When it comes to tailoring, women’s fashion has long borrowed from the boys, making oversized blazers, ties and wide-leg trousers enduring sartorial favourites. Now, another traditionally masculine accoutrement has made its mark on the Spring/Summer 2027 runways and is finding its way into the wardrobes of fashion It-girls everywhere: the cummerbund.
A brief history
For those not yet acquainted, the cummerbund is a kind of wide fabric belt or sash designed to be worn on the waist, most commonly as part of men’s formal eveningwear. Its name derives from the kamarband – a portmanteau of the Persian words kamar meaning ‘waist’ and band meaning ‘to close’ or ‘fasten’ – a decorative sash made from cotton or linen with roots in India and Persia.
Historically worn by men across various social classes in South Asia, it was later adopted by British military officers stationed in colonial India after encountering similar sashes on Indian soldiers. From there, it made its way into Western dress where it was seen as a substitute for the waistcoat, eventually evolving into the familiar accompaniment to the dinner jacket and tuxedo that we recognise today.
Runway renaissance
While it may be a stretch to call it a comeback – given its longstanding presence in the wardrobes of Hollywood’s leading men come awards season – the cummerbund has undoubtedly entered a new era of popularity for Spring/Summer ’27, with designers reimagining the once-formal fixture for the contemporary woman.
The accessory appeared across a number of collections this season, including Kallmeyer, Talia Byre, Valentino, Polo Ralph Lauren and Connor Ives, the latter styling it on both male and female models in a deliberate blurring of traditional menswear codes.
In a nod to its formal heritage, several designers favoured classic silk fabrications, but that was about where the similarities ended. Reinterpreted through unexpected proportions, colourways and silhouettes, the cummerbund was liberated from its black-tie associations and given an altogether more versatile appeal. Worn over dresses, layered atop form-fitting bodices, paired with knitwear or tucked beneath vests, its runway iterations were anything but uniform. Of particular note was British designer Talia Byre’s collection, which featured the accessory in a striking turquoise-blue silk, alongside several leather iterations.
How to style the cummerbund
Offering both waist-cinching benefits and decorative appeal, the cummerbund is an easy way to introduce shape, texture and interest to an outfit. For those who favour a largely monochromatic wardrobe, opting for a contrasting colour or fabric is an effective way to break up an otherwise homogenous look.
While there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to styling the accessory, the runways and recent street style circuit suggest it works best when juxtaposed with more relaxed, everyday pieces. Much like other borrowed-from-the-boys staples, its appeal lies in the contrast between its traditionally formal associations and a more casual approach to dressing.
Worn with a crisp white shirt and jeans, it adds polish without feeling stuffy. Layered over a strapless dress à la Valentino, it offers an elegant, more feminine take on classic cummerbund styling. Even paired with a simple T-shirt and midi skirt, it brings an unexpected textural element to the look.
Ultimately, the appeal of the cummerbund lies in its versatility. Whether worn to define an oversized silhouette, introduce a contrasting texture or add a little visual interest to an otherwise pared-back outfit, it’s a relatively simple way to make an everyday look feel more considered.
Where to shop the trend
If you’re feeling inspired to try the cummerbund for yourself, there are plenty of iterations to choose from. From classic silk styles to beaded embellishments and printed variations, there’s an option to suit every aesthetic. Prefer to take the guesswork out of styling? Australian label St Agni has recently put its own spin on the trend with the Cummerbund Pant: a tailored trouser featuring a detachable waist belt. We’ll be adding it to cart.
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