Rampley & Co – the case for bold pocket squares

A few weeks ago, the guys behind Britain’s Rampley & Co. contacted me about their new pocket squares. They offered to send me one in exchange for my thoughts and I agreed because I was so taken by their designs. And their story.

Rampley & Co. is a new project which started late last year. The company was founded out of a love for pocket squares and a passion for British heritage. That last bit can sound like typical marketing nonsense, but in this case, they put their money where their mouths are. Not only are Rampley pocket squares printed in England, their designs are staunchly British. From their Harris Tweed squares to their William Swainson bird illustrations, this brand appeals to the Anglophile in all of us. But what really caught my eye was their Fine Art Collection.

The Destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum by John Martin

Based on paintings from the Tate in London – who receive a portion of the profits for use of their images – these pocket squares are works of art in and of themselves. You may first look at them and think “that’s too flamboyant,” but these squares prove a very valuable lesson: the busier, the better.

I have a number of solid colour pocket squares that I almost never wear. They seemed like a good idea at the time I bought them – colours that harmonized with my wardrobe. But apart from my plain white linen square, a solid colour is often times boring. The point of the pocket square, after all, is to add a bit of self expression, a bit of dash to an otherwise standard ensemble. It is the only part of a suit that should be ruffled and unruly. And that isn’t just in the fold. By having a complex pattern or image, the square is never the same each time you wear it. The folding and puffing possibilities are endless. And with these Rampley & Co. Fine Art squares, there is the added benefit of a conversation starter when you pull it out of your pocket. Now to the square itself.

It arrived is suitably lovely fashion. A quality box, signed thank you note and even complementary metal collar stays all suggest something special. That said, at their rather higher price point – about $125 Canadian – I would expect the luxury treatment. The square is even more impressive in person. The painting is stunning and very well printed. I was especially impressed by the construction, weight and feel. The edges are perfectly hand-rolled and no matter what fold or puff I use, the square keeps its shape, being neither too big nor too small for my pocket (just right at 16.5″ x 16.5″). Needless to say, it has become my go-to square for almost all my outfits.

And this gets back to my point about “busy” squares: it gives you options. In this case, I can use the ornate trim on its own, or combined with the central burnt red colours. This square makes you want to do something different every time you wear it and that’s possibly its greatest selling point.