Top 10 Best Handkerchiefs in 2021 (Jacob Alexander, Brooklyn Bamboo, and More)

To some, the thought of using a handkerchief seems outdated and even kind of gross. But with the recent rise in eco-consciousness, handkerchiefs seem to be making a comeback. It's better for the environment, better for your wallet, and with a wide variety of styling colors and designs, it’s hard to argue against them.

The whole point of owning a handkerchief is to always have it on you so that you’re not reaching for a disposable option. This guide will help you choose the handkerchief that you'll want to continuously use. We’ve also got a list of our 10 favorites to help you get started on your search, including our favorite, Organic Handkerchiefs Company's Cotton Handkerchief.

Last updated: 08-20-2021
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Top 10 Best Handkerchiefs

To help you get started on your search for the perfect handkerchief, we've combed through plenty of Amazon reviews and done our research to compile a list of the 10 best ones.

amazon.com

Organic Handkerchiefs CompanyCotton Handkerchief

3 pack

$17.99

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Organic, Eco-Friendly, and Long-Lasting

These handkerchiefs are made from organic, unbleached cotton and are made in the USA. They’re thick, soft, and super absorbent. Plus, their off-white color means you don’t have to worry so much about sweat or snot stains!

Their reinforced edges don’t curl in the dryer, and they come out of the washing process relatively unwrinkled. They’re also incredibly durable—some reviewers claim to have been using the same ones for years!

Reviewers also say that these handkerchiefs are soft despite being thick and are absorbent and non-irritating.

Material	Cotton
Size	11 x 11 in.

amazon.com

Jacob AlexanderSolid Color Handkerchief

$9.95

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Perfectly Decorative Handkerchief for Weddings

This microfiber handkerchief is silky yet sturdy. It might not be the best for nose-blowing, but it would work well for hand- or spill-wiping.

It’s shinier than cotton, yet more matte than silk and could work as a pocket square for almost all occasions. It comes in more than 30 different colors, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.

Reviewers say that these handkerchiefs are stiff and some of the colors, like the teal, did not match the product pictures. Because it does come in various colors and is made of stiffer fabric, however, reviewers say that it's a good handkerchief that holds its shape well and is great for weddings and parties.

Material	Microfiber
Size	12 x 12 in.

amazon.com

Brooklyn BambooMen's Organic Handkerchief

6 pack

$19.99

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An Alternative Fabric Hankie That's Hypoallergenic

Made from bamboo fiber, this handkerchief is super soft, durable, and hypoallergenic. In short, they’re great for those with allergies or sensitivities!

They’re machine washable, but because of the lace detailing, it might be a good idea to use a lingerie bag to prevent any accidental tearing.

Reviewers say that these handkerchiefs need to be ironed after washed, which can be an issue if you don't have enough time. On the other hand, they also say that they get softer with each wash and are slightly larger than normal handkerchiefs, which was a plus.

Material	Bamboo fiber, cotton
Size	15 x 16 in.

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John William Clothing100% Silk Handkerchief

$8.95

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High Quality Silk at a Great Value

For those looking for silk but don’t want to dole out $30 at a department store, this might be the handkerchief for you. 100% silk and with 10 different color options, you’re sure to find something for even your most formal occasions.

It is fairly thick, folds nicely, and arrives laid flat so that it isn’t wrinkled. However, if you’re unhappy with it, this handkerchief comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Note that this is dry clean only, so it's best used as a pocket square. Some reviewers also mention that the color they got was a shade darker or lighter than what they thought it would be. However, others say that this is a great quality product that works for weddings and black-tie events.

Material	Silk
Size	12 x 12 in.

amazon.com

LeevoAssorted Woven Cotton Handkerchiefs

4 pack

$7.99

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Combed Cotton for Super Softness

These handkerchiefs are made from combed cotton, which makes them extra soft and extra durable. They’re good looking and come in a huge variety of subdued yet stylish designs.

While they are meant to be hand-washed, they still hold up very well to machine washing with zero shrinkage and no loose threads.

Reviewers say that these are see-through and thin. The handkerchiefs are also packaged individually, which can make for a great gifting option. They're also nicely patterned and fully functional and rather absorbent, according to reviewers.

Material	Cotton
Size	17.5 x 17.5 in.

amazon.com

ImperialCotton Handkerchiefs

6 pack

$6.73

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A Soft and Lightweight Option

These handkerchiefs are lightweight without being overly thin. Some handkerchiefs require washing to soften up the first time, but these are soft straight out of the box!

