A cummerbund is a broad waist sash in various designs including pleats, that was worn with double-breasted tail coats, it is now often worn with single-breasted dinner jackets.

What does a cummerbund do?

Cummerbunds are an essential part of black tie etiquette and they give formal suits a finished appeal. Cummerbunds are used to cover the unsightly bunching that occurs when a shirt is tucked into trousers and they also provide an aesthetic benefit to your overall ensemble.

What are cummerbunds made of?

It is a type of pleated fabric sash, often made from silk or velvet, that ties or clips shut at the back. They are worn over the top of the trousers and the bottom of the shirt, underneath a traditional dinner jacket. Many gentlemen choose a cummerbund rather than a waistcoat with a formal suit.