This type of wide sash is worn as a waistband. It was originally worn by men in India, but has recently been adapted for men's formal wear. What is it called?

This distinctive wide sash, known as a cummerbund, has a rich history rooted in South Asia before becoming a staple of Western formal attire. The term itself is an Anglicized version of "kamarband," a word of Persian origin meaning "waistband." For centuries, men in India wore these sashes as a practical and stylish accessory for various occasions.

The adoption of the cummerbund into Western fashion can be traced back to British military officers stationed in colonial India around the 19th century. Faced with the often-unbearable heat, these officers sought a more comfortable alternative to the traditional waistcoats worn with their formal dining uniforms. They observed local Indian soldiers and civilians wearing the kamarband and quickly recognized its suitability, embracing it as a cooler option for their own formal wear.

Over time, this elegant waist sash made its way to Europe and North America, becoming an integral part of the black tie dress code in the early 20th century. Today, the cummerbund is primarily worn with single-breasted dinner jackets or tuxedos, serving to cover the waistband of the trousers and create a smooth, unbroken line between the shirt and the waist. Its signature pleats are traditionally worn facing upwards, a detail that is said to have once served a practical purpose, allowing gentlemen to discreetly catch crumbs or even hold small items like opera tickets.