How to Sing A Cappella

Singing a cappella involves producing a song entirely using your voice as opposed to with instruments. While it requires ordinary singing skills, such as maintaining a pitch and harmonizing, it also takes a good ear to be able to separate the individual sounds in a song. To sing a cappella, you can start arranging your own songs, or you can join a group of others. Once you practice your arrangement and are stage-ready, you'll be able to wow any crowd with your a cappella skills.

EditSteps

EditLearning Necessary Skills

1. Practice basic singing techniques. Untrained singers often breathe from too high in their chest, compress their throat as they sing, and adopt poor posture that affects their voice. Whenever you sing, stand up straight, place your feet shoulder-width apart, and roll back your shoulders. Breathe deeply from your diaphragm, low in your chest.^[1]
   
2. Work on staying in pitch throughout a song. It's important that you're able to hold the same pitch while you're singing, as well as be able to match your pitch to different notes. To practice this, play different notes on a piano and match your voice to the note. Singing major scales also helps you with your pitch.^[2]
   
   • To see if you're staying in pitch, record yourself singing a song without the music. Play it back with the instruments and see if your pitch was correct throughout the song.
   • You can also use a pitch pipe to get you started on the first note.
3. Sharpen your harmonizing skills. You'll likely need to harmonize with others while singing a cappella, and it's also a useful skill to know even if you're singing on your own. Practice harmonizing by singing with others, such as in an a capella group or choir.^[3]
   
   • Record yourself while you practice harmonizing so that you can play your voice back to see if it goes well with the original sound.
   • Try humming the harmony section of a song while someone else sings the melody.
4. Extend your vocal range. Many a cappella arrangements require certain singers to sing with extended ranges, especially tenors, sopranos, and altos. As you sing through the vocal range you're comfortable with, practice more difficult notes little by little, such as notes that are just above or below your normal range. Singing scales will help you achieve a fuller vocal range.^[4]
   
   • To determine your vocal range, such as soprano, alto, tenor, or bass, sing each note from low to high and write down the highest note you can comfortably sing as well as the lowest. This is your vocal range. If you need help, download an app like SingSharp to help you find your range.
   • Even if you are able to sing all the notes in a song's range, you may need additional practice to keep the sound fluid and soft.
   • You can find videos that will walk you through the process of figuring out your vocal range, such as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IejHKpfHso.
5. Learn how to emulate different instruments. Since a cappella music is entirely made up of voices and no instruments, you'll need to mimic the sound of the instruments with your voice. Each instrument sound requires a different method from your voice, but they can all be done with a bit of practice and research.^[5]
   
   • Practice producing the sound that a guitar, bass, keyboard, or even a maraca would make by watching videos online of people mimicking these instruments.
   • For example, to make your voice sound like a kazoo, practice making the 'nnn' sound with your tongue against your teeth, and then pull your tongue back to produce the kazoo sound.
6. Take classes from a voice teacher to enhance your voice. Nearly all trained singers can immediately tell when someone has been trained, simply from the pitch, phonation, and projection of the singer. Professional voice training will help you improve all of the skills needed to sing a cappella, and you'll receive valuable 1-on-1 attention.^[6]
   
   • Go online to find voice teachers near you and look up reviews to see which ones are the best. Meet with at least 3 teachers to determine who you connect with the most and who is trained in the genre in which you want to perform.^[7]
   • Check with your local college campus, as they sometimes have singing students who would be willing to teach you for little to no cost.

EditCrafting Your Own Arrangement

1. Listen to the original song carefully beforehand. When you choose a song that you'd like to sing a cappella, you'll need to listen to it thoroughly to truly understand everything that's happening in it. Listen to it multiple times, getting a feel for the lyrics, rhythm, and different instruments that all make up the song.^[8]
   
   • Starting with a simple song you know by heart will make it easier to arrange.
   • Look online for the song without instruments by searching for the name of the song plus "vocals only."
2. Condense the song to fit in a cappella format. Most songs have long instrumental solos or parts that just don't work when you're singing it a cappella. Decide which parts of the song you're going to cut and which you're going to keep, making sure you string the sections together so that they flow smoothly.^[9]
   