Because they’re on the thinner side, these handkerchiefs should be hand washed. While you could put them through the washing machine, some reviewers have noted that doing so leaves them impossibly wrinkled.

A few reviewers say the material is too thin or requires ironing to get the wrinkles out—you might even have to iron it before you first use it. Others like that these are soft and work well, especially considering the price.

Material	Cotton
Size	15 x 15 in.

amazon.com

ScotamaloneCotton Handkerchiefs

12 pack

$10.99

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Just Enough Heft for Your Toughest Days

These handkerchiefs are meant to be used, as they are able to handle heavy-duty sneezes without feeling scratchy or generally uncomfortable. They’re large, thick, and fully machine washable. Plus, this pack comes with enough to use one a day for two weeks.

Some reviewers have noted that they do end up pretty wrinkly after a round in the washer, so unless you actually want to iron them after every wash, it’s probably best not to use them as an accessory.

On the other hand, despite the number of washes, reviewers claim that the handkerchiefs stay soft and strong enough to handle day to day use.

Material	Cotton
Size	16 x 16 in.

amazon.com

CoCoUSMStriped Border Cotton Handkerchiefs

6 pack

$7.99

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Simple, Thick, and Practical

These dapper handkerchiefs are great for those looking for something that is practical and looks good. They’re fairly thick and are completely machine washable.

While they are a little stiff straight out of the package, they get softer with every wash, which is a great incentive to use them often! If you’re unhappy with them, they also come with a 100% money-back guarantee.

Like a few others on this list, these handkerchiefs do tend to get wrinkled, so you will need to iron them after washing. One reviewer also mentioned that not all the items come perfectly cut into squares. However, others really like the variety of colors the set has and that they work perfectly fine.

Material	Cotton
Size	16 x 16 in.

amazon.com

Selected HankyFlower Embroidered Ladies’ Handkerchiefs

6 pack

$8.99

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Light and Delicate Flower-and-Lace Embroidery

With three different embroidery and lace patterns included in this variety pack, using these are sure to add a little Victorian charm to your day. These handkerchiefs are also machine washable and work well for formal affairs and girls' parties.

However, they are on the thinner side and reviewers say that they may not hold up in the washing machine, with some frequently fraying or ending up wrinkled. So if you do get these, try to hand wash them! The beautiful embroidery is what most reviewers loved about these handkerchiefs—they also make great gifts.

Material	Cotton
Size	12 x 12 in.

amazon.com

GB Collection100% Cotton Handkerchiefs

5 pack

$8.99

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Pretty Pastels for Everyday Use

These cotton handkerchiefs come in five pastel colors. Not too thick and not too thin, they are great for everyday use. And, although they are rather large at 16 inches, they fold down nicely.

Some reviewers have noted that they aren’t as soft or delicate as more premium options; however, they do hold up well to machine washing. Other reviewers also mention that they're a little larger than regular ladies' handkerchiefs, but they come in beautiful pastels and are soft and work well.

Material	Cotton
Size	16 x 16 in.

Compare the Best Handkerchiefs

Image	1 Organic Handkerchiefs Company	2 Jacob Alexander	3 Brooklyn Bamboo	4 John William Clothing	5 Leevo	6 Imperial	7 Scotamalone	8 CoCoUSM	9 Selected Hanky	10 GB Collection
Name	Cotton Handkerchief	Solid Color Handkerchief	Men's Organic Handkerchief	100% Silk Handkerchief	Assorted Woven Cotton Handkerchiefs	Cotton Handkerchiefs	Cotton Handkerchiefs	Striped Border Cotton Handkerchiefs	Flower Embroidered Ladies’ Handkerchiefs	100% Cotton Handkerchiefs
Features	Organic, Eco-Friendly, and Long-Lasting	Perfectly Decorative Handkerchief for Weddings	An Alternative Fabric Hankie That's Hypoallergenic	High Quality Silk at a Great Value	Combed Cotton for Super Softness	A Soft and Lightweight Option	Just Enough Heft for Your Toughest Days	Simple, Thick, and Practical	Light and Delicate Flower-and-Lace Embroidery	Pretty Pastels for Everyday Use
Price	$17.99	$9.95	$19.99	$8.95	$7.99	$6.73	$10.99	$7.99	$8.99	$8.99
Material	Cotton	Microfiber	Bamboo fiber, cotton	Silk	Cotton	Cotton	Cotton	Cotton	Cotton	Cotton
Size	11 x 11 in.	12 x 12 in.	15 x 16 in.	12 x 12 in.	17.5 x 17.5 in.	15 x 15 in.	16 x 16 in.	16 x 16 in.	12 x 12 in.	16 x 16 in.
Link	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon

How to Choose a Handkerchief – Buying Guide

The best handkerchief is pretty much an extension of your body. That being said, you’re going to want to pick out the right one.

