A cummerbund is a broad, pleated sash worn around the waist as a formal accessory for men’s evening wear. Typically made of silk or satin, it is paired with a tuxedo or dinner jacket. It functions as a required waist covering in traditional formal dress codes, visually separating a tuxedo from a standard suit.
What is its Primary Purpose?
The primary function of the cummerbund is to cover the exposed shirt fabric where it meets the trouser waistband. This covering prevents the shirt from bunching or showing below the jacket’s buttoning point, which interrupts the clean, vertical line of the formal ensemble. By creating a continuous band of color, the cummerbund maintains a sleek, unbroken silhouette, contributing to a streamlined and slimming appearance.
The accessory originated in colonial India, where British military officers adopted the local kamarband, or waist sash, as a cooler alternative to the traditional waistcoat. The cummerbund was a practical solution for formal dining in hot climates, offering a less restrictive waist covering. Its modern purpose remains rooted in this tradition of covering the waist, ensuring a polished presentation expected in formal attire.
How to Wear It Correctly
The pleats must always face upward when wearing a cummerbund. This tradition stems from the historical, though now symbolic, function of the pleats acting as small pockets to hold items like opera tickets or coins. The cummerbund should be positioned at the natural waist, ensuring it completely covers the trouser waistband. It is generally worn so that half of the fabric covers the bottom of the shirt and the other half covers the top of the trousers.
The cummerbund material is traditionally black silk, often in a satin or grosgrain finish, designed to match the facing of the jacket lapels. It must be worn with a single-breasted dinner jacket, since a double-breasted jacket remains closed and does not require a waist covering. A belt should never be worn with a cummerbund; instead, trousers must be held up with suspenders to avoid creating a bulge beneath the sash.
When is a Cummerbund Required?
The cummerbund is a component of the Black Tie dress code. When attending an event specified as Black Tie, a waist covering is mandatory to complete the look. The cummerbund is the classic choice for this attire, particularly when paired with a single-breasted tuxedo jacket.
A formal waistcoat, or vest, is the only acceptable alternative to the cummerbund in a Black Tie setting. While the cummerbund is the classic choice for Black Tie, a waistcoat is the required waist covering for the more formal White Tie dress code.