Following a black tie code is not complicated but most gentlemen get confused between vest and Cummerbund. They want to know which will look best with tux. If you have the same question then you are at the right place and I will clear your confusion.
Vest or cummerbund with tux
It is not an unhidden fact that vests are a popular choice when it comes to wearing a tuxedo or suit. However, this does not make Cummerbund a bad choice. The only reason behind the unpopularity of Cummerbund is that most people don’t know about that and they can only be worn with tuxedos.
On the other hand, you can wear a vest with a suit, with a tuxedo, or without anything and still look dressed.
So which will look better? Well, both like look best and there is no doubt but there are a few things that you should consider when you are deciding between a Cummerbund and a tuxedo.
Do you want to look dressed without a tuxedo?
If yes, then a vest is a better pick. Most people take off their jackets when they are at an event due to suffocation or when they want to dance, or they want to move freely.
So, if you want to look still dressed even after taking your jacket off then a vest would be a better pick.
Do want to show your cuffs and studs?
If yes, then Cummerbund is a better option. Cufflinks and studs are often left unseen when you wear a vest with a tux.
But if you want to highlight your cufflinks then Cummerbund is a better option.
Do you want to elongate your body and want to look tailored in a tux?
If yes, then also Cummerbund will make this happen. Cummerbunds are meant to be worn around your waist. Half of the Cummerbund should be on your shirt and half will cover the waistband.
This will create an illusion of an elongated torso and make you look taller. And because it is tied around the waist firmly, it will make sure the fat around the belly and love handles will not show up through the shirt.
On the other hand, if you are already on the lean side, you can pick any option.
Wearing a Cummerbund is also not as common as a vest in formal events. However, when the black tie attire principles were made back in the day, Cummerbund was considered as an accessory that could uplift the overall outlook of black tie attire.
But if you want me to answer straight, then I would recommend you to wear a vest when you go to any formal event like a wedding. On the contrary, if you are going to any late-night formal party or dinner party then Cummerbund will make you stand out and look more appealing.
Lastly, do you want to match your attire with your partner’s dress?
In modern times many couples want to match their attire with their partner’s attire. If not match, they want their attire to compliment the other person’s attire. If you are thinking about that, then Cummerbund is a better option.
But why? The main reason is that you can wear a Cummerbund of color that compliments your partner’s dress and it doesn’t overpower the whole attire, you will still look formal and don’t breach any black tie principles.
In the case of the vest, it is totally different as it covers the whole torso, and the vest under a jacket will overpower the whole attire if the color doesn’t match the whole attire.
If you want to match the color of your Cummerbund with your partner’s dress then simply get a matching color Cummerbund and make sure the bow tie color is also the same.
Things to consider
Whether you decide to wear a Cummerbund or a vest, the first thing is to choose the right type of fabric and color.
There are many different Fabrics used to make tuxedo but the most common are wool, velvet, silk, and mohair.
You get a variation or blend of two of these fabrics in most tux jackets. But when it comes to Cummerbund the best fabric is silk or satin.
Satin is used most commonly because of the shine it provides. Further, satin is available in two types weft and warp satin.
Usually, Cummerbunds you will see in the market are made of weft satin because they are easy to produce and cost less.
However, warp satin Cummerbund has a more luxurious and elegant look, but it is costly.
When it comes to the vest, the wool fabric is the best. But the fabric you choose for the vest depends on the fabric of the tuxedo.
If the tux jacket is made of wool fabric then it makes more sense to pick a wool fabric rather than a silk fabric.
When it comes to wool fabric, you should know that you have to pick a high-quality wool as you want shine and a luxurious feel. The best wool that is used commonly to make tuxedos is wool barathea or wool serge
