How to Wear a Cummerbund

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G-Alexander-Midnight-Blue-Tuxedo

The cummerbund is a traditional tuxedo accessory that is designed to bridge the transition between your shirt and pants. It is used in place of (but not with) a vest. A cummerbund is always worn with a bow tie, never a long tie.  Although we’ve seen more pictures lately showing guys going without a cummerbund or vest, it tends to lead to a sloppy look where the shirt is pulling out of the pants and bunching.  Since tuxedo pants do not have belt loops, there is less opportunity to draw the waistband tight enough to prevent the shirt from becoming partially untucked.  The cummerbund provides some compression and provides a nice crisp and clean look.  Cummerbunds are a ‘one size fits most’ accessory with an elastic band and hook in the back to allow you to adjust it to a tighter or looser configuration.

The correct spelling is actually “Cummerbund” not “Cumberbund.  While Merriam-Webster Dictionary does list “Cumberbund” as an alternate spelling, this is purely because of how often it is misspelled and pronounced.  Such is the way that language develops.  But for now, and originally, “Cummerbund” is the correct spelling.

Black is the traditional color of tuxedos in general and the cummerbund specifically. That said, there are many different color and pattern options available to find just the right look.  Often the cummerbund and bow tie are the same color and pattern, but basic black nearly always works regardless.  Similar to the bow tie that has ebbed and flowed in the fashion world, the cummerbund has enjoyed varying popularity as an accessory.  The past ten years have seen most men opt for the vest but we’ve had a lot more requests for cummerbunds lately and we’ve seen several designers introduce modern interpretations that coordinate with their tuxedo lines.

The cummerbund began in India around 1850, not as formal wear necessarily, but as dining wear for British military personnel stationed there.  The folks from India often wore sashes around their waist called kamarbands, kamar meaning ‘waist.’  For formal dinners, the British army customarily wore waistcoats (vests) under their jackets.  But in no small part due to the heat in India, the British were very keen to find a cooler dining uniform and quickly adopted the sash for their dining wear waist covering.

One last tip – the pleats of the cummerbund should always face up.

So, there you have it – the low down on a cummerbund, it’s history and how you should wear it. If you have any questions on how a cummerbund might look for your next event, we’d be honored to help if we can.

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Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo
1900 East Ridge Road (Near 104/Culver Road Exit)
Rochester, NY 14622
(585) 467-7711

What is the Difference Between a Tux and a Suit?

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Retail Tuxedo - Bronze

 

People ask us what the difference between a tux and a suit is on a fairly regular basis and we thought it would be a great topic for a quick blog post. Physically, a tux features satin lapels on the jacket, satin covered buttons and satin trim around areas like the pockets. The pants also feature a satin side-stripe of varying widths. Stylistically, the tux is a more formal option and is typically paired with specific accessories like patent leather shoes.

A suit is a less formal option and does not include satin side stripes on the pants and the lapels of the jacket generally match the material of the body of the coat. Buttons tend to be plastic or thermo-resin as opposed to satin covered. So there you have it. Either way you choose to go, we’d be honored to help you look your best for a wedding or special occasion.

We’re a locally owned shop, but have all the advantages of the big chain stores – a nationwide fitting network, all your favorite brands and a color match program to match or coordinate with dresses from all the big or small retailers in town. Stop by and we can show you how good you can look in a tux or suit from Vittorio’s.

scheduleme

Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo
1900 East Ridge Road
Rochester, NY 14622
(585) 467-7711


What is the Difference Between a Tuxedo and a Suit?

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Retail Tuxedo - Bronze

 

People ask us what the difference between a tuxedo and a suit is on a fairly regular basis and we thought it would be a great topic for a quick blog post. Physically, a tuxedo features satin lapels on the jacket, satin covered buttons and satin trim around areas like the pockets. The pants also feature a satin side-stripe of varying widths. Stylistically, the tuxedo is a more formal option and is typically paired with specific accessories like patent leather shoes.

A suit is a less formal option and does not include satin side stripes on the pants and the lapels of the jacket generally match the material of the body of the coat. Buttons tend to be plastic or thermo-resin as opposed to satin covered. So there you have it. Either way you choose to go, we’d be honored to help you look your best for a wedding or special occasion.

We’re a locally owned shop, but have all the advantages of the big chain stores – a nationwide fitting network, all your favorite brands and a color match program to match or coordinate with dresses from all the big or small retailers in town. Stop by and we can show you how good you can look in a tuxedo or suit from Vittorio’s.

scheduleme

Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo
1900 East Ridge Road
Rochester, NY 14622
(585) 467-7711


IMS Barter – Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo

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IMS Barter Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo Rochester NY

As a member of IMS Barter in Rochester, Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo accepts trade dollars for tuxedo and suit rental transactions, retail purchases and tailoring services.  Trade price is based on our everyday selling price, which is a non-discounted but fair amount for each item.  Please present your barter card to a store manager to utilize your trade dollars for purchases. We look forward to working with you!

