The time for putting together your formal outfit for a wedding or special occasion has arrived, and you’re faced with common questions. Should you wear a tuxedo with suspenders and a cumme*rbund, or choose only a cumme*rbund? Or, should you settle for suspenders alone?
The quick answer is that it depends on how formal you wish to be with your attire. All options are acceptable for contemporary formal tux fashion, but there are rules of formality that you may want to follow.
The Suspender Rule for Tuxedos
Regardless of modern sensibilities, there are certain rules regarding tuxedos that are passed down from generation to generation. One of these rules is that you should always wear suspenders with a tux. This isn’t just for show, it’s also for practical reasons. If this is your first time wearing a tux, it may come as a surprise to find out that traditional tuxedo pants don’t have belt loops. Because these are formal pants, the idea of adding a bulky belt seems out of place, so belt loops are left out to avoid a fashion mistake.
Thankfully, suspenders are a natural solution to the dilemma of slipping pants. In fact, another rule for tuxedos is to never let the pants waist drop below the tuxedo jacket. Formal dress suspenders help keep your pants aligned just right with the jacket.
The Role of the cumme*rbund
The cumme*rbund is more than just a fancy fashion accessory. Its main role is to cover up flaws around the waist, creating an attractive mid-section. You may hear of cumme*rbunds being amusingly referred to as “crumb catchers” for their amazing ability to catch food particles. If crumb-free pants and a sleek-looking waist are things you desire, it’s a nice addition to a tux. Is it mandatory? No.
Paring Suspenders with a cumme*rbund
Wearing suspenders with a tuxedo is common, and adding a cumme*rbund to your formal outfit is strictly a matter of style preference. Generally, the addition of a cumme*rbund raises the level of formality a few notches. Fortunately, these two accessories look great together, but be sure to choose similar colors to avoid clashes. If you’re wondering about color choices, you can find upscale satin formal button suspenders in popular contemporary colors.
FAQs
The suspenders should be put on first, followed by the cumme*rbund on top. As far as suspenders colors go, black is always an option. If you're wearing a colored cumme*rbund (pink, purple, green, etc.), the suspenders can match your bow tie and cumme*rbund. Suspenders can be worn with a cumme*rbund.
Can you wear a tux without cumberbund or suspenders? ›
Wearing a cumme*rbund is not necessary and the only time it should be worn is with a single-breasted tuxedo. Feel free to wear just a bow tie and black suspenders when skipping the cumme*rbund.
Are you supposed to wear suspenders with a tuxedo? ›
In fact, actual tuxedo pants do not even have belt loops. This is where suspenders are a must have. They keep your pants at the correct rise without cinching in that waist which can cause an unflattering silhouette.
Does anyone wear a cumme*rbund anymore? ›
The Classic Ensemble: Pairing a cumme*rbund with Your Tuxedo. 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.
Why aren t suspenders popular? ›
Many people would benefit from wearing suspenders, but suspenders probably aren't even on their radar because we think of them as old fashioned or too formal. The struggle to keep our pants up, without compromising our fashion sense, is real.
Are Cumberbuns in style with tuxedos? ›
cumme*rbunds are a match made in heaven with a tuxedo but they should never be worn with a regular suit. 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.
What can I wear instead of a cumme*rbund? ›
If you dare to jump in on the trend of not wearing a cumme*rbund or vest with your tuxedo, make sure to wear a jacket that is double-breasted, and always keep your jacket buttoned throughout the event. Also, be sure to invest in an incredibly well-fit tuxedo jacket and shirt.
What should you not wear with a tuxedo? ›
In addition to casual socks, you should also avoid wearing casual shoes with a tuxedo. Both standard suits and tuxedos require the use of formal footwear. Rather than wearing sneakers, you'll need to wear casual shoes with your tuxedos. Examples of formal shoes include loafers and derbies.
What is the point of a cumme*rbund? ›
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.
What are the rules to wearing suspenders? ›
When you have them on, your suspenders should fall in a straight line down from your shoulder to your waist. To put button-on suspenders on your trousers, start in the back. Once you've buttoned them on, put your trousers on, pull the suspenders over your shoulders and button them in place in the front.
Non-slip Waistbands. Another effective solution for keeping your pants up is to opt for pants with built-in non-slip waistbands or to attach non-slip waistband grips to your existing pants. These waistbands have a rubberized or silicone lining that grips onto your shirt or skin, preventing the pants from sliding down.
What is an inappropriate time to wear a tuxedo? ›
The most common practice is to define the evening in chronological order and discourage wearing tuxedos in public before 6 pm.
Do you wear a cumme*rbund and suspenders together? ›
When wearing both a cumme*rbund and suspenders, it is traditionally acceptable to place the cumme*rbund over the suspenders. This ensures that the waistband of the trousers is concealed by the cumme*rbund while the suspenders provide practical support to hold the trousers in place.
Does James Bond wear a cumme*rbund? ›
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.
Are suspenders out of style? ›
As a result, you may be asking yourself, “are suspenders still in style?” The answer is yes! Modern day suspenders look different than suspenders of the past, but they are still a fashionable accessory designed to elevate your casual or formal look.
Is it professional to wear suspenders? ›
Suspenders in the workplace are also a great way to express your style and personality; depending on the look you're going for, they can help you look more serious, authoritative, playful, or creative.
Is it better to wear a vest with suspenders or belt? ›
When you wear a vest with suspenders, you'll experience improved comfort and fit compared to a belt. Suspenders distribute the weight of your trousers evenly over your shoulders, reducing the pressure around your waist.
Are suspenders flattering? ›
Benefit #1: They help you create a more streamlined body shape. Instead of creating a bulge over the beltline by pulling you in around the middle, suspenders are supported all the way up on your shoulders, resulting in pants or shorts that lay flatter over your midsection.
