Edwardian Handkerchief Etiquette

The lace handkerchief of two generations ago, was not more necessary to the woman of those days than the fine little linen ones nowadays...

New Year Handkerchiefs –After a long period, during which the pocket, handkerchief was banished from public gaze and relegated to an inner pocket, there comes a time when it can be brought out again. Not only is it now permissible, but it has become actually an object of beauty and part of dress. 

The lace handkerchief of two generations ago, was not more necessary to the woman of those days than the fine little linen ones nowadays. With the New Year gown, it must be carried in the hand, or it may be tucked in the front of one's corsage, or even slipped in the sleeve, if that be long. It can be arranged to hide in the belt with pretty little ends projecting, or it can be merely a matter of ornament, of dalliance, for the fingers. The handkerchief ring is also in process of revival, and may be soon seen again. A ring, with chain it is, to which is attached a ring through which the handkerchief is drawn.

The new linen handkerchiefs are very small and of very fine linen. Their border is narrow, and the main claim to beauty consists of the embroidery that is in one corner. This is in the form of a little wreath, with the initial inside, the wreath worked out en colors. Or it may be a little white silk eagle, with a wreath beneath it and an initial inside the wreath. The family crest is very good upon the corner of the handkerchief, and can be done “quartered” in full colors, to make a very brave heraldic design. The 1902 handkerchief is a trifle that wins favor. It is a little linen affair, with 1902 embroidered on one corner. Below must be one's monogram. – San Francisco Call, December, 1901

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia