Amusing History of Cummerbund
First things first, the correct spelling of this accessory is "cummerbund," not "cumberbund." And did you know that when wearing a cummerbund, the pleats should face upwards? Curious as to why? What's the purpose of those pleats? Well, I once heard that back in the day, they were meant to catch crumbs that might otherwise fall into your trousers. That sounds absurd, doesn't it? Crumbs? Seriously? But ever since hearing that, I've always made sure my pleats are facing up. The funny thing is, there's some truth to it after all.
Picture this: It's the 1850s, and you're a British military officer stationed in colonial India. In those times, black tie attire was a must for formal dinners. And in India's tropical heat, there were probably many dinner occasions. "Black tie" meant a full tuxedo, complete with a waistcoat and a double-breasted dinner jacket. That's quite the wardrobe for a warm climate. So, the British officers, in their wisdom, ditched the waistcoats (which is just a British term for a vest). Instead, they began adopting an Indian fashion accessory-the 'kamarband.' This word literally translates to "waistband" and was commonly worn by Indian men, not just for formal events but as part of everyday attire. The British took a liking to this colorful sash and, over time, adapted it into what we now know as the cummerbund, which eventually evolved into the pleated form we see today. When the British returned to England, they brought back not only goods but also fashion traditions. And so, the cummerbund became a staple of formal men's wear in Victorian England.
As for the cummerbund catching a few crumbs at dinner parties? That's more than likely. Picture yourself at a fancy dinner, indulging in some roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, with crumbs inevitably getting loose. Where will they go? Exactly-right into those handy pleats. Just don't forget to give them a shake when the night's over! While we can't say for certain if the pleats were *designed* for this reason, it's well-documented that men did use them to tuck away small items like receipts or opera tickets. And for those who care, the cummerbund also has the added effect of making a man's legs appear longer and leaner. You're welcome!
But how exactly should one wear a cummerbund, aside from ensuring the pleats are up? These days, cummerbunds come in every imaginable color and pattern. But if you're attending a traditional black-tie event, which color is appropriate? Should the cummerbund match your tie, your shirt, or something else? The classic rule is that the cummerbund doesn't have to match the tie; instead, the tie should complement the trousers. The cummerbund itself should be worn in black, midnight blue, maroon, or deep red-the colors permitted with black-tie attire. You can choose the most suitable one for yourself.
And today, cummerbunds are an entrenched accessory for formal events. They are regularly worn with dinner jackets, formal trousers, dress shirts and bow ties. A cummerbund is the ideal accessory for black tie events such as award ceremonies, balls or formal dinners.