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Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo
1900 East Ridge Road
Rochester, NY 14622
(585) 467-7711


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What is the Cost to Rent a Tuxedo in Rochester, NY?

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Renting a tuxedo for a formal occasion like a wedding, prom or gala doesn’t have to break the bank.  When you compare the rental cost versus purchasing a tuxedo (and accessories) as well as the cost of tailoring before your event and dry cleaning or professional laundering afterwards, renting becomes the clear low-cost leader.

In Rochester, you can expect to spend between $100 and $250 on a rental package from most area stores with the vast majority of rentals falling in the middle of that range. When shopping, be sure that the rental package includes the items you need.  At Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo our packages all include a jacket, pants, vest or cummerbund, shirt, tie and shoes.  Some retailers advertise low teaser prices that don’t include things like shoes or a vest.  When you include those items, their teaser/promotional price falls into this general range that we’ve talked about.

Alternatively, some places artificially inflate their prices so they can advertise with headlines like, “Save 50%” if you order before a certain date. We believe most people understand that if a product is permanently on sale for 50% off, that the inflated original price is one that nobody really pays anyway.

Choosing a tuxedo package in the upper end of the price range generally means that the tuxedo has nicer fabric, more exclusive designer labels and the fit and finish is generally closer to a purchased garment, rather than what people typically think of as a rented tuxedo.  At the lower end of the range, there are still a variety of styles and options available but more popular requests like slim-fit tuxedos or well known brand names are less likely to be found at those price points.

Depending on the event you are attending, there may be promotional or group pricing in effect that has been arranged by the event organizer.  It always pays to ask the organization sponsoring the event if they have arranged for preferred pricing for their guests.  If they haven’t yet, we’d be happy to discuss how this works — just put us in touch with the organization and we’ll take it from there!

We hope you have a good time at your event and we’d be honored to help select a tuxedo or suit that helps you look the way you want to, while staying in your budget.

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Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo
1900 East Ridge Road (Near 104/Culver Road Exit)
Rochester, NY 14622
(585) 467-7711


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Tux Rental Prices in Rochester, NY

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In Rochester, you can expect to spend between $100 and $250 on a rental package from most area stores with the vast majority of rentals falling in the middle of that range. When shopping, be sure that the rental package includes the items you need. At Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo our packages all include a jacket, pants, vest or cummerbund, shirt, tie and shoes. Some retailers advertise low teaser prices that don’t include things like shoes or a vest. When you include those items, their teaser/promotional price falls into this general range that we’ve talked about.

Alternatively, some places artificially inflate their prices so they can advertise with headlines like, “Save 50%” if you order before a certain date. We believe most people understand that if a product is permanently on sale for 50% off, that the inflated original price is one that nobody really pays anyway.

Choosing a tuxedo package in the upper end of the price range generally means that the tuxedo has nicer fabric, more exclusive designer labels and the fit and finish is generally closer to a purchased garment, rather than what people typically think of as a rented tuxedo. At the lower end of the range, there are still a variety of styles and options available but more popular requests like slim-fit tuxedos or well known brand names are less likely to be found at those price points.

Depending on the event you are attending, there may be promotional or group pricing in effect that has been arranged by the event organizer. It always pays to ask the organization sponsoring the event if they have arranged for preferred pricing for their guests. If they haven’t yet, we’d be happy to discuss how this works — just put us in touch with the organization and we’ll take it from there!

We hope you have a good time at your event and we’d be honored to help select a tuxedo or suit that helps you look the way you want to, while staying in your budget.

scheduleme

Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo
1900 East Ridge Road (Near 104/Culver Road Exit)
Rochester, NY 14622
(585) 467-7711


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Need a Tux for the Ridgemont Country Club Holiday Gala?

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How to Pin a Boutonniere in Rochester, NY

The course may be covered with snow, but the Holiday Gala is a great time for club members to see each other and have a great evening.  This year’s gala is scheduled for Saturday, December 14th and if you need a tuxedo for the event, we’d be pleased to help.

Just $99.99 gets you a complete in-stock rental package that includes everything you need to attend in style – a tuxedo, formal shirt, your choice of vest and tie and formal shoes – that’s a $30 savings off our regular rates.

Thinking of buying?  If you have three or more events to use it for, that just might be the way to go.  We have packages starting at $249.99.

