Top 5 Best cumme*rbunds & Everything You Need To Know About The CumberbundPaul Anthony2021-09-15T02:48:16-04:00
Once an obligatory accessory to the tuxedo, the cumme*rbund is often overlooked and even forgotten entirely today. However, we believe that it’s still an integral part of the black tie dress code.
In this guide, which is part of our tuxedo series you will learn everything there is to know about cumme*rbunds. From how to wear one and the best brands on the market, use the following links to explore your options:
- What Is A cumme*rbund?
- cumme*rbund Coordination
- cumme*rbund Vs Waistcoat
- Conclusion: Other Tuxedo Resources
Alternatively, scroll down to read it all.
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Top 5 Best cumme*rbunds To Buy Online
In this guide, you will learn all about cumme*rbunds. To give you a better idea of what’s currently on the market, we’ve assembled the best cumme*rbunds that you can buy online:
- Charles Tyrwhitt
- Eton Shirts
- The Tie Bar
Feel free to use the links above to jump ahead or scroll down to discover them all!
1. Charles Tyrwhitt [Value Jermyn Street Brand]
- Colours: Black, Wine
- Material: 100% Silk
- Adjustable: Yes
- Size: One-Size
- Pricing: $69 [Buy On Charles Tyrwhitt]
Charles Tyrwhitt is another well-known Jermyn Street brand, which is renowned for providing excellent value for money. We’re particularly fond of their luxurious cumme*rbunds, which are available in wine red or black.
Like the above options, they’re made from silk and are adjustable to your size.
2. Hawes & Curtis [Best Value For Money]
- Colours: Black, Burgundy, Midnight
- Material: 100% Silk
- Adjustable: Yes
- Size: One-Size
- Pricing: $40 – $50 [Buy On Hawes & Curtis]
Hawes & Curtis is a British heritage brand that continues to operate from its Jermyn Street flagship store in London. We’re pretty fond of their modest selection of cumme*rbunds, which are all made from 100% silk.
Available in midnight blue, burgundy or even black, there’s something for any colour palette. Additionally, they’re all one-size and adjustable up to a 42″ waist.
3. Turnbull & Asser [Premium cumme*rbund]
- Colours: Black
- Material: 100% Silk
- Adjustable: Yes
- Size: One-Size
- Pricing: $205 [Buy On Turnbull & Asser]
Turnbull & Asser is one of the few heritage Jermyn Street brands that continues to retail products that are made in England. Indeed, their cumme*rbunds come from Gloucester, which is why they’re at a premium.
Nevertheless, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more exquisite specimen with its rich Barathea weave and lustrous silk material.
4. Eton Shirts [Swedish Heritage Brand]
- Colours: Black
- Material: 100% Silk
- Adjustable: Yes
- Size: S, M, L
- Pricing: $205 [Buy On Eton Shirts]
While perhaps not as well-known as some Jermyn Street brands, Eton has been operating since the early 20th Century and continues to produce luxurious shirts. Unlike most other cumme*rbunds, theirs come in several sizes.
These are all adjustable too. For instance, small is for 31-35”, medium corresponds to 35-39”, and large fits 39-43” waists.
5. The Tie Bar [Most Affordable cumme*rbund]
- Colours: Black
- Material: 100% Silk
- Adjustable: Yes
- Size: One-Size
- Pricing: $25 [Buy On The Tie Bar]
If you’re looking for a cheap yet reliable cumme*rbund, The Tie Bar is a great port of call. We’re very fond of The Tie Bar and their affordable accessories. Their website is also very well-made and allows you to easily put together coordinated garments and accessories.
What Is A cumme*rbund?
So, what exactly is a cumme*rbund? It’s a pleated waist sash worn with single-breasted tuxedo jackets. Traditionally black, they are also available in other colors, most notably burgundy, bottle green, rich gold, and even white. They are widest around the front and were adopted as a warm-weather alternative to the black tie waistcoat.
The garment has its roots in Asia. Indian men traditionally wore them, and the British adopted it while India was under colonial rule. Etymologically, the word is a corruption/cognate of the Urdu/Persian wordkamarband, withkamar meaning “loins” andband meaning “sash.” In Hindi, the word iscumme*rband.
We can certainly all agree that “cumme*rbund” has a nicer ring to it than “loinsash.”
