A Fashion History of cumme*rbunds (2024)

FAQs

A Fashion History of cumme*rbunds? ›

cumme*rbunds were first worn in the 1850s by British military officers stationed in India. Required to wear full formal attire in India's sweltering temperatures, they adopted the cumme*rbund as an alternative to the heavier waistcoat.

History and Origin

The cumme*rbund isn't new. It originates from colonial India in the 1850s. British military officers were stationed in India during this time and, despite the hot temperatures, wore full formal uniforms, including waistcoats, to dinner.

Since then, cumme*rbunds spread to public use and have become known in the modern sphere as synonymous with formality and sophistication. Although they undoubtedly have old school connotations, cumme*rbunds have been experiencing a modern revival.

Given that it has such a long history, you may wonder if the cumme*rbund is still relevant today. In short – yes. But for a longer answer, the cumme*rbund is still a relevant fashion choice as long as you choose the correct venue in which to wear one.

The cumme*rbund was adopted by British military officers in colonial India, where they saw it worn by sepoys (Indian soldiers) of the British Indian Army. It was adopted as an alternative to the waistcoat, and later spread to civilian use.

The cumme*rbund, however, has been with us as a “black tie” accessory ever since; originally only worn as resort wear, in the 1930's it slowly replaced the tuxedo vests worn in the 1920's and was acceptable in town by the 1940's.

Though the cumme*rbund is a well-known part of black tie, Bond has only worn a cumme*rbund on a handful of occasions. Traditionally, one isn't wearing a cumme*rbund because he's wearing a waistcoat or a double-breasted dinner jacket, but those situations do not make up the rest of Bond's black tie outfits.

cumme*rbunds were first worn in the 1850s by British military officers stationed in India. Required to wear full formal attire in India's sweltering temperatures, they adopted the cumme*rbund as an alternative to the heavier waistcoat.

cumme*rbunds are an essential part of black tie etiquette and they give formal suits a finished appeal. cumme*rbunds are used to cover the unsightly bunching that occurs when a shirt is tucked into trousers and they also provide an aesthetic benefit to your overall ensemble.

(The French call this kind of dress "le smoking.") It all adds up to black and white dressing. And it's essential to get it right. What I'd suggest as an alternative to a cumme*rbund is a well-cut evening waistcoat (vest). Obviously, this would be worn over the formal white shirt and under the black jacket.

What are the rules for cumme*rbunds? ›

To wear a cumme*rbund, all you have to do is wrap the sash around your hips where your shirt meets your trousers (making sure the pleats are facing upwards), and then secure the clip at the back of the sash.

The pleats of the cumme*rbund are meant to face upward. While they may not carry the same functional role as back in Great Britain's colonizing days, the pleats still are meant to face upward so that they can store and catch things. Your dress pants should rise to your navel.

History of the cumme*rbund

The origins of the tuxedo cumme*rbund can be traced back to 1850s India, during the time when British Military officers were stationed in the country.

The name cumme*rbund is an Anglicised version of kamarband. The kamarband originated in ancient Persia and has been worn across Asia ever since. The kamarband features in military uniforms as well as civilian attire.

Origins. The cumme*rbund began in India around 1850, not as formal wear necessarily, but as dining wear for British military personnel stationed there. The folks from India often wore sashes around their waist called kamarbands, kamar meaning 'waist.

: a broad waistband usually worn in place of a vest with men's dress clothes and adapted in various styles of women's clothes.