   • If you need help doing this, look up videos of other people's a cappella arrangements to see how they condensed the original song.
   • It's helpful if you cut up the actual song using a computer system so that you're able to play it over and over again once it's condensed.
3. Write out the lyrics and musical factors that make up the arrangement. This includes the solo and all the verses you'll be including in the song. If you're able to read and write music well, write out the notes for the bass as well as any other instruments you're hoping to include in the arrangement.^[10]
   
   • You may need to experiment with several different versions of your arrangement until you discover one you like.
   • If you can't write sheet music, use a computer system to split up the different levels of the song so you can arrange it that way.
   • If you aren't experienced with arranging music, look online for an a cappella arrangement for the song you want to sing.
4. Hone your performance. Your sound is your main priority, but spend effort on other visual aspects such as facial expressions and choreography. Once you're satisfied with your singing, work on the movements you'll be doing onstage (if any) and on expressing the song through your facial expressions as well.^[11]
   
   • All dancing should be well-practiced and fit the song's theme — a quiet heartbreak song might do well with you standing still, while an upbeat song can have dance moves incorporated.
   • Use your face to express the emotion in the song. If you have lots of energy and grin during a happy, upbeat song and look serious and sorrowful during a sad song, the crowd will take you much more seriously.

EditFinding Singing Opportunities

1. Audition to be in an a cappella group. Look to see if your school or local community center has an a cappella group that you could try to join. You can also go online to find a cappella groups near you. Practice your song a lot beforehand so that you feel well-prepared when you go to audition, and show that you're confident and unique when performing.^[12]
   
   • If you find an opportunity to audition, ask the a cappella group if there's anything specific you need to bring or sing for them.
   • Smile, stand up straight, look the group members in the eye, and tell them clearly your name, what you'll sing, and who the song is by.
2. Organize your own a cappella group if one doesn't already exist. If you can't find an a cappella group near you that you'd like to join, start your own! Advertise your new group around town and hold auditions to find your new members. Make sure you look for a diverse group of voices so that you'll be able to create unique, complete arrangements.^[13]
   
   • Post flyers at libraries, schools, grocery stores, or other local places around town (after getting permission first, if necessary) with all the information about your a cappella auditions, such as where and when they'll take place and who to contact for more information.
   • Reach out to friends in person or on social media to see if they're interested in joining.
   • When someone expresses interest in auditioning, ask the singer to prepare a short snippet of a song for auditions, and make sure you keep a list of the potential singers so you can make notes.
   • Choose someone with strong leadership skills and who has experience arranging and conducting music to be the director of the group.
3. Join a local choir to gain group singing experience. Joining a good choir will rapidly improve your voice, pitching, ear, and sight-singing. In addition, it builds the maturity and professionalism needed to sing as part of a group. Ask your local community center or go online to find choir opportunities near you.^[14]
   
   • Joining your church or school choir is a great place to start.
   • When you're in an a cappella group, you need to know when to blend your voice to mesh well with the other singers, as well as when you can make your voice unique to stand out.
   • Pay attention to your volume when singing in a choir to make sure you're not singing too loudly or too softly.
4. Find gigs around town to get performance experience. Performing in public, no matter how big or small the crowd, will give you practice and confidence as you continue practicing a cappella. Look for opportunities to sing in churches, hospitals, nursing homes, or even at fundraisers.^[15]
   
   • You could also reach out to other performers to see if they'd let you sing their back-up vocals.
   • Get in touch with a representative of the church, business, or event (whether through email, phone, or in person) and ask if they're interested in having you perform.
   • Put together a sample of your a cappella singing so that the potential gig provider can listen to your music.
   • Make it clear ahead of time whether you're doing this for free or if you'd like to be compensated.
   • If you can't find gigs, try busking. You can perform anywhere with a pop-up a cappella street performance!

EditTips

• Don't be discouraged if you don't get chosen after an audition, and just put all of your effort into improving your arrangement for the next time.
• Understand the group dynamic of a cappella—you don't want to sing so loudly that the crowd can't hear anyone else.
• To sing an entire arrangement by yourself, practice recording yourself singing each part and then putting it all together.
• Play the video game Rock Band and choose vocals as your instrument. Pick a song you know well and mute the TV 15 seconds into your performance. You'll be able to sing a cappella while the game lets you know if you're on pitch!

EditSources and Citations

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How to Write a Rehearsal Dinner Speech

Writing a great rehearsal dinner speech can be a nerve-wracking experience. Luckily, with the right preparation, you'll be able to write a fantastic speech that you can be proud to share. Start by introducing yourself, thanking everyone for attending, and sharing an anecdote about the couple. Practice during the days leading up to the event, and then speak slowly, loudly, and clearly to give a great rehearsal dinner speech.

EditSteps

EditWriting the Introduction

1. Say hello and introduce yourself. While most people who are present at the dinner may know you, not everyone will. A simple greeting and your name will do.^[1]
   
   • An example of introducing yourself as a part of the speech is “Hi everyone, my name’s Morgan.”
2. Explain your relationship to the couple. This could be through being a parent, sibling, or a lifelong friend. Include that you appreciate being asked to speak.^[2]
   
   • An example of how to start is “I’ve been friends with Sam since preschool, and I am honored to be able to congratulate Sam and Corey tonight.”
   • If you have a funny story about your relationship with the couple, this is a perfect time to share it. For example, "With the amount of heated competition that goes on during our board game nights, I'm surprised that Sam and Corey are even still talking to me, let alone are letting me stand up here tonight!"
3. Thank and welcome everyone at the rehearsal dinner. Show your appreciation for all the people who have gathered to celebrate at the rehearsal dinner. Say something along the lines of “Thank you, everyone, for being here to share and celebrate this wonderful occasion.”^[3]
   
   • Now is also a good time to acknowledge any special people in the audience or who couldn't make the event. For example, some family members may have travelled a long way to be at the rehearsal dinner. Saying "We are so happy that John and Anne have travelled all the way from Canada to be with us on this special occasion," works well. Similarly, if there are any special people that couldn't be at the wedding, as they may be unwell or have recently passed away, acknowledge them at this time too.

EditForming the Main Body

1. Tell a funny short story about the couple. If the couple met in a funny or unusual way, then feel free to use this as your story, provided that it’s appropriate for the occasion. You could also share the story of how you met the couple or your first impression of the partner.^[4]
   
   • An example of a funny story to share is “I first met Corey when she was eight, dressed up as a snowman to go trick-or-treating down our block. I was so surprised when Sam introduced her to us. I didn’t recognise her without that snowman costume!”
2. Share a sentimental anecdote if you don’t have a funny story to share. This can be about the childhood of either person or a sweet story about them as a couple. Don’t worry about not sharing a funny story, as sentimental ones are just as well received.^[5]
   
   • An example of a sentimental, childhood tale is “Sam would have make-believe weddings as a kid, marrying a new teddy bear every day. He has always been a romantic at heart, and he has so much love to give. Hopefully the teddy bears don’t find out about what’s happening tomorrow!”
3. Talk about the meaning of marriage. Think about what marriage means in your own life, or perhaps what the marriage between the couple will mean. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point.^[6]
   
   • You can talk about what marriage means using a few steps if you like. You could try “Over the past 20 years, marriage has taught me a few things. Number 1: Keep dating each other. Treat each other, keep being romantic, and have fun together. Number 2: Never go to bed angry. Sort out your problems as soon as they arise, be kind, and remember that you are both only human. Number 3: Treasure every moment you have. Your relationship is beautiful, so hold it close and keep it growing.”^[7]
4. Use a quote to add depth to your speech. If you are struggling for ideas about the meaning of marriage, then there are plenty of quotes that work well in this part of the speech. Avoid quotes that paint marriage in a bad light, unless you are sure that they will be well received.^[8]
   
