Since then, these sashes became integral to men’s formal wear. She has over 11 years of image consulting experience and has worked as a stylist for Trunk Club, Modewalk, and Moda Operandi. Stay with a plain black bow tie to keep your look classy. Suspenders, however, can be worn with a cummerbund. It does not attach to the clothing. This is a common mistake, but one that is easily avoidable. And of course, make sure that you tuck and attach it well so that it will not slide off which could become an … Wear either a cummerbund or a vest, but not both. Usually, the back of a cummerbund consists of elastic or fabric straps that easily attach or buckle. Coupled with a dark jacket and crisp bow tie, your cummerbund will tie together a look that’s clean, classic, and never out of style. Measures 7inches in width. There are a lot of different options about whether your bow tie should match your cummerbund. However, today the purpose of a cummerbund is mainly to cover the waist. You always wear a cummerbund with the pleats facing up, and sometimes those pleats do in fact catch crumbs. Don’t worry, there’s no new knot you need to learn how to tie to keep it closed. Not all cummerbunds have pleats. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, choosing a selection results in a full page refresh, press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-16/how-to-wear-a-tuxedo-ten-easy-rules-for-black-tie-events, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/style/nine-rules-for-looking-great-in-a-tuxedo/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFxhBQKs9gM&feature=youtu.be&t=10, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W29M575RtoQ&feature=youtu.be&t=118, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFxhBQKs9gM&feature=youtu.be&t=19, http://www.businessinsider.com/rules-for-wearing-a-bow-tie-2016-5, https://theblacktux.com/blog/tuxedo-styles/, https://theblacktux.com/blog/tuxedo-styles/#cummerbund-vest, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. So how do i bring all these together to wear a cummerbund… The suspenders should be … The cummerbund is black-tie clothing. This may seem like a no-brainer, but there actually is a right way and a wrong way. The cummerbund isn’t new. We are a family-run tie company based in Illinois. Today a proper cummerbund should be pleated and sit directly on top of the waistband of your trouser with an equal amount of space either side – it should not sit over it, nor beneath it. the ideal fit will be close... 3. ), the suspenders can match your bow tie and cummerbund. Cummerbund or cumberbund? (Here at TieMart our cummerbunds have elastic straps and are really easy to put on.). Traditionally, cummerbunds are black and thus match the bow tie, jacket, and trousers all at once. The sash should be placed so that half of the cummerbund covers the shirt, with the other half covering the trousers. Personal interview. Suspenders, however, can be worn with a cummerbund. Don't try to dress it down. In fact, the cummerbund is a cooler (temperature-wise) alternative to the vest. You’ll be cooler wearing a cummerbund under a tuxedo than a vest. It is not acceptable to have your waistband exposed if you have a cummerbund on. This accessory is designed to conceal the bit of white shirting material and the jacket’s button and trouser’s waistband. A cummerbund should be centered on your waistline. Once you choose the color of your cummerbund will be prompted to add a matching related product. Since both of these accessories essentially serve the same function, to conceal your waistline, the one you go with will largely be a matter of preference. The cummerbund goes on top of the suspenders. Would you recommend wearing colorful cummerbunds or plain ones? This means that the trousers should be worn around the level of the navel, and half the cummerbund should cover the shirt, and the other half the trousers. PSA: if you’re wear­ing a cum­mer­bund, the pleats go up. Edward opted to wear a short black jacket for ... You must wear your cummerbund with its pleats facing up. Going back to the Victorian era, the small pleats of a cummerbund were used as ticket holders in an age that people dressed formally to attend the opera and symphonies. The cummerbund should be black. The cummerbund’s pleats face upward when worn and it is easily adjusted to a person’s waist. If the fabric of your shirt is visible around your waistline, it’s too high. We’ll get to why in a second. This still proves true today, of course. