A handkerchief may be at the bottom of your list when it comes to travelling, but it’s one of those creature comforts that you can’t afford to miss.
You get to the airport and you are coughing, have a runny nose, or just want to wipe the sweat off your brow.
If you reach your holiday or working holiday destination and you need to attend an important meeting, wedding or posh event, the pocket square handkerchief comes into play.
One Handkerchief Per Day
Depending on how long your trip is, one handkerchief per day is advisable to stop the spread of germs and bacteria. But keeping to that rule can be difficult when you are too busy on holiday enjoying yourself.
The best handkerchiefs are cotton, which are made to last. Not only are cotton fibers strong enough to survive hundreds of washes and thousands of sneezes, but a cotton handkerchief becomes softer and more comfortable with every wash.
Pack of Six For Less Than a Tenner
If you sweat a lot, like I do, then go for a flannel handkerchief, which is made of ultra soft cotton with natural fibres. These handkerchiefs are thick enough for optimal absorbency. You can usually pick up a packet of six for less than a tenner.
Linen may be a bit more expensive, but for the strength, durability, environmental footprint, beauty, and softness, it’s well worth the extra cost. Irish linen is often recommended. Once you use that, they say, you’ll never want to use anything else.
Most People Go For The 60s Cotton Count
The quality of a handkerchief can be determined by its count. This can vary from the 32s, 40s, 60s, 80s. The 60s cotton makes the hankies naturally soft. Not too thick, not too thin, it is the perfect handkerchief material. Most people choose 60s handkerchiefs.
The size of your handkerchief depends on you. The standard size is 12 x 12 inches (30.5 x 30.5cm). Meanwhile, a ladies handkerchief usually measures 8 x 8 inches (22cm) square. However, what you may need to consider is if you have a pre-washed linen handkerchief, it may shrink by 3% after washing.
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It goes without saying that single-use tissues are more hygienic than handkerchiefs which can be contaminated with bacteria or viruses from your nose or mouth. If not properly cleaned, they can harbour these germs and potentially spread them to other people or to other parts of your body.
I Don’t Like Using Paper Tissues But They Have Benefits
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing the handkerchief after each use, or at least daily. It is also important to wash your hands frequently, especially after using the handkerchief and before touching your face. But whatever the experts say, I personally don’t like wiping my nose with a paper tissue – it doesn’t feel natural. Give me a cotton handkerchief any day.
Here are a few handkerchiefs to look out for:
- Dubulle Mens Ties Set Woven Paisley Stripes Necktie Handkerchief Cufflinks Wedding Business Tie
- Emlstly Men’s Handkerchiefs 100% Cotton Handkerchief with Check Pattern
- Men’s box of three plain white genuine Irish 100 per cent linen handkerchiefs
- Panda tissues made from 100 per cent bamboo