Note that in modern Persian, the wordkamarband refers to anything belt-like. This is most often an actual belt, but can also refer to a safety belt or a road that encircles a city, such as Washington D.C.’s Beltway.
Why Wear A cumme*rbund?
When wearing a tuxedo, an immaculate presentation and attention to detail are of the utmost importance. A cumme*rbund acts as a waist covering, preventing your shirt from peeking out below the buttoning point of your jacket. This means that the only part of the shirt visible is above your chest, forming a powerful V-shape that makes you look stronger and more masculine. Having white popping out below would be distracting to say the least.
cumme*rbund Or Cumberbund: How It Is Spelled?
There is a lot of confusion as to the spelling of this word. This is understandable as it’s an Anglicized Persian word, but make no mistake, it’s spelled “cumme*rbund,” not “cumberbund,” or “cumme*rbun.”
cumme*rbund Material
Traditionally, cumme*rbunds are made of silk. Cheaper models at discount stores will often be made of synthetic material such as polyester, and these should be avoided unless you’re on an extreme budget.
When & How To Wear A cumme*rbund
Wearing a cumme*rbund isn’t obligatory, but if you’re going to wear a tuxedo and forgo the waistcoat, we strongly encourage you to wear a cumme*rbund. This is particularly true in warm weather, when even a backless waistcoat may be impractical.
Do You Have To Wear A cumme*rbund With A Tux?
In a word, no. In lieu of a cumme*rbund, you may wear either a waistcoat or, if you’re going for a more contemporary look, no waist covering at all. If you opt to omit a waist covering, ensure that your tuxedo trousers’ waist is high enough to avoid any shirt showing underneath the button.
cumme*rbund Pleats: Up Or Down?
Most (but not all) cumme*rbunds have pleats. Once upon a time, these pleats were functional, serving as pockets with which to hold ticket stubs and other night-at-the-opera sorts of things. As such,if your cumme*rbund has pleats, it is only correct to wear them facing up.
Colloquially, a cumme*rbund was known as a “crumb-catcher,” as upward-facing pleats offered the wearer this fringe benefit.
Should A cumme*rbund Match My Tie, Jacket, Or Something Else?
Traditionally, cumme*rbunds are black and thus match the bow tie, jacket, and trousers all at once. 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 cumme*rbund in a deep tone such as burgundy, plum, bottle green, or dark blue. Patterned cumme*rbunds exist as well and are appropriate to wear, so if you happen to find one that strikes you, by all means snatch it up.
In the event that you choose to wear a cumme*rbund in such a color or pattern, donot wear a matching bow tie, but rather the standard black one. Throwing too much color into a tuxedo compromises its integrity as a semi-formal outfit, and the look is decidedly pre-packaged and a bit clownish.
When people use the term “monkey suit,” this is the look they have in mind. Below, we see a couple of examples of how cumme*rbunds can be worn incorrectly. At left, we have a matching cumme*rbund and bow tie set, and at right we have a cumme*rbund that was intended to match its jacket.
Instead of emulating what you see above, take a look at the graphic below. At left is the classic black cumme*rbund with black bow tie, and at right is a contrasting cumme*rbund thatdoesn’t attempt to match the jacket with which it’s been paired:
Should I Wear A cumme*rbund Or Vest?
The choice of wearing a cumme*rbund or vest is up to you. It’s a matter of personal preference and comfort, as a waistcoat will work better in colder months while a cumme*rbund is the preferred option in spring and summer.
Aesthetically, though, it’s good to look to your lapels. A tuxedo jacket takes either peaked lapels or a shawl collar. The curve of a cumme*rbund syncs well with a shawl collar, while the points of a waistcoat coordinate wonderfully with those of a peaked lapel. While coordinating these items on this basis isn’t necessary, it’s a smart design element to consider.
Can You Wear A cumme*rbund With Braces?
Indeed you can. In fact, you can wear braces with a waistcoat as well. You may also forgo braces entirely, but only do this if your trousers fit exceptionally well and / or have side adjuster tabs to help keep them where they belong. Further, you can make that decision based on your body type, as some men look better in braces than others.
Conclusion & Other Tuxedo Resources
A cumme*rbund isn’t necessary for a black tie ensemble, but it’s certainly a dapper way to cover the waist when wearing your tux.
For more tuxedo information, take a look at the resources at your disposal:
Our Newsletter
Best Of Bespoke Unit & the Web
48 Comments
Nuela goldJune 27, 2018 at 2:32 am - Reply
Very helpful and insightful! Thank you so much!
Charles-PhilippeJune 27, 2018 at 3:27 am - Reply
Hi Nuela,
You’re very welcome! Thanks for your kind comment!
Best,
CP
WallyOctober 18, 2018 at 10:59 am - Reply
Thank you for your insight on Tux shirts I wear a tux shirt at least six times a month. Have many types. The one shirt you did not mention was the no collar tux shirt.
Charles-PhilippeOctober 18, 2018 at 11:59 am - Reply
Hi Wally,
Do you mean a tunic shirt for stiff collars or a Mandarin collar?
Best,
CP
ColeOctober 29, 2018 at 2:02 pm - Reply
I read that the cumme*rbund is designed to get rid of the sharp V that’s formed by the jacket. And to that end, the cumme*rbund should match the color of the pant (if you’re wearing traditional black tie, no colored cumme*rbund).
Is that the case? Should the cumme*rbund first and foremost match the pant? And if so, does it matter too much if the cumme*rbund does not match the bow tie exactly?
Charles-PhilippeOctober 29, 2018 at 6:32 pm - Reply
Hi Cole,
There’s the school of thought that the cumme*rbund should be the same colour as the trousers. Meanwhile, there’s the more modern approach in having one with a pop of colour. Ideally, it should match the bow tie but it’s no big deal if it doesn’t.
These days, you’re quite free to do as you like as long as you believe that it’s tasteful!
All the best,
CP
Phil ColemanNovember 27, 2018 at 11:07 am - Reply
There’s a difference of opinion from the “experts” regarding wearing braces with cumme*rbund. I prefer braces and they don’t’ show with the jacket on. That’s what I’m going to do. Experts also differ on cumme*rbund color and tie combination. I’m taking the safe route and wearing all black. Tuxedos in public are so elegant (and rare) you can’t really go too wrong wearing any combination.
Charles-PhilippeNovember 27, 2018 at 12:00 pm - Reply
Hi Phil,
Absolutely, you’re right that it’s a rarity these days and it’s hard to really make mistakes when wearing black tie! Sure, a lot of people (experts or otherwise) differ on the so-called “correct” way of wearing formalwear. I guess that’s one of things that make the topic so fascinating!
Best,
CP
ammarJanuary 16, 2019 at 5:09 am - Reply
thanks for information. #bespokesuit
Charles-PhilippeJanuary 16, 2019 at 5:25 am - Reply
Glad to be of service, Ammar!
Best,
CP
VicMarch 15, 2019 at 1:36 pm - Reply
Hi
I have a question about matching bow tie with a cumme*rbund. I have a dark navy tuxedo which has peaked black lapels and plan to wear an ivory coloured bow tie. Can I pair this with a black cumme*rbund?
Look forward to your advice.
Charles-PhilippeMarch 18, 2019 at 5:47 am - Reply
Hi Vic,
A navy and black combination might be a tad difficult to pull off as they’re very similar and tend not to go all that well. However, it might be doable. If you already have the garments, try them out in the mirror and see if it works!
Best,
CP
VicMarch 21, 2019 at 9:40 pm - Reply
Hi CP,
Thanks for your response.
Apologies if I wasn’t clear earlier but I specifically wanted to know if it’s acceptable to wear a cream bow tie with a black cumme*rbund?
Look forward to your response.
Regards
VicCharles-PhilippeMarch 22, 2019 at 5:48 am - Reply
Hi Vic,
If the tuxedo is black, then I’d say that it’s absolutely fine to have a black cumme*rbund and ivory bow tie. However, if you have a black cumme*rbund and dark navy tux, the it might be a little difficult.
Best,
CP
William D. WrightApril 12, 2019 at 6:11 pm - Reply
I have a Midnight Blue Tuxedo (custom made for me by Jos. A . Bank) that has black lapels. So wearing a black bow tie and cumme*rbund is automatically the first choice. For the record I also have two more custom tuxedos from Bank. One I sth traditional black and the newest one is my burgundy tux. Both are with black lapels so again, black bow and cumme*rbund. By the way, all of these look smashingly spectacular an dI have been complemented many times. Next up: a gray tux coming sometime this summer as I can afford it.
Charles-PhilippeApril 15, 2019 at 5:25 am - Reply
Sounds like a beautiful collection indeed!
