Cummerbunds are a fashion accessory you can add to your tuxedo.
Cummerbunds have been a part of formal wear since the 1800s. Debates circle about their purpose as a part of a tuxedo ensemble. While some argue they are merely a fashion statement, others insist they originally had a more practical purpose, such as catching crumbs as they fell during meals, which may explain why the garment is worn with pleats facing up. Whatever the original intention, you can wear cummerbunds in various ways.
Classic Style
Wearing a cummerbund in the traditional sense is the most common way men wear this accessory. They are typically worn in a color that complements the color of the tuxedo and dress shirt. For example, if you are wearing a black suit and white shirt, you can match with a black cummerbund or even consider a white one if you want to keep it less noticeable.
With Supsenders
Gentlemen who want to feel the security provided by suspenders, or who just like the style, can wear them with a cummerbund. If you expect to take off your suit jacket throughout the course of an evening, wearing suspenders can make quite a fashion statement. Find suspenders in a matching color, and fasten them under your cummerbund.
With a Pocket Square
Pocket squares are simple squares of fabric, usually made of silk, folded into attractive shapes and placed in a suit's breast pocket for added decoration. One appealing way to make this combo is to wear a pocket square and cummerbund in the same fabric and pattern.
Match or Contrast Your Bow Tie
A bow tie can also play an important role in men's formal wear --- especially with a tuxedo. Depending on the look you're going for, you can either match or contrast your bow tie. Wearing these accessories in the same color and style is most common, but with patterned cummerbunds you can also pull out a color for your bow tie. You can also wear a simple cummerbund with a colorful bow tie.
Show Some Flair
A cummerbund can be a fun accessory that allows a guy to really show his personality. The pattern possibilities are only limited to your imagination and the available choices. If you're a music fan, look for cummerbunds that feature pictures of guitars or musical notes. If you are gregarious and just want to have fun with your formal outfit, a brightly patterned cummerbund might be your style. Like a woman's necklace or earrings, cummerbunds are a way to show your whimsical side too.
Tags: fashion statement, formal wear, most common