   • There are plenty of quotes that work well in rehearsal dinner speeches. Try “We never live so intensely as when we love strongly. We never realize ourselves so vividly as when we are in the full glow of love for others.”(Walter Rauschenbusch).^[9]
   • Another option for a quote is “There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.” (George Sand).
   • If the couple has a favorite book or movie that includes a love theme, then find a suitable quote from it to make it extra special.
5. Close the speech with your congratulations and a toast. This part of your speech will nicely round off all that you have said and will make a good segway to the rest of the evening. Ending with “Congratulations to the beautiful, soon-to-be-married couple! Let’s all raise our glasses to Corey and Sam!” is a simple but effective close to your speech.^[10]
   
   • Although most rehearsal dinner speeches end with a toast, this isn’t necessary if there is a different plan in place for when the toasts will happen.
6. Establish the right tone for your speech. If you are writing a funny speech, keep it lighthearted and avoid overly serious statements. For a more sentimental or serious speech, limit the jokes and use sincerity.^[11]
   
   • If you are having trouble deciding what tone to go for, consider who the guests are and what the couple is likely to appreciate more. If most guests are older relatives and the couple tends to be more serious, stick to a sentimental speech. However if the guests are mostly friends of the couple, and the couple is the more outgoing, fun-loving type, stick to a funny tone.

EditPresenting the Speech

1. Practice your speech in the days leading up to the rehearsal dinner. Practice your speech in front of the mirror, or in front of a friend or family member to get some constructive feedback. ^[12]
   
   • The more practice you get, the more confident and comfortable you will feel delivering it on the night.
   • While you are practicing your speech, make sure that you speak exactly as you plan to on the night. Practice your tone, body language, and volume just as much as your speech content.
   • If you don’t want to say your speech in front of anyone just yet, record yourself and play it back so that you can hear it from a different perspective.
   • Try and practice the speech until you know it fairly well, and only need to read your notes occasionally.
2. Bring a written copy of your speech to the rehearsal dinner. Write out your speech on index cards or on a piece of paper. It’s completely appropriate to have a written copy with you, so don’t be afraid to bring it on the night.^[13]
   
   • Having a written copy with you will help to ease your nerves about forgetting what to say. You might not even need to look at it, but knowing that you can if you need to will be reassuring and will help to reduce your stress.
   • Notecards are easier to hold while presenting a speech.
3. Stay sober until after you have delivered your speech. Although it might seem tempting to drink alcohol to take the edge off your nerves, leave this until the toast at the end of your speech and afterward. Drink some water or a non-alcoholic beverage beforehand to feel refreshed.^[14]
   
   • Avoiding alcohol until you have said your speech means that you won’t say something you might regret and that you will speak to the best of your ability.
4. Speak slowly, clearly, and loudly. The success of your speech is just as dependent on your delivery as it is the content. Even if it feels unnatural, speak slower than normal, and don’t be afraid to pause. Make sure to project your voice to the room, especially if you aren’t using a microphone.^[15]
   
   • Asking the guests if they can hear you properly before you begin your speech isn’t a bad idea. This means that you can share your speech without worrying about your volume.
5. Use hand gestures to emphasize certain points. Make descriptive hand movements, such as pinching your fingers together to describe something small, or holding your palms far apart to show that something is big or significant. Using gestures with open palms also helps to build the audience's trust.^[16]
   
   • This will help to keep your audience engaged with what you are saying.
6. Move around slightly if you don't need to stand behind a microphone. Pick a few destinations in the room that you can comfortably move to during your speech. If you are addressing particular people in the room, feel free to move over to them to draw the attention of the audience.^[17]
   
   • Find a balance between moving around confidently to keep things interesting, yet not looking like you are pacing.
   • Try to remain in each new spot for at least 30 seconds to avoid looking like you can't keep still.^[18]
7. Smile often during your speech. Remember to offer the audience a smile regularly during your speech. You don't need to smile for the whole time, as this looks unnatural, but try to remember to do so after each main point or joke.^[19]
   
   • Stick with your genuine smile. Trying to force a smile can make you look tense and uncomfortable.
   • Smiling during the speech will not only portray warmth, but it will also communicate to the audience that you are happy to be there.
8. Read the atmosphere of the room as you present your speech. Adjust the way that you deliver your speech according to how the couple and guests look. If people at the back look distracted, increase your volume and project your voice more.^[20]
   
   • Avoid saying sorry during your speech. The audience will appreciate you being confident in your words.

