Cummerbunds: The Definitive Guide to Tuxedo Waist Sashes

#cummerbund #blacktie #notsponsored

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VIDEO CREDITS:
→ Script: Aaron White & E.J. Daniels
→ Camera: Chris Dummer
→ Editing: Jonathan Oster
→ Sony Pictures Television
→ FXX

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Gentleman's Gazette

00:00 Introduction to Cummerbunds
The cummerbund is one of the most distinctive and misunderstood black tie accessories. Let's break down how you should wear it and how to find quality ones.

01:03 When Should You Wear A Cummerbund?

Basically, anytime you wear a tuxedo, a dinner jacket, or a “smoking” jacket, as the Europeans call it. Except if that dinner jacket is double-breasted, then, you skip the cummerbund. You also don’t wear a cummerbund if you’re already wearing a waistcoat, which is something that you traditionally can wear.

01:52 The History of the Cummerbund
The "waist wrapping" style started in the 16th century and has evolved since. We'll take a look at how it became the cummerbunds we know of today.

07:33 Should You Wear a Cummerbund Today?
The cummerbund has a lot of advantages and is perfect for a black tie outfit. We'll go through why it's important to have it in your closet.

09:51 What Should You Look for in a Cummerbund?
What elements should we consider when wearing a cummerbund, in terms of both aesthetics and utility?

10:46 Construction
How can you tell the difference between a high-quality and a low-quality cummerbund?

12:50 Materials
Silk is used in almost all modern cummerbunds. When it comes to materials, the weave of silk should be a top consideration.

14:32 1. Grosgrain
14:40 2. Barathea
15:12 3. Silk Moire
16:08 4. Wide-Ribbed Grosgrain

16:33 Colors
Should you go for colorful cummerbunds or is it best to stick to the classic black?

17:25 Closures
Let's take a look at how a cummerbund closure could give you the most comfort.

18:29 Fit
How should a cummerbund sit on your body? Should the pleats face upwards or downwards? We give you the answers.

20:28 Styling/Dos and Don'ts
Let's look at how you can make the cummerbunds work for you so you can stay classy while wearing them.

21:59 How Much Does A Quality Cummerbund Cost?
How much should you spend on a cummerbund? Which factors affect its price?

22:59 Outfit Rundown
We hope we've shown that the cummerbund is a useful accessory that shouldn't be disregarded when planning a black tie outfit. What do you think of cummerbunds? Do you prefer it over waistcoats? Let us know in the comments!

[Oakhart]

I'm a simple country boy and grew up on a farm. High fashion to me was a cotton T-shirt and a pair of jeans. However, I am enjoying these videos.

[jobmclaren]

Finally S.R.S. has returned to the screen, to impose on us his great wisdom when it comes to eveningwear!! Great video, we want more!!

[matejkincl]

Petition for Raphael to film an entire video in that amazing black tuxedo he's been teasing in short shots for about the past year. I want to see all it's details!

[CRIS_IS_ON_INFINITE_EARTHS]

I was genuinely surprised by the inner lining of that jacket, it's actually really cool!! Also I was really invested while watching this, I forgot how in depth you guys go and how entertaining that can be!!

[jwec]

My Cummberbund is called Bennidict. Bennidict Cummberbund.

[claudiomalcherfilho]

I ALWAYS like to have some fun on my formal attires, so use them with colorful commerbonds or vests. And people always greet me for looking so stylish and full of life and joy.

[KayKusoden]

Just a history thing, as a Iranian i have to say that. it originates from Medians 800 - 500bce (whom are Kurds, Luris, adheri/azheris and gilaki...) and then persian took it aswell later on (it is not just persian or median it is Iranian thing and by that i mean u can encounter it even in Tajikistan or Afghanistan). and it was not just a military thing, most of people used it in their normal life and yet they use when wearing traditional dresses.

[allezxander]

One of these that you can use to store things would actually be really cool. Like a stylish tool belt.

[michaelcdavis]

I am very grateful for your videos. I will be attending a black tie benefit this evening, and I will use all the information I have learned from you, to be dressed as a professional gentleman. I have recommended your tutorials to friends and colleagues.

[shadow_yb]

Fantastic ensemble, I love the pocket square. And the lining on that jacket, wow!

[themoderndandy]

My cummerbund actually has a sort of buckle in the back - I can't name it, but it's that three-pronged thing that you push into a slot, and it snaps. I find that to be enormously convenient; it's never going to fall apart like some other closures might.

[truthreigns]

Alright Raphael! Who else could do such a classy video and subject then you? Well Preston is coming along quite well too.

[marioe]

Statement @7:48 made me chuckle lol, I swear I am still a teenager in an adult's body. Great video by the way!

[bill]

I’m glad that you did this episode. My preference is for a cummerbund as opposed to a waistcoat. While black is my preference in color, I do have a rainbow of colored cummerbunds with matching bow ties (no it didn’t start in high school, but in college). I wear the colored sets depending on my mood, but as said, black is my usual go to. I do have seven tuxedos (All custom except my dinner jacket-white) and a matching set for each tux, but since the lapels are all black, a black bow and bund go very well with all of them. I love wearing formal wear and do it often. Hey, I have a suggestion for a couple of episodes based on your Sinatra style episode: do one on Dean Martin and one on Sammy Davis Jr. They could be a good thing.

[leocomerford]

IIRC (not an expert) it’s not the only Middle Eastern or Indian item of men’s dress to become fashionable in Europe. Back in the eighteenth century a gentleman would often wear a turban in the morning with his dressing gown before putting on his clothes and wig to go outdoors.

[claudioballesterosdeaguiar]

I'm slowly incorporating a bit more old fashioned look into my wardrobe (i.e., Late Edwardian to 1920s), so I'd love to get from you the references to the images you show. Specially the ones with daywear cummerbunds

[flix]

I read the tumbnail as „ Cummerbunds: the Definitive Gut“. Well placed time data, Preston!

[michaelt]

Would it make sense for the backing to be white? This would avoid a color bleed.

[Pilzmaxe]

I wear the following black fie outfit to the opera regularly: 20€ black bowtie from eBay, 10€ black tie dress shirt from eBay, 30€ Tuxedo from ebay. 20€ burgundy cumberbund from eBay, 100€ Bally Shoes also from ebay (they are black derbies with broughing, so not really black tie appropriate, but i don't have opera pumps or shiny shoes), plain stainless steal cufflinks i inherited from my Dad, red paisley pocket square for 1€ from eBay. It's a lame, horrible and cheap compilation (except for the Bally shoes) but believe it or not: i'm usually the best dressed guy around and get tons of compliments because people here rarely ever see someone wearing a black tie outfit so the bar is incredibly low.

[TheTerryE]

Would love to know more about that silver/grey dinner jacket. It looks like a "birdseye." Great cloth.