Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is best for a funeral. You can bring a wrap, jacket or blazer to wear during the service if you need an extra layer. It is usually best to dress in dark colours like black, grey, navy or taupe for a funeral.
Avoid dressing in casual clothing, such as athletic wear, tank tops, or shorts. Skip the flip-flops, tennis shoes, sneakers, or boat shoes. Remove the neon necktie, purse, or accessory. Shy away from wearing jeans, even black ones, because they are considered too casual for a funeral.
Funeral attire should be dark somber clothing. A shirt and tie for men and dress or slacks and a blouse for women. Black, navy, gray, neutral tones are all appropriate colors. Avoid bright or flamboyant clothing.
Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.
No Suit, No Problem
Etiquette says that men should wear a black or dark colored suit to a funeral. However, this isn't always possible and that's okay. Not owning traditional funeral attire is no reason to skip a funeral. In fact, we discourage it.
At the traditional funeral most Australians are familiar with, it is respectful to wear smart, well-pressed clothes in a dark colour. Black has long been typically worn by mourners at a traditional funeral, but dark shades such as navy or grey are also appropriate. A smart work suit or outfit is usually acceptable.
Much like funeral service itself has evolved over the years, so too has dressing for a funeral. If you find yourself debating what to wear to a funeral, the best answer is dress conservatively. Wearing a suit or nice dress and being considered overdressed is never a bad thing.
What to Wear to a Visitation. Visitations, or calling hours, are generally more casual than funeral services. They often occur after the regular work day, so it's completely appropriate to attend a visitation in your usual business or business casual clothes.
Most common funeral etiquette practices for women to wear include a dark or black skirt suit or pantsuit; a skirt of appropriate length or pants and a top with sleeves, a blouse, or a sweater; flats or pumps. In some cultures, and religions women wear hats to funerals.
At some point in history, a solid portion of the population believed: It was bad luck to wear anything new to the funeral, especially shoes. If rain falls during a funeral procession or if there is thunder during a burial, it's a sign the deceased is destined for heaven.
Funeral Attire Colors
Black is still a safe choice for funerals. However, you're not limited to black. Other dark and muted colors also work well. Gray and navy are two popular options that fit the occasion.
Black is the traditional color for funeral services. It's generally acceptable to wear non-black clothing, such as dark blue or gray. Stick with subdued colors and fabric textures so that you don't pull attention away from the person who is being honored. Avoid red, bright pink, orange, yellow, or other bright colors.
Bold patterns are not appropriate for funerals and should be avoided. Keep skirts and dresses to the knee or below and avoid bare legs in general to keep your look formal. Avoid anything sparkly, fringed or sequined – this isn't a party.
Bottom line: jeans are not appropriate for a funeral. Unless the family requests them, you should avoid wearing denim to a funeral. However, if it's a casual, outdoor service, you can consider a dark (almost black denim) paired with a button-down shirt and blazer.
Tight clothing makes quite the fashion statement, but it's not usually fit for a funeral or memorial. While you might be able to pair the tight clothing with something more professional, it isn't the best choice. What to wear instead: Wear a less revealing fabric that is more appropriate for a formal function.
The truth of whether wearing white to a funeral is likely to offend anyone has to do with the circumstances. It's more likely to be offensive if: You're very close family, such as a parent, child, grandchild, or spouse, of the person who has died. You're wearing white with lettering or prints on it.
Buttoned white or light-coloured shirt. Dark-coloured suit jackets. Dark dress trousers. Brown or black shoes, preferably leather dress shoes.
It's important to choose clothes that you will comfortable in as some funerals can last a few hours. In the summer, women may wish to wear a smart skirt or dress if it is a hot day. For men, a formal suit is still typically worn but you may be allowed to take your jacket off if you become uncomfortably hot.
Usually people say a short prayer by the casket and then proceed to share their condolences with the family. Attending a visitation can be the hardest part for people to attend, because it involves talking to the deceased's family.
When properly stored and cooled, a body can be kept for up to six weeks at the funeral home, so you'll have plenty of flexibility when planning your memorial service. Cremation has become an increasingly popular option for people around the country. In fact, more bodies are now cremated than buried.
Women should avoid wearing overly casual or festive clothing. Appropriate outfits for women to wear to a funeral include a skirt suit or pantsuit; a skirt of appropriate length (not a mini skirt) or pants (not jeans) and a top with sleeves, a blouse, or a sweater; flats or pumps (not sneakers).
However, there are some funerals where black is specifically prohibited – at the request of the deceased or their loved ones. Alternatively, you might not have black attire to hand in time to pay your respects and so you're in need of alternative ideas.
For women, adding color can be done through patterns and floral designs. Much like with men's funeral attire, color should be used to subtly accent your outfit. Try to make sure that your outfit does not have overly bright colors or wild patterns that draw attention.