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The use of waist coat in a 'black tie' dressing appears to be a practice that could be outmoded. This is informed by the fact that most men now see cummerbund as a fitting outfit than waistcoat. Cummerbund is originally an Indian piece of clothing- a sash to be precise- that was adopted by the British officers during the colonial era. This could have been the reason for the popularity that cummerbund has gained among the men folks over time. It is worthy of note that the word 'cummerbund' was derived from 'kamarband' (a Hindustani coinage) which literally means 'waistband'. The cummerbund was typically long sash that was wrapped around the tunic at the waistline. However, with its adoption by the British, the folds formed by the sash was replaced by pleats. The material that is commonly used in making the cummerbund is silk incorporated with either grosgrain or satin.

Although the cummerbund is quite different from the waistcoat in terms of design but they are used [by men] to actualize the same objective- which is to complement single-breasted suit [and keep the shirt ruffle out of sight] in a semi-formal setting. The use of the cummerbund makes it possible for one to add an alternate style to one's dinner suit. Traditionally, most cummerbunds come in black colour but there are however, other colour variations [like maroon, blue and red] that are used today- the ideal thing is to go for the one that would best match your suit.