What Should I Wear to a Funeral?
Were you invited to a memorial service or planning a funeral service for a loved one? Pondering what to wear to a funeral is not easy, primarily if you deal with mixed emotions and manage your grieving process. However, choosing the correct dress code is very significant and should not be placed on the last of your list of priorities. Basic funeral etiquette is to dress appropriately and choose the proper graveside service attire.
It respects your departed loved one and the grieving family members. Being the immediate family member, you may also give a dress code to those who will show respect to the departed in the funeral or memorial service and advise the funeral director about it. In that way, they can also guide you to the proper funeral services. To lessen your stress, below are tips on how to dress up for a funeral.
What to wear to a funeral?
When you dress appropriately in funeral services, it shows respect to the deceased, the immediate family, and other people who will attend the funeral.
A generally acceptable funeral outfit is more on the conservative side. It is like a business attire that you can wear during a job interview. There is a lot of traditional clothing you can wear in exceptional circumstances like this. Here are two things you should consider before thinking about outfit ideas:
1. Check the kind of burial service before thinking of funeral attire.
There are two kinds of funeral services: Non-traditional funerals and traditional funerals. Non-traditional funerals may only require casual clothing, but still, it should look neat and modest. T-shirts are generally acceptable if they do not have bright colors or large designs.
In non-traditional services, we follow the deceased person’s last wish on what to wear at their funeral. You may seek advice from their family member regarding the required dress codes. However, the general rule in a non-traditional or traditional funeral is to wear dark-colored attire when attending a funeral.
On the other hand, a traditional funeral requires more formal attire, such as a dark-colored suit for men or a black dress for women as a funeral outfit. Upper-class families will expect traditional clothing for the memorial services.
2. Ask about the service location of the memorial service, if it is indoor or outdoor.
It is best to check the location of the memorial services to know which outfit suits you best. If it is outdoor and the weather is a little hot, bring sunglasses and an umbrella. Put on more lightweight clothing with minimum layers. In addition, choose airy and light fabrics, like linens and pieces of cotton.
Avoid anything that will trap sweat and heat, such as Polyester, nylon, or other synthetic materials. Same dress codes apply in the winter season, but be sure to layer it more and bring a coat, gloves, hats, or scarves. If it is in a rainy season, put on good rain boots if it is an outdoor funeral.
Avoid open-toed shoes. Whatever the weather may be, avoid wearing flip flops or slippers. The dress shoes should also be perfectly acceptable together with the outfit. If they will hold the funeral services at the family’s home, be sure not to overdress and ask the immediate family member first about what to put on. You may also use head coverings based on the family tradition, but confirm it with them first before wearing this.
Here is a list of perfectly acceptable funeral attire that you may choose depending on the factors stated above about the funeral service:
- A black suit or Dark suit
- Black dress or in dark colors
- Dress Pants
- Collared Shirt
- Polo Shirt
- Wear Slacks
- Long Skirts
- Blazers
- Coat
- Pantsuits
- White shirts worn under dark jackets
How formal is funeral attire?
The generally acceptable attire for funeral services is straightforward: select an outfit that will respect the departed whose life is worth remembering. You should pick clothes that are conservative and neat. It should be a smart casual outfit to business attire. Suits, dresses, pants, jackets, and sweaters are perfect funeral attire.
Do not wear jeans. Putting on flashy and brightly colored clothes and slippers or flip-flops is inappropriate. You should also avoid athletic shoes. Dress up like you are going to a business meeting or a job interview.
What are the colors to wear to a funeral service?
At a traditional funeral, people wear black at a funeral. It is the safest color. You may also have non-black clothing if the dress code is required. Darker colors like these two: dark gray or dark blue, are also good options. You should avoid bright colors at all costs.
Some cultures prohibit wearing red, yellow, and orange in their memorial service because it signifies joy and is more appropriate for other occasions. Also, you should avoid wild prints such as leopard and tiger prints. The colors are vital in choosing what to wear to a funeral.
What should I not put on to funeral services?
Now that we know what to wear to a funeral let us discuss the attire we should not wear. Here’s the list of things you should avoid wearing at a funeral:
- Flip flops
- Athletic shoes
- Open-toed shoes
- Baseball caps
- Wild prints
- Jeans
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Tops that reveal too much skin
- Spaghetti straps
- Miniskirts
- Open collar shirts
- Tight clothing
- Tank Tops
- Shorts
What to wear to a funeral for women?
To give you more specific funeral attire ideas for women, here is a list of what to wear to a funeral from Amazon.
Best Seller on Amazon:
BELONGSCI Women’s Dress with V-Neck Bell Sleeve
Price: $31.97
This long sleeves black outfit ranked no. 1 in Amazon’s Women’s Casual Dresses. It is a perfect example of what to wear to a funeral because it has the traditional color of Black and looks like a business casual dress. Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, and Double Extra Large are the sizes available for this funeral attire. They made it from high-quality materials such as Polyester, Spandex, and high-quality Chiffon with breathability and non-elasticity. It has the most ratings of 37,971 in the Women’s Casual Dresses on Amazon today.
