Do You Wear a Cummerbund with a Tuxedo?
Cummerbunds have been synonymous with formal fashion for over a century. They began in the 1850s when they became an integral part of dining attire in British India. Since then, they have spread to public use and become synonymous with formality and sophistication in the modern sphere. Although they undoubtedly have old-school connotations, black cummerbunds have been experiencing a modern revival. Hollywood celebrities like Bradley Cooper and Joe Alwyn, among others, have been spotted wearing cummerbunds on the 2019 Oscars red carpet.
Cummerbunds are valued for the complete look they bring to formal attire. They are often interchanged with waistcoats in tuxedo ensembles, and when paired with a black bow tie and tux, they have the power to give you a James Bond aesthetic. Because cummerbunds have over a century of heritage behind them, they undeniably come with a strict rule book of "do's" and "don'ts".
Suppose you've ever wondered how to wear a cummerbund correctly. In that case, one important rule is never to mix a cummerbund with a regular suit. As cummerbunds are a signature formal accessory, they tend to make regular suits look overdone. Traditionally, tuxedos are worn for formal wear, and regular suits are worn for the daytime. Mixing and matching such distinct looks can make your ensemble look mismatched and confused.
The "do's" and "don'ts" of wearing cummerbunds are open to interpretation in the 21st century. However, high caution must still be exercised when wearing them to social events.
Generally, a cummerbund is worn with a tuxedo, not a dinner jacket. Due to the sense of formality accompanying cummerbunds, they tend to make regular suits look overdone.
Buying a tuxedo and a cummerbund can be worthwhile if you want to distinguish your evening wear from the looks you wear to work.
How to wear a cummerbund
Here are the dos and don'ts of wearing a cummerbund:
Only Wear a Cummerbund with a Tuxedo
Cummerbunds are a match made in heaven with a tuxedo, but they should never be worn with a regular suit.
Don't Wear a Waistcoat at the Same Time
Wearing a waistcoat will defeat the purpose of wearing a cummerbund. Both accessories cover the waist area, so there's room for only one.
You can wear them with suspenders.
Wear suspenders underneath your cummerbund to create a truly 007 look. If you're going to wear both simultaneously, always ensure your suspenders are underneath.
Wear the pleats facing upwards.
Most cummerbunds are designed with rows of pleats that should be worn facing upwards. Although this is a small detail, it is a central etiquette requirement for wearing cummerbunds.
Pair it with a bow tie.
Cummerbunds, like tuxedos, are designed to be worn with bow ties—not neckties. If you wear a tie, your cummerbund will overlap awkwardly.
Don't wear a double-breasted suit.
Double-breasted suits cover your waist and hip area, defeating the purpose of wearing a cummerbund.
Don't wear a belt at the same time.
Cummerbunds are designed to flatten out your lower abdomen and smooth out any unsightly bulges. Wearing a belt underneath your cummerbund will undo all the magic that cummerbunds are employed to do, which is to smooth out your abdomen, cover any unsightly shirt-tucking malfunctions and make your overall ensemble look more finessed.
Now that you know how to wear cummerbunds, you'll be ready to wear the following tuxedo combinations confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do people still wear cummerbunds with tuxedos?
Yes, cummerbunds are still worn with tuxedos, and although they are less common than they once were, they still have a gentlemanly look.
Can I wear a tuxedo without a cummerbund?
Yes. Wearing a tuxedo without a cummerbund is acceptable, especially if you prefer a sleeker, contemporary style.
What are the rules for cummerbunds?
Cummerbunds should match the bow tie in colour and be worn with the pleats facing up; they are typically reserved for formal evening events.
Do you wear a cummerbund with a black tie?
Yes, cummerbunds are traditionally worn with black tie attire, although a waistcoat or no waist covering are also acceptable options.
