Choosing what to wear to a funeral can be difficult. Emotions are running high and, if you’ve never attended a funeral before, you may be a little puzzled about what constitutes good funeral clothing. While, unfortunately, we cannot help you with the emotional side of things, we can provide much-needed advice on what you should wear to a funeral. In fact, more specifically, what you should avoid wearing to a funeral. 

Follow our advice, and you can be sure that you will be showing the greatest amount of respect and support.

Why Funeral Dress Codes Matter

In all cultures, funerals are important events. They exist to allow you to say goodbye to somebody close to you in a deeply meaningful way. They are serious events, and dressing correctly ensures that you show respect to the nature of the event, as well as the friends & family members of the deceased.

Funeral dress codes matter as you don’t want to draw attention to yourself. You don’t want to stand out. You want to ensure that the funeral remains firmly focused on the person you’re saying goodbye to.

Clothing You Should Never Wear to a Funeral

We use the word ‘never’ somewhat loosely here. What we really mean to say is that ‘generally’ you should never wear this clothing to a funeral. We know that there are some funerals that promote clothing that may be a bit abnormal in comparison to what you would normally spot at a funeral. We will discuss those options later on. 

But, for now, if you have absolutely no information about funeral attire on the ‘invite’, then you’ll want to stick to these rules.

Bright or Flashy Colours

Anything bright or flashy will be a massive ‘no’. Darker colours are always much more preferred if you’re attending a funeral. This means no bright pinks, reds, greens, etc. Stick to more neutral, darker colours.

If you wear anything too bright or flashy, then you’ll be standing out. You’ll be distracting from something that should be quite a sombre affair and it will demonstrate a complete lack of respect for somebody.

Casual Clothing

Jeans, t-shirts, graphic tees, etc. are out for a funeral. Casual clothing is just disrespectful, and it looks like you have rolled in off of the street with absolutely no preparation for the funeral. It is better to dress too formal than it is to dress too casual.

Revealing or Overly Tight Clothing

This isn’t a party. A funeral is a very solemn affair. So, no overly-short skirts. In fact, no clothing that is too revealing or figure-hugging.

Your clothing options should be very modest. As we said before, the whole idea is that you do not want to draw too much attention to yourself when you’re at a funeral or at a wake.

Loud Patterns, Logos, & Inappropriate Slogans

This ties in with the overly colourful clothing. Anything that is too ‘loud’ pattern wise should be ditched. You’re not trying to stand out. You will also want to ditch the idea of wearing any clothing with large logos on them. This is something that will likely lean heavily into the casual clothing area anyway.

No slogans should be on your shirts. You’ll be surprised at how many people turn up to funerals wearing political slogans on their shirts. This is not the time or place to do that. It doesn’t matter who you support, nor who the deceased supported.

Footwear to Avoid at a Funeral

Trainers, sandals, and extremely high-heels are out of the question here. Wear quality dress shoes. How formal they need to be will be dependent on the nature of the event. We suggest that you wear newish shoes to the funeral. You don’t want them to look too worn out. 

Remember, if you’re attending a burial rather than a cremation, you’ll want to wear something that is suitable for use on uneven ground. So, we would suggest you do not wear any high-heels for that sort of thing.

Accessories and Grooming Mistakes

There are a couple of things that you’ll need to bear in mind here:

• Do not wear too many accessories. If you look too flashy, you’ll get too much attention. For men, a watch may be sufficient. For women, perhaps a necklace, and a bracelet at the most. Although, some women may opt for just their standard rings.

• Do not use the funeral as an opportunity to go too crazy with your hairstyle. Something modest is perfect.

• No heavy makeup.

• Go light on the fragrance. In fact, for funerals, some people ignore fragrances all together.

When Funeral Dress Codes are Different

Sometimes, the family may request that people do not dress overly formal for the funeral. 

For example:

• Celebrations of Life: More relaxed clothing and lighter colours are fine, just make sure that you appear respectful.

• Themed or colour-requested funerals: many funerals suggest specific colours, often the favourites of the departed. Stick to the theme. Again, don’t go overboard. Unless specifically told, this isn’t a time to go too casual.

What to Wear to a Funeral

If you wear simple, dark, and understated clothing you can’t go wrong. A funeral isn’t a time to ‘dress to impress’. Make sure that your outfit doesn’t stand out too much. Opt for darker, neutral tones. Choose clean lines. You’ll be fine. Men should be fine with a black suit, and women with a black dress, or shirt and dress trousers.

If you are in doubt of what to wear, always dress more formal than casual.

What Not To Wear To A Funeral

We hope we’ve given you a good idea about what not to wear for funerals. As we said, if you opt for formal clothing over casual clothing (unless otherwise requested) then you can’t go far wrong.

Don’t over groom yourself, don’t wear too much in the way of jewellery, and don’t do anything that will catch people’s attention. You’ll be much more respectful to all attendees that way.

Explore our collection of suits to hire for a funeral.