Best,
CP
SusanApril 17, 2019 at 8:45 pm - Reply
Should cumme*rbund and suspenders match? Thinking particularly if cumme*rbund has a pattern
Charles-PhilippeApril 18, 2019 at 5:45 am - Reply
Hi Susan,
Not necessarily. cumme*rbunds are typically worn with tuxedos, which are traditionally black, and a white shirt. Consequently, the braces themselves should normally be either black or white.
Best,
CP
mendelApril 25, 2019 at 12:07 am - Reply
Hi. Thanks for these pointers. I’m scheduled for a tropical wedding and will be wearing white linen but would still like the tux “look’ and want to incorporate bowtie, suspenders, cumberbund, if appropriate. Was thinking of light blue for a splash of tropical color and since everything white seemed, well, too white. If this resonates with you, would you color the bowtie, cumberbund, suspenders? If yes, identically? It seems not, according to what you wrote….
Charles-PhilippeApril 25, 2019 at 6:32 am - Reply
Hi Mendel,
I love the ideal of light blue to accompany the white linen suit! I think that will capture the ambiance perfectly!
Otherwise, similar pastel colours like salmon or lilac might work too. That said, I think light blue would be your best bet.
On this occasion, I would say that using identical colours for the bow tie and cumme*rbund would be fan as it’s a contemporary look and it’ll offset the use of white. However, I would opt for white suspenders to avoid it being too overbearing.
All the best,
CP
ChrisAugust 22, 2019 at 3:39 pm - Reply
I have a dark blue patterned tux, planning on wearing a white shirt and black bow tie, would a black cumme*rbund look ok with this or no?
Charles-PhilippeAugust 23, 2019 at 4:19 am - Reply
Hi Chris,
I’d personally prefer a dark blue cumme*rbund but black is absolutely fine too!
Best,
CP
MikeOctober 7, 2019 at 3:20 pm - Reply
How do you feel about a black cumberbund paired with a non-black bow tie, Military Branch colors, for a Military Ball?
Rafael DominguezOctober 29, 2019 at 4:19 pm - Reply
Hey Mike,
We’d usually recommend switching up the color of the cumme*rbund before that of the bow tie. But if it’s a themed even where guests are expected to display colorful bow ties then the best options would likely be a black cumme*rbund with the non-traditional tie.
Regards,
Rafael
CarlosOctober 16, 2019 at 7:50 am - Reply
Hello CP
I will be wearing a blue velvet suit with black lapels, white dress shirt, black cumme*rbund and bow tie, and black trousers to a gala dinner.
Would it be appropriate to wear black velvet shoes with this attire?
Thanks for your help!
Charles-PhilippeNovember 5, 2019 at 5:38 am - Reply
Hi Carlos,
I think that’s fine. If you’re feeling a little daring, I think that blue velvet shoes that match the jacket would look even better, though!
Best,
CP
BobOctober 24, 2019 at 7:32 pm - Reply
Hi,
I am attending a red tie charity event. Is it appropriate to wear a red tie with a black cumme*rbund?
Rafael DominguezOctober 29, 2019 at 4:09 pm - Reply
Hey Bob,
Thanks for checking out our guide. As we covered briefly above, wearing a black cumme*rbund with a red tie would be most appropriate.
Regards,
Rafael
Steve ThompsonNovember 11, 2019 at 8:12 am - Reply
The word is “cumme*rBUND”. There’s only one “b” in the word. You variously spell it a “cumme*rbund” and a “cumBerbund” on this site. Thanks.
Charles-PhilippeNovember 12, 2019 at 8:12 am - Reply
Hi Steve,
We used both spellings to attract the attention of people who spelled it wrong when searching online but we do have a section in the article that highlights the correct spelling.
Best,
CP
MikeDecember 1, 2019 at 9:07 am - Reply
Hi,
I have a formal wedding I’m attending. I have decided to go with a velvet dinner jacket with satin peaked lapels. I wanted to wear a black velvet bow tie with a matching black velvet cumme*rbund. Would that be acceptable? I have read in various places to match the material with the lapels, but also read match the bow tie and cumme*rbund. Just wanted a little clarification.
Thanks,Charles-PhilippeDecember 2, 2019 at 5:55 am - Reply
Hi Mike,
We feel that you shouldn’t make the bow tie and cumme*rbund. We would recommend keeping the bow tie black in all cases. However, you can add a pop of colour by choosing a cumme*rbund that is something else.