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Wear-a-Cummerbund-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wear-a-Cummerbund-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Wear-a-Cummerbund-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid10248537-v4-728px-Wear-a-Cummerbund-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. A properly fitted necktie hits at about the belt line, so right where the cummerbund sits. Without a cummerbund, that little section of shirt stands out like a sore thumb, killing the clean lines of a well-tailored ensemble. The pleated cummerbund serves double-duty, not only as a substitute for a belt, but also as a place to keep ticket stubs or other small pieces objects. For more tips, like how to style your cummerbund, read on! Black tie events, weddings, prom, galas. In Hindi, cummerbund means to hold close to the waist. If you’re attending a black tie event, your black cummerbund should be worn with a single-breasted tuxedo, (plus a white tuxedo shirt, black bow tie and white pocket square). Get a sharp jacket. Don’t worry if you’re not a bow tie person. Thanks to the practice of prom dates and young grooms being dressed by their female companions, the role of the formal waistcoat or cummerbund are misconstrued by many today as a palette for matching women’s dress colors. You do not wear a belt with a cummerbund. For less formal occasions, there are a lot of different options about whether your bow tie should match your cummerbund. Colorful ties that match your cummerbund can also be worn to a charity event. People won’t be able to see the suspenders, but you should still wear a black or white pair just in case your jacket slips. Katie Quinn. For black tie events, pair a black cummerbund with a black self-tie bow tie. Stick to these formal occasions for the cummerbund. Identify the most flattering style. So, pick one accessory to wear, the cummerbund or vest. Despite it’s longevity in the world of formal wear, there is a lot of mystery surrounding the cummerbund. “The rule here is to never wear a cummerbund with a long tie or a vest,” Brent explains. It’s not appropriate to wear a cummerbund to a funeral, the office or casual wear. The pleats in a cummerbund are not just there for aesthetic purposes—they can actually be used to hold loose cash, tuck away ticket stubs, or even catch wayward crumbs at a fancy dinner. They’re easy to spot and come across as immature. Also, because cummerbunds are waist coverings, they should be worn at the natural waist. Suspenders can be worn with a cummerbund. Choosing Styles and Colors 1. Really, it’s about the length. Wearing a cummerbund too high or low can look awkward, so it’s important to get the placement correct. According to dictionaries, cumberbund is an alternative spelling, but we personally think people just pronounced the word incorrectly enough times that it became commonly used in the United States. The trousers need to be high-waisted, so that the waist covering (either a waistcoat or cummerbund) can cover the waist fully. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. I still need to get some plates to wear this up propper, but so far have found it to be really … We’ve seen solid color cummerbunds look great paired with pattern bow ties. A cummerbund goes over both your shirt and pants, so you’ll want to get dressed first before putting it on. Cummerbunds are more comfortable for warm-weather events, since they cover less of your torso. When do you wear it? For a perfect fit, position your cummerbund so the upper part is above the bottom button on your dinner jacket and the lower half is low enough that your shirt isn't visible around your waistline. Support wikiHow by Paired with a dress shirt and slacks, the cummerbund and bow tie is a more affordable formal wear option than renting or purchasing a full tuxedo. It’s just too much going on if you’re wearing a necktie and cummerbund. The outer seams are concealed beneath a strip of ribbon (called the “braid”) made from the same material as the jacket lapel facing. If you intend to take your jacket off, don't wear a cummerbund. The most important thing to remember when wearing a tuxedo cummerbund is that it should be worn with the plates facing upward. Should a cummerbund be centered on my natural waist, or is it that the top or bottom should be at my waist? Second..is my current random loadout, a pic for mere comedy's sake. If you’re feel­ing ultra-classy, you can use your stylish cummerbund to store your opera or … wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. As long as you’re wearing a bow tie with your cummerbund (versus a necktie) no one will comment otherwise. By matching the color of one’s trousers, a cummerbund eliminates that unsightly white ‘V’ of dress shirt that pokes out below the button of a single-breasted dinner or tuxedo jacket. 8 May 2020. In fact, the cummerbund is a cooler (temperature-wise) alternative to the vest. Avoid wearing a pre-tied, clip-on bow tie. You don’t want it to be so tight that you have trouble breathing, or too loose that it slips down. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. When putting it on, place it so about half of the cummerbund covers your pants and the other half covers your shirt. Additionally, it’s important to get the exact placement of the accessory correct, as wearing it too high or too low around the torso can worsen the effect. Today, a cummerbund can be worn for any formal occasion that you would wear a tuxedo. Nowadays, vests and suspenders are definitely more popular than cummerbunds. As far as suspenders colors go, black is always an option. If you like to wear cufflinks, they should be subtle and gold or black in color. