What to wear to a funeral – A complete guide

Attending a funeral is a sombre occasion that requires respectful and appropriate attire. While traditional funeral attire often involves dark colours, modern practices do, in fact, allow for more flexibility based on personal preferences, cultural traditions and seasonal considerations. In a similar way to flowers at a funeral, the outfit you choose can be a reflection of the way you choose to honour and grieve for the deceased. If you are unsure of what you can and cannot wear, below is a quick guide on the best practices. 

Traditional funeral attire for women

For traditional funerals, women typically wear a dark-coloured dress or suit, often in shades of black, navy or grey. Dresses or skirts should fall below the knee, and blouses or tops should have modest necklines. 

Accessories can include closed-toe shoes, a simple handbag, and minimal jewellery. The aim is to present a respectful and understated appearance, avoiding anything that could be perceived as overly flashy or attention-seeking. 

It’s important to keep in mind that a funeral is a solemn occasion, and the attire should reflect the mood while also demonstrating respect for the deceased and their family.

Traditional funeral attire for men

Men traditionally wear a dark suit, preferably black or navy, with a white dress shirt and a conservative tie. Dress shoes, such as oxfords or loafers, should also be worn, as well as a belt that matches the shoes and a simple accessory, like a pocket square or a watch. The suit should be well-fitted and properly tailored, maintaining a polished and respectful appearance. 

If you are attending a more traditional funeral, you should usually avoid any casual or overly casual elements, such as jeans, trainers, or untucked shirts, as these may be perceived as disrespectful. 

What to wear to a funeral in the summer

During the warmer months, it’s best to choose lightweight fabrics and breathable materials. For women, a sleeveless dress or a lightweight suit in a dark colour is recommended. To maintain a respectful appearance, it’s advisable to opt for a dress or skirt that falls below the knee and a blouse or top with a modest neckline. 

Men, on the other hand, can go for a lightweight suit or trousers with a short-sleeved shirt and a tie. Fabrics like linen, cotton, or lightweight wool can help keep you comfortable while still adhering to the more formal dress code of a traditional funeral. 

If you are attending a funeral during the summer, a general rule is to avoid overly casual or revealing summer attire, as this may be seen as inappropriate for a funeral setting.

What to wear to a funeral in the winter

In colder weather, it’s important to dress in layers as you may be standing outside for some of the day and may even be sitting in a very cold church. For women, this could mean wearing a dress or suit with a coat or wrap. It’s best to choose a warm, knee-length or longer coat or jacket to maintain a respectful appearance. 

Men can wear a suit with an overcoat or topcoat, preferably made of a heavier material like wool or a wool blend for warmth. It’s also important to consider appropriate outerwear, such as a warm coat or jacket. 

To combat the chill while still looking respectful and appropriate, accessories like gloves, scarves, and warm socks can also be added in muted colours. Or, if the family of the deceased allows, consider accessorising with a pop of colour. 

What to wear to a funeral that is not black

In some cultures or families, it is customary for attendees to wear colours other than black to commemorate the life of the deceased. Even when deciding what to wear to a colourful funeral, it is recommended to choose muted or subdued colours such as deep shades of blue, green or purple. Unless explicitly requested or asked to wear a certain colour to a funeral, it’s important to avoid wearing bright or overly vibrant outfits as they may still be seen as disrespectful. The key here is to strike a balance between honouring the family’s wishes and maintaining a respectful and appropriate appearance.

As well as choosing the right colours, it is recommended that you opt for conservative styles and cuts. This means avoiding bold or flashy clothing and keeping accessories minimal and understated. 

However, if you are in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and choose a more subdued colour palette to ensure that you are showing respect in your attire.

What to avoid wearing to a funeral

The general rule for clothing at funerals is to be respectful of the family’s wishes. If the family has requested bright colours or a particular theme, it is perfectly acceptable to adhere to those preferences. However, in most cases, it is best to avoid wearing items such as ripped jeans, flip-flops, or trainers, football shirts or sportswear, caps, t-shirts, and clothing with inappropriate slogans. These types of attire may be considered too casual or disrespectful for the occasion of a funeral. The focus should be on presenting a respectful and understated appearance that does not draw unnecessary attention.

Regardless of the dress code, it’s important to prioritise modesty, simplicity, and reverence for the occasion. And by following these guidelines, you can show respect for the deceased and their loved ones while maintaining a respectful and appropriate appearance. However, if you are still in doubt, it’s always best to double-check with the family first. If you’d like to find out more about how to ensure a fitting funeral for your loved one, explore our memorial range to see what may suit your needs.