All the best,
CP
MikeDecember 2, 2019 at 9:45 am - Reply
Hey CP, thanks for the response but I’m not sure I understand your answer. I was asking if it is acceptable to wear a black velvet bow tie and a black velvet cumme*rbund even though the lapels on my velvet jacket are satin. Sorry if there was some confusion.
Thanks.Charles-PhilippeDecember 2, 2019 at 10:18 am - Reply
Hi Mike,
Apologies! Yes, that’s absolutely fine!
Best,
CP
MikeDecember 11, 2019 at 7:08 am - Reply
Wondering if I can wear a green cumme*rbund with matching bow tie with black watch pants and a navy blazer to a Christmas party? What are your thought?
Charles-PhilippeDecember 11, 2019 at 8:47 am - Reply
Hi Mike,
Sounds good. I’d just recommend that you wear a black bow tie to bring it better together. A green cumme*rbund and matching bow tie might be a bit busy – especially with a navy jacket.
Best,
CP
BobJanuary 31, 2020 at 1:08 am - Reply
Hi CP,
I’m attending an evening gala in the Caribbean soon, and would like to go black-tie. I have a dark blue patterned jacket with satin peaked lapels, black tuxedo trousers, a black satin cumme*rbund and black braces. Would it be appropriate to wear a dark blue patterned bow tie, or should I stay with the black tie? Also, could I forego the cumme*rbund in either case?
Thanks
Charles-PhilippeJanuary 31, 2020 at 1:44 am - Reply
Hi Bob,
Personally, I’d wear a black tie as it’s more in keeping with the dress code. As for the cumme*rbund, don’t feel that you have to wear it if you don’t want to.
All the best,
CP
Ernie B. ManlapazMay 31, 2020 at 9:17 am - Reply
Hi’! Thanks for the information on cumme*rbund and its use, specially in a tropical country as pointed out on its origin. Great suggestions and information.
Charles-PhilippeJune 2, 2020 at 2:06 am - Reply
You’re very welcome. Glad that you found our guide useful!
Christopher PlumptonJanuary 18, 2021 at 6:38 pm - Reply
Thanks for this page, very informative. If I am wearing a cumme*rbund, should I be wearing a dinner jacket the whole time? Just debating on sporting a cumme*rbund for my wedding and was thinking I’ll be jacket- less on the dance floor.
Charles-PhilippeJanuary 19, 2021 at 4:43 am - Reply
Historically speaking, the cumme*rbund was created so that officers didn’t have to wear a jacket in the heat! Today, etiquette is a little different. However, it’s your wedding so you do as you please. Nevertheless, it’ll allow you to remove your jacket when too hot (and when dancing) without the shirt looking untidy.
All the best,
CP
Sam ZJuly 24, 2021 at 1:10 pm - Reply
Where can I find an extra wide cumme*rbund
?Charles-PhilippeJuly 26, 2021 at 3:31 am - Reply
I’m afraid that I don’t know about that. Do any of the suggested retailers stock them?
KurtAugust 22, 2021 at 1:16 pm - Reply
Do they make plastic stays to put inside a cumme*rbund to keep them spread properly?
Rafael DominguezAugust 24, 2021 at 12:19 pm - Reply
Hey Kurt,
I’m not sure those exist – perhaps it’s a size issue if the cumme*rbund is not staying in place?
Rafael
JimMarch 14, 2022 at 1:15 pm - Reply
I wore a black cumme*rbund with a white dinner jacket and black tuxedo trousers to a formal wedding last summer. I loved the look and received many compliments. However, the cumme*rbund “flopped” over each time a sat. I adjusted it looser and tighter to no avail. The cumme*rbund wasn’t extremely expensive. Would a particular brand and/or material help eliminate my flop-over issue? Is there something to make it stiffer? (The cumme*rbund that is 😉)
Rafael DominguezMarch 14, 2022 at 3:11 pm - Reply
Hey there Jim,
It certainly sounds like you’re having a fit issue, though I’ve never experienced this myself. If you enjoyed the ensemble and believe you’ll have other occasions to wear it, I definitely recommend browsing better quality cumme*rbunds to see if they cause the same issue. Along the same vein, you may find a quality tailor who sells cumme*rbunds who may be able to recommend a specific material for your concern.
Hope this helps,
Rafael
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