I work at an Alibaba warehouse, and most handkerchief orders we ship go to Africa. We rarely send them to the U.S., which makes me wonder if Americans still use handkerchiefs or if they’re basically extinct. Old movies make it seem like everyone carried one, but now it feels like disposable tissues dominate.
Are handkerchiefs mainly for older people, or do some younger Americans still use them? Are they practical, old fashioned, or a quirky fashion choice? I’m curious if anyone actually carries one today and would love to hear real life experiences or observations from the U.S.
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No, they’re pretty gross if you think about it.
The only person I have ever known that carried a hankie was my grandfather.
I’m literally the only person I know uses handkerchiefs, and that’s because I have a sinus issue and need them on hand at all times. Even so, I made my “handkerchiefs” by literally cutting up an old t shirt with scissors.
There are more disposable options now so those aren’t really needed.
I’m not “younger” but I use them. Tissues make me sneeze and hankies are a lot kinder to my skin when I have a cold.
There are valid criticisms you can lob against the US as to our over consumption but “We don’t use reusable snot rags” is not one of them.
Diapers, toilet paper, and tissues should not be reusable.
I carry one. I am 40. I think I am the only one.
I still carry one around, but don’t think I know anybody else who does.
I’ve got a dozen or so I’ll rotate between and wash. 95% of the time I totally forget it’s there, the other 5% I’m really glad I have something handy to sneeze into.
It’s also handy for not having to touch something gross in a pinch, they’re cheap enough that if I have to occasionally toss one it’s fine.
Incredibly rare for day to day use.
I don’t know what type/style you’re working with, but I only ever see an actual cloth handkerchief at weddings, funerals, as an accessory (a poor man’s pocket square), and at a [New Orleans second line. ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_line_(parades))
You see decorative (silk or with designs) a little more often, but still not super common.
To that point I’d actually be halfway curious as to where your orders are going in the US (if they’re going to end users rather than distributors anyway).
In all seriousness I’d expect New Orleans/south Louisiana to buy disproportionate numbers of handkerchiefs.
I carry a bandana everywhere I go, every day. One of the handiest tools ever.
I use them. I might be the only one.
I never did until I had kids.
Then suddenly having a clean reusable cloth in your back pocket at all times became really handy.
It turns out kids are gross and it’s nice to be able to quickly clean them in public.
I exclusively use tissues. They are bio degradable. They do not keep germs around. To me a handkerchief for use when sick just keeps the illness around longer and allows it to spread more. I think it is an idea that long since should have retired.
American here. About a month ago, I had a runny nose and a new friend I’d met pulled out a monogrammed handkerchief for me to use.
In my entire life, I’ve never seen or been handed a handkerchief. But I now consider both handkerchiefs and monograms to be incredibly useful and terribly underrated in our culture.
late 30’s here and I carry one most days. Although I don’t typically use it to blow my nose with. It’s a sweat band or head covering when needed, a rag to wipe things off and even works as a makeshift bandage.
I’m a college instructor, and I have one in my pocket to catch a sneeze when I’m in the middle of a lecture.
Yes, I’ve started carrying one on me. It’s great if i need it, not just for blowing my nose.
My husband and I do because we have terrible allergies and would be going through so many tissues. However we always buy nicer Japanese ones as they are so much better designed (long rectangular so you blow on one end and roll it up over and over so the exterior is always dry)
My husband and I both use them. He’s from another country where it’s very commonplace.
Carry one nearly daily, and switch them out daily.
I’m an old man now and have been using handkerchiefs all my life.
I use them. Mostly I keep them at home, but I took one a couple days ago when I went to an event (dog competition) where I knew I was going to be sitting in my car and going in and out of buildings from cold to warm and would probably need to blow my nose. At home I prefer them because they don’t make my nose as raw as paper tissues, plus they don’t fall apart. I throw them in the wash weekly.
Of course I still use them. I’m not going to blow my nose on my sleeve.
When I jog in cold weather, my nose runs. Those handkerchiefs are essential.
I use one but I’m what most people would consider a radical environmentalist lmao