Q&A for How to Wear a Cummerbund

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  • Question
    Would you recommend wearing colorful cummerbunds or plain ones?
    Katie Quinn
    Personal Wardrobe Stylist
    Katie Quinn is an Image Consultant, Personal Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Q the Stylist, an image consulting service based in New York City helping men and women understand their specific goals, improve their wardrobe, performance, and life. She has over 11 years of image consulting experience and has worked as a stylist for Trunk Club, Modewalk, and Moda Operandi. Her work has been featured in Vogue, InStyle, Martha Stewart Weddings, Sheridan Road, Slate, Newsy, Rue, and Thrillist.
    Personal Wardrobe Stylist
    Expert Answer
    I recommend always wearing a plain cummerbund. It looks the most elegant, and it's one of those situations where choosing the plain option will get you noticed. In fact, I would only suggest a brightly-colored cummerbund when it's a request from a bride or groom, or you're going to a party with a dress code that is open to interpretation.
  • Question
    Should a cummerbund be centered on my natural waist, or is it that the top or bottom should be at my waist?
    Community Answer
    A cummerbund should be centered on your waistline.
  • Question
    Can a cummerbund be worn with a necktie
    MichelleF2
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can if you would like. That being said, they are traditionally worn with bow ties and it might look a little strange.
  • Question
    Do you wear a belt under a cummerbund?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Generally, no, you don't wear a belt under your cummerbund because it wraps around your waist and would conceal your belt. However, if you need extra support for your pants, you can wear suspenders to help hold them up. Clip on your suspenders, then put on your cummerbund over them so the suspenders are concealed by your jacket and cummerbund.
  • Question
    Should I wear a cummerbund?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    It can depend on the dress code for the occasion. It's usually a good idea to wear a cummerbund if you're attending an event with "black tie" or tuxedo formalwear required. However, if an event doesn't call for it, you may be able to get away without wearing one. The truth is, it's tough to beat the classy look of a full tuxedo with a cummerbund. It's a classic look that's never out of style.
  • Question
    What's the point of a cummerbund?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    The only real reason for a cummerbund is to complete a tuxedo and create a neater profile for your look. They also hide the billowing fabric where your shirt tucks into the waistband of your pants. Are they super functional? Perhaps not. But, that doesn't mean that they can't really bring together a black tie formal look. Use a cummerbund to create a clean, classic black tie look.
  • Question
    If I wear a tie, should l use a cummerbund?
    Top Answerer
    No, since ties don't pair well with cummerbunds. Bow ties work better with cummerbunds.
  • Question
    If I wear a cummerbund and a 1-button tuxedo jacket, should the jacket be left buttoned or unbuttoned when I am standing?
    Community Answer
    If you want to show off the cummerband, it's best to unbutton the jacket or else it won't be visible.
  • Question
    Can a cummerbund be worn with an ascot? (Not a neck tie.)
    Community Answer
    Yes. It can match the theme, as it's formal and old-fashioned, but with a lively flair.
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