Cumberbunds, Cummerbunds

Worn with formal wear, it's that pleated sash that provides a transition between the shirt and the waistband. It's often sold as a set with a bow tie, worn with a tuxedo or dinner jacket, and was once called a "crumb catcher."

Remember, it was once called a "crumb catcher." So, that's a clue. The pleats are worn UP (to catch the crumbs!).

A cummerbund can be an inexpensive item of clothing, or can cost a few hundred bucks, depending on the designer. Popular designers which have cummerbund lines Include:

Cardi
Carrot & Gibbs
Cristoforo Cardi
Dion
Geoffrey Beene
Gitman
Italo Ferretti
Joseph Abboud
Neil Allyn
Private Stock
Santana

You can check out a few of the designer cummerbunds below.

Cristoforo Cummerbund and Bow Tie Set

$75.00

Not your basic black, but designed to be just as timeless in your choice of burgundy, black or silver. This cummerbund and bow tie set is made of 100% imported silk with an intricate woven fabric so the feel is absolute luxury, and it wears like a dream. Each set includes a pre-tied bow tie so it always looks perfectly put-together and an adjustable cummerbund that fits waists from 28" up to 48".

Joseph Abboud "Black Tie" Cummerbund and Tie Set

$125.00

Basic black never looked so good. Designer Joseph Abboud crafts this cummerbund and tie in a luxurious, weighty silk fabric and four understated patterns. The bow tie arrives perfectly pre-tied to fit necks up to 21", the adjustable pleated cummerbund fits waists 28" - 48".

Joseph Abboud "Domino" Cummerbund and Tie Set

$125.00

Choose from three understated patterns in black and white 100% silk. The fabric is superb; soft, weighty and with just a hint of texture, this is as formal as it gets. The bow tie arrives perfectly pre-tied to fit necks up to 21", the adjustable pleated cummerbund fits waists 28" - 48".

Want to truly glitz it up? Try a rhinestone-studded cummerbund!

Rhinestone Shimmer Cummerbund and Bow Tie Set

$199.00

When everybody else is wearing boring black, you're going to be reflecting every light in the room with this silky black set embellished with just the right amount of rhinestone sparkle. Cummerbund is adjustable for waists up to 48". The perfectly pre-tied bow tie is adjustable for necks up to 21".

Rhinestone Glitz Cummerbund and Bow Tie Set

$300.00

Wearing this takes confidence, style and a certain amount of spunk. But, you have that in you, right? Rows of seriously reflective rhinestones catch the light - and the attention - of everyone in the room. Cummerbund is adjustable for waists up to 48". The pre-tied bow tie is adjustable for necks up to 21".

Novelty Cummerbunds

Just because it's a formal event doesn't mean you can't show your fun side! Here is a collection of "novelty" cummerbunds you can buy which allow your personality to shine:

Bird of Paradise Cummerbund and Bow Tie Set

$95.00

It's a jungle out there, so unleash your inner Tarzan! Lush African foliage and birds of paradise grace this festive floral design. Made of lightweight, breathable and wrinkle resistant microfiber and available in regular and extended sizes.

Camouflage Cummerbund and Bow Tie Set

$95.00

Don't be surprised if they salute when you wear this military-style camouflage formalwear. Made of lightweight, breathable and wrinkle resistant microfiber and available in regular and extended sizes.

Chili Peppers Cummerbund and Bow Tie Set

$95.00

Spice up any formal occasion with this super-hot cummerbund/bow tie combo, peppered with red, orange and green chili peppers. Made of lightweight, breathable and wrinkle resistant microfiber and available in regular and extended sizes.

Coral Reef Cummerbund and Bow Tie Set

$95.00

Bright hues freshen up your look whether you're attending an "Under the Sea" event or just want to show a bit of personality. 100% microfiber gives you a crisp, just-pressed look and it's washable too. Tie is adjustable and pre-tied so it's perfect every time. Available in regular and extended sizes.

Hawaiian Cummerbund and Bow Tie Set

$95.00

Dress up the boring old penguin look with accessories in the bright colors of a tropical drink. Umbrella not included. Made of lightweight, breathable and wrinkle resistant microfiber in your choice of vibrant colors. Available in regular and extended sizes .

Looney Tunes Cummerbund and Bow Tie Set

$95.00

Tons of cartoons wreak havoc as they skateboard all over your cummerbund and bow tie! Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, Speedy Gonzales, Wile E. Coyote and more. Each adjustable cummerbund and bow tie set is one size fits all.

Mardi Gras Bourbon Street Cummerbund and Bow Tie Set

$95.00

This pattern of purple, green, and gold is an elegant way to dress like it's Fat Tuesday... any night of the year. Looks especially sophisticated against black. Made of lightweight, breathable and wrinkle resistant microfiber and available in regular and extended sizes.

Mardi Gras Diamond Cummerbund and Tie Set

$65.00

This classic diamond pattern with a not-so-subtle color palette is the perfect party-time accessory. Made of lightweight, breathable and wrinkle resistant microfiber. Tie is one-size-fits-all, adjustable to fit necks up to 21". Adjustable cummerbund fits waists up to 48".