Cummerbund Sets

The handmade bow ties included with the set come in various shapes to accommodate the seasoned bow tie wearer. Our bow tie styles range from the classic Philip and Henry styles to the more unique Diamond End bow ties like the Stanley and Louie. 

R. Hanauer cummerbund sets are made to order in our Fort Mill, South Carolina workshop. As a family owned and operated business, customer service is our top priority. If you are unsure about a color or design, just ask. We would be happy to send a free swatch. Do you see a bow tie fabric not pictured as a cummerbund set?  As long as we have the fabric, we are happy to create custom cummerbund sets. Orders placed before 1:00 PM EST Monday-Friday are made and shipped the same day. Plus, free shipping with orders of $150 or more!

Our Process

R. Hanauer cummerbund sets are all handmade in our family owned and operated Fort Mill, South Carolina workshop. Our cummerbunds are hand-cut, hand-sewn, hand-pleated and hand-pressed by our talented seamstresses and carefully packed and shipped out to our customers. The matching bow tie in the set is also handmade to order in our workshop with careful attention to detail. Like the single bow ties, all fabrics for our cummerbund sets have been hand-selected by father-and-son team Randy and Randall Hanauer. All of our fabrics are sourced from world-renowned textile mills.

Handmade Cummerbund Sets

Our talented group of artists and creators make each cummerbund set to order. Once a cummerbund set is ordered, the product begins on the cutting table where each piece of fabric for the bow ties and cummerbunds are cut by hand. Fabric for our bow ties are cut on a bias to produce the best-tying bow tie on the market which results in a classic knot and bow. A bias-cut lining is in each bow tie to preserve structure and shape over time.

The cummerbund's hand-cutting will be dictated by the pattern of the fabric. Unlike most cummerbunds, the R. Hanauer cummerbund set is 100% silk from the waist to the tails where the cummerbund is fastened. Next, the cummerbund is hand-sewn and hand-pleated to ensure the pattern matches on each pleat, from top to bottom. Finally, the cummerbund is hand-pressed to place the finishing touches on the accessory. The bow tie and cummerbund are placed together in our signature black box and shipped out with care.

Our Dedication to American Made Products

Although many of the men's accessories on the market are mass-manufactured overseas, we believe in the importance of American made products. Since they are becoming somewhat of a rarity in the high-end menswear market, we advise our customers to always check the tags on products. Even though overseas production can lower costs, we are dedicated to creating an American made bow tie and cummerbund and place more importance on quality than profit.

When Should You Wear a Cummerbund Set?

A cummerbund is always appropriate when dressing in black tie dress code. The alternative would be a waistcoat but we prefer both the look and benefits of a cummerbund set. One common misconception about cummerbunds is that they should be worn with the pleats facing downward. Cummerbunds are meant to be worn with the pleats facing upwards - a trait derived from the golden age when men would wear the accessory to theatre and opera and keep ticket stubs and receipts under the pleats.

What is the Purpose of a Cummerbund Set?

Around 1850, British military personnel stationed in India took note of the native's sashes worn around the waist. In India, they were called "kamarbands," "kamar" meaning "waist." The traditional formal dress for the British was a waistcoat but the Indian heat made this attire particularly uncomfortable. The British were more than eager to replace their heavy waistcoat with the more appropriate sash. As the tuxedo came into fashion, the cummerbund eventually became an alternative option to the waistcoat.