KFox Review *5 Stars*
“Love this dress! I’m 5’4 and 197lbs. The fit on the chest is perfect and not too low. I am a 38D, The length is mid-thigh, and it is loose in the belly and thighs. It is a flattering outfit for someone with a bigger middle section. Plus, it is super comfortable! I will repurchase it in more colors! The fabric is very soft and elegant looking, and it also has a satin-like slip to prevent see-through!”
EXLURA Women’s Square Neck Casual Short Mini Dress
Price: $35.99
One of Amazon’s best sellers in Women’s Casual Dresses is this funeral attire. The material used is a comfortable and soft fabric. If you are looking for an outfit that will perfectly fit your body, this is perfect for you because it is slightly stretchy and has a smocked back. There is an invisible zipper at the back to ensure the perfect fit. It is very flattering on your legs because it is above mini knee length. It’s effortless and elegant and an ideal match with your simple heels. The sizes range from Extra Small to Triple Extra Large.
Lindsey Review *5 Stars*
“I put this on and immediately fell in love. As soon as I took it from the bag, I was impressed with the quality. With Amazon, you never know what you’re going to get, but I was happy with the quality. The attire is double lined, so there are no issues with it being see-through. It has a zip-up smocked back, which allows for stretch. I’m 5’4 and around 160lbs – the medium fit great and was a good length. Recommend this dress!”
Best Prices on Amazon
Laughido Women’s Short Sleeve Ruched Sundress
Price: $16.99
They made this bodycon dress out of Cotton and Polyester. This funeral attire hugs your curves perfectly. It hides your mall midsection bulge, and you can use this even if you are pregnant. This dress is available in 5 sizes, from Small to Extra Large. It is a must-have outfit that you can wear at most funerals.
AONOUR Women’s Vintage Floral Lace Dress
Price: $16.99
The fabric used for this attire is floral lace which is very soft, stretchy, and skin-friendly. It has long sleeves with upper closure. There are five sizes available: Small, Medium, Extra Large, Double Extra Large, and Triple Extra Large. This funeral dress can fit you well as long as you accurately choose your size.
Best Reviews on Amazon
MEROKEETY Women’s Sleeveless Lace
Price: $39.99
4.5 Stars Review
This sleeveless lace floral bodycon dress is fully lined and knee-length. It is made of soft and high-quality fabric with a zipper at the back end. It comes in four sizes: Small, Medium, Largs, and Extra Large. The Merokeety is a classic piece that should belong to every women’s closet. It is a must-have, especially for those trying out clothing choices for a funeral.
Sharla Melton *5 Stars Review*
“Perfect dress that fits a mom bod. I am highly skeptical of form-fitting dresses. All the people who leave reviews seem to be skinny minis. This attire is great! It fits better than I expected and is beautiful. I am not toned or even skinny fat. I am a mom of three that has a mom’s belly. The one that makes you constantly look four months pregnant? Yeah, that one. This outfit fits me without being too tight.”
YATHON Women’s Vintage Flared A-Line Dress
Price: $21.95
4.4 Stars Review
Are you still contemplating what to wear to a funeral? This attire is the most comfortable funeral attire that you can choose. The creators of this outfit made it from skin-touch and lightweight material. This vintage-styled attire is very functional because it has nicely hidden pockets. The creases and keyhole cutout makes it stylish and elegant. It is the best outfit you can put on at most funerals. It is available in 4 sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. You can also choose between patterns such as dots, floral, or stripes that suit its blacktop.
Nancy Skjonhals Review *5 Stars*
“I LOVE this dress. I’m so impressed. I’m 5 feet 7 inches and weigh about 150 lbs, and the medium fits perfectly. It’s so stretchy and comfortable in the shoulder/chest area, which is a must for me (I HATE tightness around the shoulders.) The waistband sits just above my stomach, so the pudge is completely hidden. The waistband’s waist makes me look thin and even curvy, ha! The quality is great for the price. I bought another one in a different pattern because I always want two of them whenever I find something I love. This item is a 5-star dress.”
What should men wear to a funeral?
Do you think about the best men’s funeral attire? Below is a list of outfit ideas for men.
Best Sellers for Men
MAGE MALE Men’s 3 Pieces Suit Elegant Blazer Vest Pants Set
Price: $73.98
This formal suit can present your figure. It is exquisite and made out of high-quality fabrics. Moreover, it is in the top 1 Amazon bestseller in Men Tuxedos. The darker colors are perfect for funeral attire: blue-black, gray, and brown. It is also good to see, especially when you approach the vehicles carrying the people who will show respect to the departed loved one. There are seven sizes available: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, and XXX-Large. The jacket is a slim fit with a 3D cut. There is also a shoulder pad which makes your jacket more stylish and elegant.
