The cummerbund originated from scarves worn around the waist in India and was first worn by Europeans in the English Army during their occupation of India. It is now a stylish accessory in men’s formal wear, often worn with black tie or semi-formal suits. It can be pleated up or down and coordinated with the color of the tie. The sash is still worn in the Indian and Pakistani Army with their dress uniforms.
Although we are used to seeing the cummerbund used as an accessory waistband in men’s formal wear, its origins are quite different. Cummerbunds were inspired by the scarves worn around the waist of men’s clothing in India, and the first cummerbunds worn by Europeans were designed for the English Army during their occupation of India. The word is borrowed from the Persian language, which expresses its Arabic origins. Band is a Persian verb meaning to close, and kamar translates as waist. This fully translates to enclose the waist.
The style in India, as worn by its residents, was more utilitarian than elegant. It has a pleated front, which was normally worn up, creating several overlapping areas of fabric suitable for holding small items. Today in men’s black tie dress, the cummerbund can be worn pleated up or down as it is simply a stylish accessory rather than an intentional garment.
You will usually find this cummerbund on black tie or men’s semi-formal suits. It is generally not worn with formal white tie clothing, the most formal of men’s clothing. Wearing a white tie tends to require a special waistcoat, which would make cummerbunds uncomfortable. For semi-formal events when men don a tuxedo coat, matching pants, tie, and dress shirt, the cummerbund can be worn to add some sparkle and flair to an outfit. You can also hide the flaws of the rented suit that does not fit perfectly. You will see many cummerbund at events like proms.
The sash can be a very simple pleated sash, with a buckle attachment, or an elasticated back. Some men choose a waist cincher that has a lot of color, pattern, or design to individualize their semi-formal wear. While it’s okay for a cummerbund to display some color, this should be coordinated with the color of your tie. In fact, combining cummerbunds and ties are quite common. For events like proms or weddings, young men can choose sashes closely aligned with their dates’ dress colors, or with the wedding colors. Especially for proms, it’s okay to get a little creative with color and style, and use non-traditional fabrics and patterns.
If you must wear a sash for a more formal event, it is best to choose one that is moderate in colors or patterns. For more conservative black tie events, the pleated waist sash should be silk, not the less expensive polyester satins that are rented with tuxedos. A small corner of men’s formalwear fashion is dedicated to introducing new styles of cummerbunds each year, but if you’re planning to buy one, it’s a better idea to find one that’s more traditional. A red, gray, or black sash is a better option if you’re shopping for one for more formal occasions.
The cummerbund is not exclusive to Western formal wear. Both the Indian and Pakistani Army continue to wear them with their dress uniforms. This makes a lot of sense since the concept of the colorful sash originates from these countries.
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