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 have 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 Copper and Joe Alwyn, among others, have been spotted wearing cummerbunds on 2019's 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't"s.
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't"s of wearing cummerbunds are open to interpretation in the 21st century. However, there must still be a high degree of caution when wearing them to social events.
Generally, a cummerbund is traditionally 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 "do"s and "don't"s 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. They're both accessories that cover your waist area so there's only room for 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 at the same time, always ensure your suspenders are underneath.
Wear the pleats facing upwards
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 awkwardly overlap.
Don't wear a double breasted suit
Don't wear a belt at the same time
