IN HONOR OF PROM SEASON...
Origin:
The word Cummerband which entered English vocabulary in 1616 via languages of the Indian subcontinent such as Hindi and Urdu, is originally a Persian genitive phrase comprising kamar(waist) + band (band). (Wikipedia)
The cummerbund as we know it today developed during the British occupation of India and is based on the kamarband worn by Indian officers. British officers adopted the waist band as a cooler alternative to wearing a waistcoat (vest) with formal dinner wear. In the 1850's, this style made it to the UK and soon became the standard form of black tie apparel.
Pronunciation: Hear the word pronounced here!
Alternative spellings: cummerband; kummerbund; kamarband
Proper use: A cummerbund is worn with a single breasted formal jacket (dinner jacket or tuxedo coat) in place of or as an alternative to the vest (waistcoat). The cummerbund is worn over the waistband of the pants (and over the shirt), but underneath the jacket. Pleats open upward, originally to hold theater tickets and other small items and not to catch crumbs (though this undoubtedly happened on occasion) as the legend goes. It is considered to be a semi-formal form of dress, the black or white pique vest being most formal.
Pet Peeves: please note that the spelling and pronunciation are not "cumberbund" or "crumberbund". Wearing a cummerbund with a vest is the equivalent of wearing a belt with suspenders. Alternative colors to the traditional (black, navy, burgundy) like reds or brocaides are GREAT, but matching tie to cummerbund just makes you look like a waiter or a saxophone player in a wedding band.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cummerbund
http://www.bows-n-ties.com/mens-fashion-tips/wrapper.php?/archives/116-The-History-of-the-Cummerbund.html
http://wellsuitedwithmytuxedo.blogspot.com/2010/11/cummerbund-potted-history.html
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cummerbund
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_tie
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_tie
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