EditTips

• A rehearsal dinner speech is best when it unites everyone in the room. Avoid using inside or personal jokes that only a few people in the room will understand, and stick to statements that everyone can be part of.^[21]

EditWarnings

• Be sensitive towards who the audience is, and what will be appropriate for the situation. When in doubt, ask the couple if something might need to be excluded.^[22]

EditRelated wikiHows

• Choose a Quote to Use in a Wedding Toast
• Know Where to Sit at a Wedding
• Write a Best Man's Speech
• Make a Wedding Toast
• Personalize Your Wedding
• Save Money on Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception

EditSources and Citations

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How to See How Much Time You've Spent Watching YouTube Videos

YouTube's “Time watched” feature uses your watch history across platforms to calculate your daily average watch time and total watch time. This wikiHow will help you use the YouTube app to find out how much time you've spent watching YouTube videos.

EditSteps

1. Open the YouTube app on your Android or iOS device. The YouTube icon looks like a white Play button on a red rectangle. Log in to your YouTube account, if you haven't already done so.
   
   • Make sure that your YouTube app is up to date, because this feature isn't available on older versions of the app. If it's not, go to the Google Play Store or App Store and update your app.
2. Tap on your account icon, at the top-right corner of the app. The account menu will open up.
   
3. Tap on . It will be the second option. This will open the statistics tab.
   
4. Review your watched time statistics. You can see your daily average watch time and how long you’ve watched YouTube videos today, yesterday, and in the past week.
   
   • If you want to set a limit on YouTube after seeing how much time you’re spending in the app, read How to Use YouTube's Take a Break Feature.

EditTips

• You can also access the “Take a break reminder” feature, “Autoplay” settings and “Notifications” settings from the "Time watched" page.
• This feature is only available on the YouTube app, but it will count any videos you've watched through your YouTube account on other devices, too.

EditWarnings

• If you have paused or disabled the YouTube watch history, the time watched statistics will not be available.
• Videos you have deleted from your watch history or videos you’ve watched in Incognito mode will not be included in these statistics.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Use YouTube's Take a Break Feature
• Stop Being a YouTube Addict
• Turn Off Autoplay Feature on YouTube
• Enable Dark Mode on YouTube on Android

EditSources and Citations

• https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9052667
• https://youtube.googleblog.com/2018/08/tools-to-take-charge-of-your-digital.html

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How to Communicate During a Hurricane

When you’re in the midst of a hurricane, good communication can make a world of difference. By preparing yourself beforehand and following certain ground rules during the storm itself, you can stay connected with the people you love and ensure that everyone gets through the hurricane safely.

EditSteps

EditGetting Ready for the Hurricane

1. Download news and emergency apps. If you have a smart device, download specialty apps that can connect you with emergency service organizations or give you news updates related to the hurricane. Along with TV and radio broadcasts, these programs will help you stay informed during the storm. Some apps to check out include:^[1]
   
   • The Red Cross’ Hurricane App.
   • Weather Underground, a storm tracking app.
   • Waze, a traffic and road closure app.
   • The FEMA emergency preparedness app.
2. Buy a backup battery and car charger for your phone. During a major storm, you’ll want your phone to have power at all times. To make sure this happens, purchase a backup battery in case your phone runs out of juice and keep a car charger in your vehicle in case your house loses power.^[2]
   
3. Keep digital and written lists of important phone numbers. During a hurricane, you won’t have a lot of time to look up individual phone numbers. Therefore, put any numbers you know you’ll need into your phone beforehand. Keep a written list of important numbers as well in case your phone runs out of power or breaks during the storm.^[3]
   
   • To make communication as quick and easy as possible, adjust your phone’s speed dial settings so each number connects to an important contact.
   • If possible, laminate your written list so it doesn’t get destroyed by rain or floodwater.
4. Choose someone outside of the danger zone as a central contact. While in the midst of the storm, checking up on everybody yourself may not be possible. Instead, establish an emergency contact beforehand that lives outside of the affected area. This ensures that everyone has a secure person to report to and get updates from.^[4]
   