Just need to update your accessories? Take 20% off our regular prices by mentioning this offer.  Whether you stop by to see us or not, we hope you have a great time at this year’s gala.

Ridgemont Country Club Tuxedo Offer from Vittorio’s

Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo
1900 East Ridge Road – Just 15 minutes from Ridgemont
Rochester, NY 14622
(585) 467-7711


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Need a Tux for the IACC Christmas Gala?

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How to Pin a Boutonniere in Rochester, NY

The Italian American Community Center is a great local organization that celebrates the heritage and culture of Italy.  Each year their Christmas Gala functions as a fundraiser for the Italian American Coalition for Kids and this year it is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th at the IACC at 150 Frank DiMino Way. If you need a tuxedo for the event, we’d be pleased to help and are offering a special rate for attendees.

Just $99.99 gets you a complete in-stock package that includes everything you need to attend in style – a tuxedo, formal shirt, your choice of vest and tie and formal shoes – that’s a $30 savings off our regular rates. Have a great time and know that you’re helping a great organization in the process.

IACC Christmas Gala Tuxedo Offer

Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo
1900 East Ridge Road
Rochester, NY 14622
(585) 467-7711


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Tuxedo Tips

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Since a tuxedo isn’t something most people wear every day, here are a few tips to understand the right way to wear various items.

Tuxedo Tips from Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo in Rochester NY

Cummerbund vs. Vest – it’s an either or proposition, never both.  If you do wear a cummerbund, be sure that the pleats or folds are facing up.  There are a few theories on the practical origins of this – one is that it was designed to catch the crumbs from dinner, the other is that it created a handy place to hold opera tickets.

Wing Collar Shirts – be sure the wings are positioned behind the bow-tie (not on top or in front of), much like a more conventional laydown collar you’d see on a dress shirt.

Shoes – Black shiny patent leather shoes are traditionally paired with a black tuxedo.  If you’re wearing other colors, the rule of thumb is to match the color or go darker with the shoe color – never lighter.

Buttons – On single breasted coats, often times the coat is open to display the vest color (if you’re wearing one).  If you do button it, it should be buttoned when you’re standing and open when sitting. Be sure to leave the bottom button unbuttoned on any single breasted coat.  Double breasted coats are less commonly seen, but are always buttoned.  If you have a single button model, it should always be buttoned as well.

Suspenders – formal pants don’t come with belt loops, so if you need assistance keeping things at the proper height, suspenders are the way to go.  Be sure to put the suspenders on when doing your fitting.  Otherwise you may find the bottom of your pants are too short for comfort with the suspenders holding your pants up at the proper height.

Flowers – a boutonniere should be worn on the left lapel and tilted slightly outward.

White Dinner Jacket – a cool but still elegant look, generally reserved for spring and summer events between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  An exception to this is if you are going on a cruise in a tropical climate.

As always, if you have questions about tuxedos, formal wear or the etiquette surrounding them, stop by for a visit or drop us a note, we’d be delighted to chat with you about your event.

5 Myths About Formal Wear for Weddings

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Wedding

We meet with couples every week to discuss their big day.  In the process of doing that, we’ve found that there are a lot of misconceptions about tuxedos and formal wear for weddings.  Here are a few thoughts to debunk some of the myths.

Myth 1: Tuxedos cost too much

Tuxedos can be a surprisingly affordable option for your wedding party.  When you think about it in comparison with the $250 – $300 an average bridesmaid spends on a dress, shoes and accessories she may not wear again, it’s actually a pretty good value.

Myth 2: We have out of town guests so we have to go to a national chain. 

While it’s true the national chains do have a lot of locations, it’s really about working with a store that makes you feel comfortable and valued as a customer.  Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo has a nationwide fitting network so no matter where your guests are coming from, they can get measured close to home.

Myth 3: We got our bridesmaid dresses at a national chain — their corporate partner is the only one that can match their colors, right?

We have swatch books from David’s Bridal and Alfred Angelo right in our store and we regularly find accessory colors that match or coordinate with dresses from all designers and national chains. Stop by and we can take a look together.

Myth 4: We’re going with suits, so we shouldn’t go to a tux shop.

At Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo, we have wedding suits for rent and purchase. Let us show you how to have a nicely coordinated look for your wedding party with the less formal look of wedding suits.

Myth 5: We have to wait to set up our tuxes or wedding suits.

Some couples think they have to wait to set up their tuxes until a month or two before the wedding.  The truth is, as soon as you have the date and venues finalized, you can start setting up your tuxes.  You can reserve first and make your selections later.  This allows your groomsmen to get a start with the fitting process in plenty of time.  That means less stress and worry for you the week before your big day.

About the Author: Matthew McDermott is the President of Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo in Rochester, New York.