Simplicity Unisex Classic Manhattan Fedora Hat
Price: $25.31
This hair accessory is the no. 1 best seller in men’s costume headwear and a perfect combination for your black tuxedo if the funeral service is outdoors. They made it out of fine materials of Polyester and cotton.
Best Prices on Amazon
WULFUL Men’s Slim-Fit 3-Piece Blazer Suit
Price: $79.99
4.2 Stars Review
The materials used for this suit are Polyester and Cotton. It has a complete shoulder design and slim cut with 3d draping. When you wear this, you will look more confident and relaxed. It is available in 7 sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, and XXX-Large.
YFFUSHI Men’s Slim Fit 3 Piece Suit
Price: $68.89
4.1 Stars Review
They made this suit out of superior material, and the fabric absorbs sweat. This attire makes you slimmer and more modern. It does not cost a fortune and has a very affordable price, yet it is considered a high-quality suit that looks as good as the expensive ones. It is available in 7 sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, and XXX-Large.
What to wear to a funeral for children?
It is challenging to look for funeral attire for children, so we listed down some outfits that can perfectly fit your little ones.
Best Sellers on Amazon
Calvin Klein Boys’ 2-Piece Formal Suit Set
Price: $41.67
This attire is number 1 in Amazon’s Best Seller in Boys’ suit. They made it for boys, but girls can use it too. The all-in-one formal suit is perfect to put on for a funeral service. It is made of high-quality materials to ensure maximum comfort, lasting power, and longevity. There are a lot of sizes to choose from, sizes 8 to 20.
Kindle Customer Review *5 Stars*
“I ordered this suit for a funeral, and the fit was amazing!! My son is 11, tall at 5 feet, skinny, with hardly any meat on his bones, and it fits like a glove. When it came in, I noticed that it said slim fit, which I figured I was happy because my son is slim, but everyone is not as thin as him, so I didn’t notice that when I ordered, so watch out for that. But overall, I loved it!”
APRIL GIRL Lace Dress
Price: $10.99
This elegant attire is one of Amazon’s best sellers in Girls’ Special Occasion Dresses. It has beautiful scalloped lace trim. They made this ¾ sleeved outfit from delicate, soft, and embroidered lace that overlays a cotton slip. There are a lot of colors to choose from if you prefer dark colors, earth tones, or you want to wear black. Sizes are available for newborns to 16-year-old girls.
Best Prices on Amazon
GORLYA Girl’s Short Sleeve Long Maxi with Pockets
Price: $25.99
This comfortable maxi attire ranked 3rd in Amazon’s bestseller in Girls’ Casual Dresses and could be worn in exceptional circumstances. It is made out of fine material and has short sleeves. 4T, six years, eight years, ten years, and twelve years are the six sizes available.
GORLYA Girl’s Stretch A-Line Dress with Pockets
Price: $16.99
This outfit is perfect to wear when attending a memorial service. The material is soft, stretchy, and easy to wear. It has flutter sleeves, side pockets, and a back zipper.
Six sizes are available: 4T, six years, eight years, ten years, and twelve years. There are a lot of dark colors and earth tones available with this style.
Best Reviews on Amazon
Niyage Toddler Girls Elegant Lace Dress
Price: $16.50
4.7 Stars Review
The materials used for this attire are cotton and lace. The fabric is very soft and comfortable. Also, it naturally fits a child’s body, and it is very skin-friendly. The pompom details on the bottom and sleeves add the perfect touch to complete the look of this funeral attire. In addition, it is ideal for 12 months old to 6 years old girls.
Related Articles
Epiphanie Review *5 Stars*
“So perfect! It was what I was looking for. They don’t make black clothes for babies, so my options were limited, and I was nervous to order because there weren’t that many reviews, but I took a chance, and I’m glad I did! I bought the 12 months for my almost 18-pound 6-month-old, and it was just right. I don’t think she’ll be able to wear it much longer. It’s a pretty good fit.”
EGELEXY Baby Tie Striped Vest Formal Wear Onesie
Price: $19.99
4.3 Stars Review
If you are looking for a black suit for your little one, this is perfect. It is made out of 100% cotton, making it very comfortable. Also, the sizes available are 70 for 3-6 months; 80 for 6-12 months; 90 for 12-18 months; 95 for 18-24 months.
Sarah Reviews *5 Stars*
“Super cute outfit. My baby now wears about a 3-6 month size, which fits nicely. He started wearing this at 1.5 months old, and it looks like he will be able to wear it for a little while. He is not likely to be six months, but he wears bigger sizes normally. So compared to other 3-6 month size baby clothes, the fit is about right. The white shirt portion is very soft and covers the arms and torso. The details are awesome and make my baby look so stylish. Lots of compliments at church. The only thing that’s not awesome is that it is hard to get on and off, but that’s expected with a long-sleeved jumper suit like this.”
Conclusion
Are you still unsure or undecided on what to wear to a funeral? Wearing black is the safest thing to choose. Remember that we dress up to respect the departed, so choose appropriate clothes. Stay conservative and straightforward as you convey your sympathies to the bereaved family of the deceased.