   • To make sure everyone has updated information, check in with your central contact regularly.
   • If you don’t know anybody outside the danger zone, set up a group chat via text message, instant messenger, or social media so you can contact lots of people at once.
5. Keep a cheap backup phone in your emergency kit. This will give you an extra lifeline in case your main phone breaks, gets lost, or becomes otherwise unusable. Store this burner phone in a secure, waterproof container, and make sure to include a charger, SIM card, and anything else the device requires to operate.^[5]
   
   • Look for inexpensive emergency phones at used electronics stores.
   • By law, all cell phones must be able to make 911 calls whether you pay for a wireless subscription or not.
   • Consider buying a prepaid or pay as you go SIM card so you can call family and friends during emergencies without paying a monthly service bill.

EditStaying Connected during the Storm

1. Use text messages instead of phone calls whenever possible. During major hurricanes and similar emergency situations, cell towers get bombarded with a ton of phone calls. This causes network congestion, meaning that your calls may not get through. However, text messages take up a lot less data and have a far better chance of sending properly.^[6]
   
2. Make phone calls in case of emergencies. Though texts are your best bet for staying in touch with people during the storm, they are not suitable for emergency situations. If you need immediate assistance from a hospital, fire department, police department, rescue team, or crisis relief organization, call 911 or a specialty hotline immediately.^[7]
   
   • Even if your area offers a text-based 911 service, do not rely on it during the storm.
3. Wait at least 10 seconds between calls if you can’t get through. Due to the intense amount of cellular congestion, your call may take a few tries to go through successfully. However, redialing immediately after a failed call will create a greater burden on the network, lowering your chances of getting through. To avoid this, wait at least 10 seconds between each call attempt.^[8]
   
4. Make calls while stationary to prevent dropped connections. During hurricanes and similar emergency situations, cell towers have a harder time keeping track of your phone. To minimize the chances of your connection dropping, avoid making calls while walking around or riding in a vehicle.^[9]
   
5. Communicate via the Internet if your calls and texts won’t go through. If you can’t get any cell service during the hurricane, or if the network is simply too congested to use, see if you can still access the Internet. If you are able to, try using social media apps like Facebook or dedicated messaging apps like Skype to stay in touch with people.^[10]
   
6. Stay with family and friends in case communication outages occur. During particularly bad hurricanes, power, cellular, and Internet outages may prevent any form of long-distance communication. In case something like this happens, try to stay with close friends or family members at all times, reducing the amount of people you need to get a hold of.
   

EditSources and Citations

EditQuick Summary

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How to Wear a Cummerbund

A cummerbunds is a traditional piece of men’s formal wear that is commonly worn with tuxedos and similar attire. Even though cummerbunds are simple accessories, there’s a right and wrong way to sport them. Always put on your cummerbund with the pleats facing out and up, making sure it’s sitting at your natural waist. Your cummerbund should complement the rest of your outfit, so choose a bow tie in the same fabric and basic style, if possible.

EditSteps

EditPutting on a Cummerbund

1. Place the cummerbund over your natural waistline. The upper half of the cummerbund should cover the bottom of your dress shirt, and the lower half should cover the top of your trousers. If it falls below the bottom button on your dinner jacket, it’s too low. If the fabric of your shirt is visible around your waistline, it’s too high.^[1]
   
   • Positioning your cummerbund correctly may require you to wear your trousers slightly higher than hip level, which is where they tend to sit on more modern styles.
   • Cummerbunds make for a neater profile, as they hide the billowing fabric where your dress shirt tucks into the waistband of your trousers.
2. Position the cummerbund with the pleats facing up and out. This is the “right” way to put on a cummerbund, for the sake of both fashion and function. While they’re not usually too conspicuous, downward-facing pleats can be send the message that you’re unfamiliar with the accessory.^[2]
   
