What is the point of a Cumberbund?
The primary purpose of the tuxedo cummerbund is the preserve the immaculate presentation expected when wearing formal attire. Serving as a waist covering, a tuxedo cummerbund prevents your shirt from showing below the buttoning point of your jacket, maintaining a much neater appearance.
Do suspenders go over or under cummerbund?
Wear suspenders underneath your cummerbund to create a truly 007 look. If you’re going to wear both at the same time, always ensure your suspenders are underneath. Most cummerbunds are designed with rows of pleats that should be worn facing upwards.
Can you wear a tuxedo without a vest or cummerbund?
Wear a cummerbund or vest. Unless you’re wearing a double-breasted jacket that you keep buttoned at all times, you’ll likely expose your shirt. Your tux will look incomplete if you’re not wearing a cummerbund or vest.
Why are cummerbunds worn with the pleats up?
The pleats face up because they were originally used to hold ticket stubs and similar items, explaining the slang name ‘crumb-catcher’. However, the cummerbunds worn as part of the US Army Blue Mess and Blue Evening Mess uniforms are worn with the pleats down, as prescribed by Army Regulation 670–1 Chapter 24 Section 10 (b).
Where does the cummerbund go on a navy dress jacket?
The US Navy Uniform Regulations NAVPERS 15665 stipulate the cummerbund be worn with the pleats up for the Navy Dinner Dress Jacket. The contemporary use of the cummerbund is purely aesthetic, providing a transition between the shirt and the waistband. The fastening is a ribbon around the back, tied or held shut by a buckle or velcro .
Which is the right way to put on a cummerbund?
Hold the cummerbund with the pleats facing up and out. This is the “right” way to put on a cummerbund, for the sake of both fashion and function. While they’re not usually too conspicuous, downward-facing pleats can send the message that you’re unfamiliar with the accessory.
Where did the black tie cummerbund come from?
According to Black Tie Guide, the cummerbund originated from coloured sashes that British officers wrapped around their waist in India. Now cummerbunds ordinarily come in the form of a piece of pleated silk—with the pleats worn facing up—in the front that connects in the back with a strap and buckle.
