10 Best Handkerchiefs of 2026

Q: Top 5 Handkerchief

No. 1: Scotamalone | Men's Handkerchiefs - 100% Soft Cotton Hankie No. 2: GB Selected | Men's Handkerchiefs - 100% Cotton Solid White No. 3: Turk LLC | Causa Forcia | Cotton Handkerchiefs for Men No. 4: URAQT | Men's Handkerchiefs No. 5: Ricosky | Men's Pure White 100% Cotton Handkerchief >> View Full Ranking

Q: How to Choose a Handkerchief

・Pick a Material Based on Your Needs ・Check Over the Thickness and Size of the Handkerchief ・Avoid Antibacterial Handkerchiefs >> Click here for details >> View Full Ranking

To some, the thought of using a handkerchief seems outdated and even kind of gross.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.

Quick List - Top Handkerchief

Scotamalone

Men's Handkerchiefs - 100% Soft Cotton Hankie

A Hypoallergenic Hankie With a Soft Feel

GB Selected

Men's Handkerchiefs - 100% Cotton Solid White

Durable Handkerchiefs Made From 100% Cotton

Turk LLC

Causa Forcia ｜ Cotton Handkerchiefs for Men

Soft Handkerchiefs Made From Turkish Cotton

URAQT

Men's Handkerchiefs

An Absorbent Handkerchief Made From Polyester and Cotton

Ricosky

Men's Pure White 100% Cotton Handkerchief

Hypoallergenic Handkerchiefs With Added Embroidery

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How to Choose a Handkerchief

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.

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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.

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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.

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