   • The pleats in a cummerbund are not just there for aesthetic purposes—they can actually be used to hold loose cash, tuck away ticket stubs, or even catch wayward crumbs at a fancy dinner.^[3]
   • Not all cummerbunds have pleats. If yours doesn’t, look for a label or logo to help you get it oriented properly.
3. Fasten the cummerbund using the buckle at the back. Guide the long strap on the left side of the cummerbund up through the open end of the buckle, then down and out through the other end. Pulling the strap will tighten the accessory, while lifting up on the buckle will loosen it.^[4]
   
   • You may need to have someone assist you with securing the cummerbund, since it can be difficult to thread the buckle behind your back.^[5]
   • It’s important that your cummerbund fit properly before you head off to attend a high-profile formal event. You don’t want it to be so snug that you have trouble breathing, or risk slipping down while you’re engaged in conversation.
4. Hide excess strap material in the interior pocket. Nowadays, most cummerbunds feature a small pocket on the back inside face that makes it easy to hide the end of the buckle strap. Simply tuck the strap into the pocket after you adjust the cummerbund to the desired fit. This may be easier if you first remove the accessory and put it back on when you’re finished.^[6]
   
   • Make sure there are no wrinkle or folds in the strap. These could start to cause discomfort the longer you wear your cummerbund.

EditPairing Your Cummerbund with Other Accessories

1. Wear either a cummerbund or a vest, but not both. The time-honored tenets of men’s formal fashion dictate that you make a choice between one and the other for black tie events. Since both of these accessories essentially serve the same function, to conceal your waistline, the one you go with will largely be a matter of preference.^[7]
   
   • Cummerbunds are more comfortable for warm-weather events than full vests, as they cover less of your torso.
   • Wearing a cummerbund with a vest is considered a critical fashion error, as the two accessories end up competing for the same space and looking thrown together.
2. Complete your outfit with a bowtie. Cummerbunds are traditionally worn with bow ties. The reason for this is because longer neck ties often extend down to the beltline, causing them to overlap awkwardly. Ideally, the bow tie you wear should be the same material as your cummerbund.^[8]
   
   • Don’t worry if you’re not a bow tie person. They’re also typically worn with tuxedos and similar formal attire, which means they’ll look quite natural with a cummerbund.
   • Never wear a pre-tied bow tie with a cummerbund, or with any other formal attire, for that matter. Clip-ons are easy to spot, and the last thing you want at a black tie event is to look like you don’t know how to dress yourself.^[9]
3. Avoid color-coordinating your cummerbund to your bow tie. While an all-black cummerbund and bow tie combo is the traditional norm, it’s perfectly alright to pick out a cummerbund in a subtle shade if you want to add a splash of color to your ensemble. Just resist the urge to match your bow tie or any other accessories to a colorful cummerbund. Doing so can easily make a tasteful tux look tacky and immature.^[10]
   
   • Sophisticated colors like burgundy, hunter green, and midnight blue tend to work best for livening up a cummerbund.
   • If you’d prefer to play it safe, stick to a basic black bow tie and let the cummerbund itself do all the talking.
4. Choose a cummerbund in the same material as your jacket lapels. For dinner jackets with satin lapels, anything but a satin cummerbund (or a convincing faux-satin material) will look out of place. If your lapels are ribbed or grosgrain, you’ll want to shop for a cummerbund in a material with a similar texture.^[11]
   
   • Matching your cummerbund to your jacket lapels helps it blend into the rest of your outfit, making it appear more uniform.
5. Wear your cummerbund over suspenders. There’s no rule that says the two accessories can’t be worn together, as long as the cummerbund goes on last. The suspenders are there more for support than style, so only the cummerbund will be visible with your dinner jacket on.^[12]
   
   • Opt for either black or white suspenders to ensure that the color scheme of your outfit is consistent and keep from looking too busy.

EditTips

• When it comes to men’s fashion, cummerbunds are about as dressy as it gets. For this reason, they should be reserved for black tie events and special formal affairs only.
• Cummerbunds are also a common sight at proms, cotillions, and military ceremonies.
• Drape your cummerbunds over a hanger when you’re not wearing them to minimize wrinkles and keep them looking sharp.

EditSources and Citations

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from How to of the Day https://ift.tt/2y0oLmN