Pick a Material Based on Your Needs

When picking out a handkerchief, perhaps the most important thing is getting the material right. Be sure to think about what you’ll be using it for when making this choice.

Cotton is Soft and Economical for Everyday Use

Cotton is the standard in handkerchiefs. They’re cheap, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean. However, not all cotton is created equal, and lower quality cotton may not last as long or hold up as well to machine washing. If you’re looking specifically for a high-quality option, go with combed or organic cotton.

Bamboo Fiber is Comfortable and Absorbent for Practical Use

Bamboo fiber has many of the same positive qualities as cotton, though it’s generally higher quality and more expensive. Compared to cotton, bamboo is softer and more durable. Bamboo fiber also has natural, mild antibacterial properties.

Silk is Flashy and Vivid for Accessorizing

For those who are looking more to accessorize, why not go with something with a little more presence. Silk is bright, shiny, and holds color well.

However, silk handkerchiefs border on impractical. They’re expensive, unabsorbent, and you’re not going to want to use them to blow your nose or wipe your hands unless you’re really in a pinch. They're best used for formal occasions, like weddings or funerals, as well as for work uniforms.

Microfiber is Tech- and Glasses-Friendly

If you’re looking for a handkerchief that can help you see a little clearer, microfiber is the way to go. Microfiber is great at clearing away smudges without leaving behind any streaks or debris, which makes them perfect for wiping glasses or removing fingerprint smudges from phone screens.

Check Over the Thickness and Size of the Handkerchief

Handkerchiefs come in a surprisingly large range of sizes. While the best way to figure out whether it’s the right size is to feel it for yourself, here’s a rough guideline.

For Thin Materials Like Cotton, about 12 Inches is Normal

A whole foot of cotton may seem large, but the material is thin and folds down to almost nothing, so it's actually a lot more convenient than you think. Plus, larger hankies will present more clean surface area for you to blow your nose on!

For those who want to use it as a pocket square, keep in mind that your handkerchief needs to be a certain size to avoid falling into the pocket completely and disappearing. We recommend pocket squares to be on the larger end, around 17 by 17 inches.

And, although cotton is common, it's best to get a stiffer or non-absorbent fabric like linen or silk if you plan on using the handkerchief decorative purposes.

For Thicker, More Absorbent Materials, Smaller is Better

Maybe you’re looking for something to use primarily to dry your hands after using the restroom. In that case, the handkerchief you're looking for should probably be thicker and more absorbent—check out linen. And since you don’t want your handkerchief to be too bulky when it’s folded, go for a smaller square.

Of course, always check the reviews for mentions of how a handkerchief fits in a pocket or purse, as you will be needing to carry it around with you to get the most use out of it.

Avoid Antibacterial Handkerchiefs

Antibacterial treatment involves chemicals that can irritate your skin. If you’re blowing your nose, then you’re already kind of irritated and don’t want to have to deal with even more.

Plus, antibacterial finishes are also unlikely to last a long time and you’ll be washing your handkerchief fairly often anyway, so it’s best to steer clear of treated fabrics. And, if you do still want one that's antibacterial, search for a handkerchief made of bamboo fabric, which has natural antibacterial properties.

How to Ensure Your Handkerchief Stays Clean

You might find the idea of using the same piece of cloth to blow your nose again and again gross—but there’s a proper way to fold your handkerchief to ensure you have as many clean surfaces as possible.

In fact, you can fold it so that you have up to eight different blowing surfaces without worrying about messy hands or pockets. Check this link for one such sanitary folding method!

As for washing, while you can just toss them into your hamper and wash them with your laundry at the end of the week, there are better ways to clean your hankies—especially if you get dirt or tomato juice on them.

If they’re stained, you definitely don’t want the stain to set. Treat it with stain remover and let it soak before washing. If it’s white, be sure to separate it (and the rest of your light colored garments) so that it stays white for as long as possible.

Summary

We hope that our quick guide to finding the best handkerchief for you has been helpful in leading you in the right direction. Of course, whether you want the hankey for purely utilitarian purposes, decoration, or somewhere in between, as long as it’s something you’ll use and carry, then you’ve got it right!