For actor Colin Hanks, the humble handkerchief isn’t just an accessory—it’s a piece of family history.
Inspired by his father and grandfather, both lifelong kerchief carriers, Hanks transformed a simple tradition into a thoughtful venture: Hanks Kerchiefs, launched in 2018.
What began as a creative experiment soon grew into a brand rooted in community impact, using every design to support relief, education, and environmental causes.
It became a testament to how small, intentional gestures can make a meaningful difference.
A Simple Product With Purpose
Crafted and produced in California, Hanks Kerchiefs debuted with eight distinct patterns, each named after someone close to Hanks—his wife Samantha, daughters Charlotte and Olivia, his dog Earl, and friends like Russ Solomon, founder of Tower Records.
“They’re one of those small things that always bring comfort,” Hanks explained, describing kerchiefs as timeless tools—“surrender flags, snot rags, or symbols of readiness.”
From the start, a portion of proceeds went to California wildfire relief efforts, channeling aid to communities devastated by the 2018 blazes.
Over time, the brand’s focus expanded beyond disaster response, supporting education micro-grants, park conservation projects, and teacher-led classroom initiatives through collaborations with groups like Parks Project.
Hanks’ philosophy was simple: turn creativity into small, tangible help.
Creativity, Character, and Community
As the brand evolved, Hanks maintained its lighthearted spirit. The line’s slogan—“Be rad. Do cool s—.”—perfectly captured his mix of humor and sincerity.
During the pandemic, his kerchiefs unexpectedly gained new relevance when he demonstrated on social media how to transform them into makeshift face coverings.
The gesture highlighted not just adaptability but the personal connection his audience felt with him and his brand.
Each drop of Hanks Kerchiefs is designed with intention, pairing modern aesthetics with functional design.
The products have become both a fashion statement and a vehicle for empathy—proof that even a single square of cloth can ripple into something larger.
Legacy in the Making
Today, Hanks Kerchiefs represents more than an actor’s side project—it’s a modern reflection of heritage, humor, and heart.
From a family pocket tradition to a philanthropic enterprise, Colin Hanks has built something enduring: a reminder that doing good doesn’t have to be grand—it can start small, and fit right in your back pocket.