The multitude of qualities of handkerchiefs can be divided into three areas:

• Practicality  (Handiness)
• Aesthetics  (Attractiveness)
• Versatility  (Usefulness)

Practicality   (Back to Qualities)

There can be little doubt that a small piece of material is very practical in every day use. It isn't very big and doesn't weigh that much.
(You should note though, that it will weigh a bit more once it has been used. Indeed, freak hankies have been recorded at up to 17 times their own body-weight after intensive use!)

A hanky can be carried in many places, most pockets in clothing will accommodate one. Failing that, try your handbag or briefcase, put one in the car, in your desk (school or work), almost anywhere. Many women stuff one up their sleeve. I knew someone once who would always carry a hanky in his underwear. To this day I still don't know whether it was for padding, or if he suffered with an unfortunate discharge.

Aesthetics   (Back to Qualities)

Most people think of a hanky as being plain, usually white. This is still largely true, though things are changing.

Initials are fairly common, as is a small corner motif, or a pattern around the edge, which could be made up of lines, spots, images or any combination.

The edging often provides a distinction between a man's and a lady's hanky. Typically a man's hanky will have a straight plain edge. A lady's one will often have a frilly edge, or be detailed with pretty stitch patterns.

Hankies can say something about yourself.
Like the clothes that you wear, and the music that you listen to, your hanky can positively add to your identity.

Versatility   (Back to Qualities)

There are almost infinite uses for a handkerchief. So many that the subject deserves a whole page or two of it's own.

Please see 'Uses' for an extensive, yet non-exhaustive list of suggestions.