking for a handkerchief that won’t remain stained after you use it. While you might think that a red hanky would be ideal for this purpose, in my experience, it’s not the best option. In fact, a black handkerchief will hide blood stains much better!

I recommend a nice black organic cotton sateen handkerchief like NOF to manage your nosebleeds. For more absorbency, you might also consider KURT, a black organic cotton flannel handkerchief with a red rolled hem. If your nosebleeds are rather intense, this is definitely the best option.

Handkerchief Use #2: for allergies or a mean cold

If you’re anything like me, when you suffer from allergies that affect your sinuses or when you have a mean cold and your nose is constantly running, your skin will quickly become very irritated because you use our handkerchiefs constantly.

In this case, you should choose the softest hanky possible and this handkerchief, at TSHU, is called KURT. Made from ultra-plush organic cotton flannel, it’s unbelievably soft on both sides, gentle on the skin and super absorbent. And, because it’s single ply, it dries quickly.

Similar in feel, but soft only on one side, the following handkerchiefs might also be great options for dealing with your allergies or a bad cold:

• Jacqueline, a stylish pink handkerchief in brushed organic cotton poplin with a navy roll finish.
• Kurt Black, a handkerchief in all-black organic flannel, with a rolled red finish
• Kurt White, the cousin of KURT in pure white
• Dave, a brown organic flannel handkerchief, with a golden glitter finish

Handkerchief Use #3: for people who love traditions

If you like large, thin handkerchiefs (like the traditional handkerchiefs your grandpa used to carry around), you’ll love DWIGHT, our white handkerchief with red stitching, which comes in 4 convenient sizes, including our extra-large format (the closest thing to a classic size).

The following handkerchiefs have similar characteristics, and are also offered in extra-large size:

• Louise, a navy-blue cotton handkerchief with a tone-on-tone finish
• James, an all-white, fine handkerchief with a silky soft touch
• Elvis, a lovely hanky with paisley pattern
• Charles, an extra-large hanky, available in green or white 

Handkerchief Use #4: for the best hygiene

If hygiene is an important consideration for you, you will no doubt appreciate our linen handkerchiefs. Why so? Well, because linen is naturally antibacterial.

The beautiful SYBIL would definitely be an option to consider. This large grey handkerchief is made of high quality soft Italian linen. It has a discrete tone-on-tone finish.

Our very popular BRUNO, a blue organic linen handkerchief with white stripes would also do. And it’s available in two sizes: small and standard.

Handkerchief Use #5: for life with young children

If you have young children, you are probably frequently faced with drool, snot or a messy snack! Our beautiful MALALA hanky washcloth is perfect for this kind of task. You can use it on the handkerchief side to wipe and on the washcloth side to scrub (with a dab of water). It’s like a mini-wheats cereal, with the front side made with fine, absorbent organic cotton poplin—and the lining made with terry cloth that can be used wet.

We actually have quite a few styles in this type of special hanky washcloth! Check out all of our bamboo washcloths, named after famous kids, like BLAISE, VICTOR, JEANNE and more.

Handkerchief Use #6: for serious nose blowing

If you’re like my husband and used to blow your nose in paper towels because a paper tissue just wasn’t enough, you’ll definitely appreciate our two-ply handkerchiefs. 

Made with two layers of absorbent cotton, our lined handkerchiefs ensure that your nose is relieved and your fingers remain dry.

In this category, our beautiful LOUISE (navy, lined with white) is very popular—but she’s often joined by her buddies GILBERT (navy with white polka dots, lined with white), YAYOI (red with white polka dots, lined with white) and LILI (yellow, lined with natural sateen).

Handkerchief Use #7: for inserting your finger

Let’s talk about the real stuff—I know many of you like to slip a little finger into your thin handkerchief to give the inside of your nostrils a thorough cleaning. It is to your credit that you do it with a handkerchief! And I have the perfect hanky for this: ESMERALDA, a flamboyant emerald green handkerchief made with ultra soft, finely woven organic cotton lawn.

In the same material, I make HARRY (cream), EUGENE (blue) and IAN (pink and green camouflage).

Handkerchief Use #8: for sensitive skin

If you have very sensitive skin, silk will probably be your best ally. Lined with white organic cotton sateen, our LOU handkerchief is made with fine, lightweight silk—and of course, silky like no other. 

If silk is too “fancy” for your taste, consider cotton lawn… It’s a finely woven material that’s almost as fine as silk and offers great softness and suppleness. 

Handkerchief Use #9: for mountain hiking

In the nature and countryside theme, this is one of my all-time favourites! The LEE handkerchief has a beautiful red and black checkered pattern (yes, just like the lumberjack shirt I wear almost year-round!) But that’s not all! It’s made with soft, absorbent cotton flannel—brushed on both sides. In my opinion, this gorgeous hanky really has it all! Personally, I adopted one and gave one to my husband… But to be honest, I love it so much that I steal his all the time :). 

If you’re not a fan of the lumberjack look (that’s okay, I promise I won’t be offended!), our other flannel handkerchiefs would be perfect for your hikes, like KURT (black, white or natural) or DAVE (brown and gold).

Handkerchief Use #10: to deal with big emotions

If you’re like my beautiful mother-in-law and you cry often, in joy or in sadness, you’ll need a soft and comforting thick handkerchief. 

EDITH, with its pink and natural robe, meets this challenge very well, offering absorbency and softness to your damp cheeks. With similar characteristics, her pals ANNA (beige and natural), LILI (yellow and natural) and MATILDA (book pattern and white) could also work!

Handkerchief Use #11: for sporting with tight jeans

I spend a good portion of my life in athletic leggings, but when I put on more serious pants, it’s usually tight stretchy jeans. And there’s not much you can slip into the back pockets without it showing. 

In this situation, I find that our small organic cotton poplin handkerchiefs, like the beautiful SAMANTHA with its colourful tree pattern, are just the right thickness. Folded in 4, it slips discreetly in your back pocket and stays close to you so you can reach for it anytime you need it.

I have quite a few cute patterns in this material and size, including POCAHONTAS (feathers), VICTOR (deer), JASMINE (triangles), SHIRLEY (polka dots) and many more.

Handkerchief Use #12: for decorative purposes

Beautiful enough to be used as a pocket square, our lovely KATE handkerchief can be used to blow your nose and even to decorate your fave outfit. Fine and silky, it features a white polka dot pattern on high-quality silky black fabric and will adorn your outfit or your pretty nose, depending on your needs at the time. 

If you’re looking for another thin and elegant handkerchiefs to fit this need, you could also take a look at JAMES (all white), LOUISE (all navy) or TOM (floral with vintage colours).

So, did you find these suggestions useful? Did I forget any uses or handkerchiefs? If so, feel free to comment on the article, I’ll add to it as your comments roll in!

You can also take my short quiz to find your dream handkerchief. I’ll get back to you with a few hanky suggestions that will fit your needs and taste!