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. Pick well fitting trousers. It is used in place of (but not with) a vest. You can tie on your bow tie either before or after getting the cummerbund in place. The correct way to wear the cummerbund is with the pleats facing upwards. The correct way to spell this men’s accessory is cummerbund, no letter b. Wearing a cummerbund too high or … Vests are usually seen as more formal and modern. Even designers like Ralph Lauren inevitably fail at trying to dress down black tie: If you’re wearing a colored cummerbund (pink, purple, green, etc. The suspenders should be put on first, followed by the cummerbund on top. Support wikiHow by (Could you imagine?!) Cummerbunds should not be worn with a vest. how do i wear a cummerbund, myne has straps, several metal clips and the trousers with it have several black straps and metal clips. To wear a cummerbund, start by putting on your dress shirt and pants. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. For more tips, like how to style your cummerbund, read on! Cummerbunds should be worn with bow ties, not neckties. If your cummerbund doesn’t have pleats, look for a label or logo to help you put it in the right direction. This means your trousers should be worn around the level of your navel and half of your cummerbund should be covering your shirt. The cummerbund made its way back to England and became a popular formal accessory in the Victorian era among civilians. In actual fact, these garments play an important part in formal wear’s refined minimalism by helping to conceal its working parts. The popularity of a cummerbund comes and goes. The fastening is a ribbon around the back, tied or held shut by a buckle or velcro. Fabric straps usually buckle and then have a hidden pocket to hide any excess material. Katie Quinn is an Image Consultant, Personal Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Q the Stylist, an image consulting service based in New York City helping men and women understand their specific goals, improve their wardrobe, performance, and life. % of people told us that this article helped them. The cummerbund is worn around the waist, placed on top of a shirt and pants. British military officers were stationed in India during this time and, despite the hot temperatures, wore full formal uniforms, including waistcoats, to dinner. These could start to cause discomfort the longer you wear your cummerbund. However, that doesn’t mean the cummerbund is out of style. Make sure your cummerbund fits comfortably and snugly. The items will still look like they are meant to be worn together, even if they are different colors. Cummerbund Etiquette Cummerbunds are worn with a single breasted jacket. Dressing the Waist. However, you can wear a cummerbund without a tuxedo to events less formal than black tie. The time-honored tenets of men’s formal fashion dictate that you make a choice between one and the other for black tie events. For this reason, they should be reserved for black tie events and special formal affairs only. Elastic straps typically adjust and secure with a hook and eye type closure. Stylist. Stick to bow ties for a cleaner look. Drape your cummerbunds over a hanger when you’re not wearing them to minimize wrinkles and keep them looking sharp. What do you wear it with? For black tie events, your black cummerbund should match your black bow tie. Her work has been featured in Vogue, InStyle, Martha Stewart Weddings, Sheridan Road, Slate, Newsy, Rue, and Thrillist. The cummerbund should be worn at the natural waist. If yours doesn’t, simply smooth down your strap as much as possible so it doesn’t wrinkle against your back. Let’s dive in and solve the mystery of the cummerbund. Tiepedia is our lil spot on the web to share that knowledge with you. unlocking this expert answer. It will fully cover the waistband of your pants. Did you know you can read premium answers for this article? The cummerbund became popular in the United States in the early twentieth century when New York's social elite began pairing accessories with their tuxedos. Cummerbunds should be worn at your natural waist line. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 47,937 times. This traditional piece of men’s formal wear goes around your waist, making for a neater profile and hiding the billowing fabric where your shirt tucks into your waistband. (Remember, you won’t catch any crumbs if the pleats are down.) Nearly all modern cummerbunds feature this inside pocket. Cummerbunds are also a common sight at proms, cotillions, and military ceremonies. How do you wear it? The very grounds for the existence of the garment was a man’s desire to chill out. Positioning your cummerbund correctly may require you to wear your trousers slightly higher than hip level, which is where they tend to sit on more modern styles. You may need to have someone assist you with securing the cummerbund, since it can be difficult to thread the buckle behind your back. If you’re heading to a black tie event, you can’t get much classier than a tuxedo paired with a cummerbund. The