Do You Wear a cumme*rbund with a Tuxedo
cumme*rbunds have been synonymous with formal fashion for over a century. They got their beginnings in the 1850's when they became an integral part of dining attire in British India. 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. Hollywood celebrities like Bradley Copper and Joe Alwyn, among others, have been spotted wearing cumme*rbunds on 2019's Oscars red carpet.
cumme*rbunds are valued for the completed 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 cumme*rbunds have over a century of heritage behind them, they undeniably come with a strict rule book of "do's" and "don't"s.
One of these important rules is to never mix a cumme*rbund with a regular suit. As cumme*rbunds are a signature formal accessory, they have a tendency 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 mis-matched and confused.
The "do"s and "don't"s of wearing cumme*rbunds are definitely open to interpretation in the 21st century but there still has to be a high degree of caution taken when wearing them out to social events.
Generally, a cumme*rbund is traditionally worn with a tuxedo, not a dinner jacket. Due to the sense of formality that accompanies cumme*rbunds, they definitely have a tendency to make regular suits look overdone.
If you want to distinguish your evening wear from the looks you wear to work, buying a tuxedo and a cumme*rbund can certainly be a worthwhile investment.
How to Wear a cumme*rbund
Here are the "do"s and "don't"s of wearing a cumme*rbund:
Only Wear a cumme*rbund with a Tuxedo
cumme*rbunds 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 cumme*rbund. 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 cumme*rbund 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
Most cumme*rbunds are designed with rows of pleats that should be worn facing upwards. Although it's a small detail, it's a central etiquette to cumme*rbund wearing.
Pair it with a bow tie
cumme*rbunds, as with tuxedos, are designed to be worn with bow ties- not neckties. If you wear a tie, there's an awkward overlap with your cumme*rbund.
Don't wear a double breasted suit
Double breasted suits cover your waist and hip area so they defeat the purpose of wearing a cumme*rbund.
Don't wear a belt at the same time
cumme*rbunds are designed to flatten out your lower abdomen and smooth out any unsightly bulges. Wearing a belt underneath your cumme*rbund will undo all the magic that cumme*rbunds are employed to do, which is; smooth out your abdomen, cover any unsightly shirt tucking malfunctions and make your overall ensemble look more finessed.
Now that you're equipped with the ins and outs of wearing cumme*rbunds, you'll be ready to wear your next tuxedo combination with confidence.