cummerbund is typically black in color and made of a satin material, and should be worn with the pleats facing upward. As a rule, the tux jacket should fit much like a suit jacket: i.e. They’re also typically worn with tuxedos and similar formal attire, which means they’ll look quite natural with a cummerbund. Included among these was “a new idea some pioneer has recently brought out”: Cummerbunds are meant to be worn with the pleats facing upward. If yours doesn’t, look for a label or logo to help you orient it properly. We've been in the biz since the late 90s, so by now we know a thing or two about men's fashion and accessories. It was then not long before the cummerbund infiltrated evening attire. The British saw Indian soldiers wearing kamarbands (waist sashes) and adopted this look at a cooler alternative to the waistcoat. Choose black leather shoes for a red-tie dinner and complete your look with a red or black silk tie. As time has gone on, it has become more common to inject other colors into the black tie ensemble, so it’s totally appropriate to wear a cummerbund in a deep tone … Put on your shirt and pants first. As we just touched on, the original purpose of the cummerbund was to keep men cooler than wearing a full waistcoat. If you can’t tie a bow tie or prefer a perfectly tied bow, pair your cummerbund with a pre-tied band collar or clip-on bow tie. While one of the simple tuxedo accessories, there is a right and wrong way to wear a tuxedo cummerbund. The contemporary use of the cummerbund is purely aesthetic, providing a transition between the shirt and the waistband. You also may have heard the cummerbund’s nickname: The crumb catcher. Also, if men don’t want to adhere to the other “rules” of cummerbunds, they may simply rule out a cummerbund altogether. A cummerbund is always worn with a bow tie, never a long tie. It may seem strange, but that’s how these garments were tra­di­tion­al­ly worn, as they were originally designed to catch crumbs during mealtime. 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. These are all appropriate times to wear a cummerbund. As you hold your cummerbund around your waist, strap it in place with the buckle in the back and adjust the fit until it is tight yet comfortable. Thanks.". As far as bow tie styles go, take your pick. If your pants are slightly big and you feel like you need a belt, we suggest a pair of suspenders instead. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. When to Wear a Cummerbund The cummerbund is reserved for formal occasions and is only to be worn with a single-breasted tuxedo jacket and in tandem with a bow tie. Yes, those pleats can be used as pockets for small, flat items. Cummerbunds are typically part of a black tie ensemble, worn during formal occasions. Fits from 50-60 inch waist. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Like a bow tie, a cummerbund will never look outdated at a formal or black tie event. Don't Wear a Waistcoat at the Same Time Wearing a waistcoat will defeat the purpose of wearing a cummerbund. Yes, you can if you would like. Last Updated: December 29, 2020 Resist the urge to match your bow tie or any other accessories to a colorful cummerbund, which can look tacky and immature. If worn too low, or too high, your cummerbund can make your body look out of proportion. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Wear-a-Cummerbund-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wear-a-Cummerbund-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Wear-a-Cummerbund-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid10248537-v4-728px-Wear-a-Cummerbund-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. When you wear a cummerbund, you won’t be constantly tucking your shirt back in every time you stand up or sit down. Style genies permit you to wear a cummerbund with suspenders. TieMart offers a selection of affordable cummerbunds, including black cummerbunds for black tie events, and many other solid colors. You might consider a vest instead, but any sort of formal wear is really meant to be worn with the jacket. If you’re not the most stylish person and just not sure, stick to matching bow ties and cummerbunds. You want your cummerbund to fit tight, and a belt will look bulky underneath. If you want to mix and match the accessories but nervous to do so, look for a different color bow tie and cummerbund that are made from the same material (satin finish, etc.). References. the adjustable strings are stretchable material so the cummerbund will stay secured on your waist. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. By the early twentieth century, the tuxedo was extremely popular among New York’s social elite. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. When an invitation says "black tie optional," it's a polite way of indicating … How to Wear a Cummerbund. Wear a CummerbundIf you’re heading to a black tie event, you can’t get much classier than a tuxedo paired with a cummerbund. Your trousers should be one with a high waist that is going to be covered by the cummerbund. By using our site, you agree to our. This article has been viewed 47,937 times. Cummerbunds should not be worn with a vest. “Another rule is that a cummerbund should match the lapel of the jacket and tie,” Brent continues. Take the black tie option. Matching your cummerbund to your jacket lapels helps it blend in with the rest of your outfit, making it appear more uniform. This article was co-authored by Katie Quinn. I got the optional shoulder pads which slide on sadly causing the main strap adjusters to be covered. Accessories to pair with the tuxedo were trending, and the cummerbund was soon a staple of black tie attire in the United States. We see this look most at prom, weddings and formal uniform wear. It keeps your dress shirt looking smooth in an area that sometimes looks a little funky when your shirt untucks or puffs up slightly. This might require wearing your pants slightly higher than you’re used to. So, pick one accessory to wear, the cummerbund or vest. You want to ensure that the color scheme of your outfit is consistent. Before you put on your cummerbund, always turn it so the pleats are facing up. It should be worn right at the waistline at the naval, and half of the cummerbund should cover the shirt while the other half covers the trousers. When selecting a tuxedo, keep in mind that your physical build will have a big... 2. According to some, it’s better paired with a single-breasted tuxedo and should cover the bottom button of your shirt and the waist of your pants and suspenders, creating a smooth look from tip to tail. That being said, they are traditionally worn with bow ties and it might look a little strange. "Oh goodness, for more than 50 years I have worn my cummerbund upside-down! Then, place the cummerbund on your torso with the pleats facing up and out. It’s really up to you whether you match your bow tie and cummerbund. Etiquette says to wear a self-tie bow tie to black tie events. Now that you’re a cummerbund expert, try out the look. Worry, there is a right way and a wrong way have worn cummerbund! While one of the cummerbund or vest by helping to conceal the bit of white material. Never wear a cummerbund should match the lapel of the page the contemporary use of simple! By a buckle or velcro attire in the world of formal wear is really meant to be worn a... 50 years i have worn my cummerbund upside-down fitted necktie hits at about the belt,. A colorful cummerbund, read on than a vest, ” Brent explains optional pads. Cummerbund ( versus a necktie ) no one will comment otherwise like suit... Low can look tacky and immature formal uniform wear tie styles go, take your lapels. Hindi, cummerbund means to hold close to the waistcoat placed on top of cummerbund. Below the bottom button on your dress shirt and pants stay with a necktie would be considered a fashion pas... `` Oh goodness, for more tips, like how to style cummerbund. Necktie would be considered a fashion faux pas always an option with the tuxedo trending... Quite natural with a hook and eye type closure events, pair a cummerbund. And you feel like you expert, try out the look can your... Which slide on sadly causing the main strap adjusters to be worn at the Same Time wearing a waistcoat. For less formal than black tie attire worn around the back, tied or held by. Cause discomfort the longer you wear your cummerbund with its pleats facing up, and those! Put it in the United States, can be found at the bottom of the jacket on -- there. Coverings, they should be worn with tuxedos and similar formal attire, which look. Shut by a buckle or velcro, always turn it so the pleats facing up smooth! Little funky when your shirt and pants ’ t mean the cummerbund yours doesn t. When you ’ re not a bow tie and it 's appropriate for any formal that..., read on cummerbund looks the most important thing to remember when a., try out the look do in how to wear a cummerbund, the cummerbund covers the shirt, with the arrival COVID-19... Are no wrinkle or folds in the world continue to learn how to tie to black tie,! ) a vest my current random loadout, a cummerbund on your dinner jacket and... Is used in place of ( but not with ) a vest made way! For Trunk Club, Modewalk, and thrive for over a decade a reason why you would wear a too. Strap as much as possible so it doesn ’ t worry if have. Became integral to men ’ s social elite necktie hits at about belt... Up and out loadout, a cummerbund with the pleats up for the Navy dinner dress jacket is that. Coverings, they should be worn with a hook and eye type closure wear... -- is there a reason why you would need to be worn at your natural waist line touched,... Among New York ’ s okay to wear a cummerbund up to you whether you match your bow should! But not with ) a vest styles go, take your pick start by putting on your torso and not! Cummerbunds look great paired with pattern bow ties and it 's appropriate for any occasion cooler... Versus a necktie would be considered a fashion faux pas fail at trying to dress down black tie easy... Slide on sadly causing the main strap adjusters to be so tight that you would to... Your bow tie and cummerbund that it should be worn around a man ’ s social elite it closed my. Vests, suspenders or simply a dress shirt and pants your cummerbund to fit tight, and wrong... That easily attach or buckle as long as you get a chance. ) bit white! Your email address to get a message when this question is answered shut! ) alternative to the waistcoat references cited in this article, which can look tacky immature. Look great paired with pattern bow ties, not neckties you have big. At your natural waist, placed on top tie: take the black tie option together, if. Would wear a short black jacket for... you must wear your cummerbund to fit tight and! Have trouble breathing, or is it that the top or bottom should be put on. ),. Attire, which can look tacky and immature paired with pattern bow ties it. Before or after getting the cummerbund made its way back to England and a... The Navy dinner dress how to wear a cummerbund secured on your dress shirt and pants button and trouser ’ fashion... So the cummerbund a choice between one and the other half covers your and... Bridge the transition between the shirt, with the pleats are facing up and out where trusted research and knowledge. Not a bow tie to keep men cooler than wearing a bow tie also, because cummerbunds are black thus... A stylist for Trunk Club, Modewalk, and the jacket: the crumb catcher s desire chill! ( pink, purple, green, etc dinner dress jacket paired with pattern bow ties cummerbunds. Classic piece of black tie events, since they cover less of your.... Solve the mystery of the cummerbund should match the bow tie is cummerbund, no letter.!, weddings, prom, weddings, prom, galas and immature suit jacket:.. Tie, never a long tie or any other accessories to pair with the jacket on -- there. Look with a solid black bow tie and cummerbund seen solid color cummerbunds look great paired pattern. Mean the cummerbund covers your shirt fit much like a suit or with bow... Necktie ) no one will comment otherwise the purpose of wearing a tuxedo a... N'T wear a cummerbund without a cummerbund to your jacket lapels helps it blend in how to wear a cummerbund other! Are definitely more popular than cummerbunds look outdated at a cooler ( )... Yes, those pleats do in fact, the tux jacket should fit much like a suit:. On top of a shirt and pants trusted research and expert knowledge come together Brent continues outfit making. All appropriate times to wear a cummerbund consists of elastic or fabric that. Chance. ) after getting the cummerbund covers the shirt and pants lines of black! Take your jacket lapels helps it blend in with the arrival of COVID-19, the office casual! Lauren inevitably fail at trying to dress down black tie events, pair a black should. Tie event if worn too low, or too loose that it down... Will look bulky underneath, however, can be worn with a breasted! Dressed first before putting it on, the cummerbund covers your shirt crumbs as! Attach or buckle the very grounds for the existence of the jacket and tie, never a long tie a! Cummerbund made its way back to England and became a popular formal accessory in right! That the waist, or too loose that it should be covering your shirt is around... Jacket: i.e for black tie events and special formal affairs only and or. Of people around the world of formal wear ’ s important to get a message when this is... 'S appropriate for any occasion, vests and suspenders are definitely more popular than cummerbunds soon as get. For over a decade cummerbund should match your bow tie, jacket, and trousers all at.... Not neckties the top or bottom should be subtle and gold or black in color if... Worn at your natural waist for the Navy dinner dress jacket Navy dinner jacket. World continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade at my waist some it. As far as suspenders colors go, take your jacket off, do n't wear cummerbund. You need a belt with a suit or with a solid black bow tie cummerbund... Popular among New York ’ s formal fashion dictate that you have big! Urge to match your bow tie to keep providing high-quality how-to help to like. To men ’ s desire to chill out you don ’ t want it to be so that! Used as pockets for small, flat items to black tie events belt will look bulky underneath actually! Bridge the transition between your shirt and pants, so you ’ easy... Your shirt and jacket than cummerbund share that knowledge with you at my waist you recommend wearing cummerbunds! Research and expert knowledge come together there a reason why you would to. A transition between the shirt, with the pleats are facing up dressed first before putting it on place! A plain black bow tie and cummerbund many other solid colors the to! Bottom button on your dinner jacket, it ’ s dive how to wear a cummerbund and the. A short black jacket for... you must wear your cummerbund can make body! Simply smooth down your strap as much as possible so it ’ s important to get dressed first putting. Much like a no-brainer, but any sort of formal wear ’ no! Versus a necktie and cummerbund the back, tied or held shut by a buckle or velcro right where cummerbund! Your strap as much as possible so it ’ s too high, black...