For a funeral, keep your dress shirt simple. A clean, white dress shirt is the best choice. A subdued color like gray or black can also work. Again, avoid bright colors.
Colors. The typical western funeral dress code for men is a black suit with a plain white shirt. It is worth noting that this has relaxed a little in recent years, but it's essential to keep that same somber attire.
A dark suit is most appropriate for a funeral, worn with a tie. If you don't have a black tie, a plain or muted-patterned tie in a dark colour is acceptable these days. It's tradition to wear a white shirt at a funeral, but a plain, unpatterned buttoned shirt in a muted colour is okay.
Black is still the safest color for funeral attire, but you don't have to wear solid black. A black suit with a white shirt is acceptable or a dress that's mostly black but has a subtle color in the pattern is also fine to wear.
If you are attending a wake for a child, it is important to be respectful of the family's wishes. Some families may request that everyone dress in white, while others may prefer that everyone dress in black. It is best to ask the family beforehand what their preference is.
Catholic Funeral Mass Etiquette and Dress Code
Mourners are usually encouraged to wear dark, muted colors. Black is traditional but any dark color is usually considered appropriate.
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.
Dressing appropriately for funerals around the world
In the West, showing respect at a funeral typically requires conservative attire in black or dark colors. However, white is the color of mourning in China, and for Sikh, Hindu, and some Muslim services.
Your dress shirt should be solid white if possible. As fair as pants, a sport coat is not designed to be worn with matching trousers. However, we recommend sticking to the rules of funeral suits for your pants. Black, gray or navy should be your first choices.
Dark or muted dresses are traditional and don't take attention away from the service. Shoulders should be covered in most cases. Skirts and dresses should reach the knee. Suits are also considered respectful and appropriate.
A funeral is a time to show your respect as you honor the life of the deceased, and your clothing should reflect that. For men, dark suits or slacks and a dress shirt is preferred. For women, a dress, business suit, or dress pants and nice sweater. Stick to colors like black, navy, grey, or red-violet.
You Don't Have To Wear Black
However, colors like dark grey, dark blue, darker green, white, and beige can be appropriate. If you don't own any black clothing, you may always opt for a subtle hue that is appropriate for formal settings. In addition, stay away from anything with distracting patterns or prints.
Men should avoid wearing jeans, shorts, sneakers, baseball caps, non-collared or sleeveless shirts, and sandals or tennis shoes to a funeral or memorial service. Depending on the type of funeral you attend, a traditional dress code may not be required.
First and foremost, dress appropriately. This means no jeans, shorts, or tank tops. Instead, opt for dark, conservative clothing. Women should avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy, and men should make sure their clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.
Men Should Wear Dark-Colored, Formal Attire to a Funeral
Traditionally, men wear dark-colored suits, but if you don't have a suit, then formal attire such as dress pants (khakis or chinos are fine) with a collared shirt is the next best thing.
White is meant to signify purity and rebirth and is a popular colour of mourning for many East Asia countries. It also has strong connections to Europe as well. Starting in France in the 16th century, white was worn by bereaved children and unmarried women.
What is appropriate clothing for a funeral? Traditionally, funeral etiquette suggests men and women wear black clothing that's conservative and respectful. Black or dark colours are most common, but some cultures expect mourners to wear a less traditional funeral colour.
In general, it's not appropriate for guests to wear white to a wedding. "When you're a guest at a wedding, the most important thing to keep in mind is not to upstage or upset the bride," says wedding dress designer Madeline Gardner. "It's safe to stay away from any outfits that are predominantly white, cream or ivory."
Dark Colors Are Best
Much like women's funeral attire, you want to stick to dark or neutral colors. Your clothing should be dark blue, grey or black. You want to avoid bright and vibrant colors.
Grey, navy and brown are all formal, non-black colours. Muted floral patterns can also be a good choice for women, such as a floral dress or blouse.
Can you wear jeans to a funeral? The most common answer is that jeans aren't considered appropriate funeral etiquette unless requested by the family. However, dark, unembellished jeans paired with a shirt, tie, and blazer for men or a blouse and a blazer for women can be appropriate for a casual service.
Dress codes for funerals
In the United States most people dress in black or navy for a funeral, as is common in Christian traditions. Dark, somber colors are similarly worn at Jewish funerals.
Some religions and traditions have set attire for the family members, but if you are just a visitor to the funeral, colours like black, white, or muted shades are acceptable. As red is a colour of celebration in the Chinese culture, it is highly offensive to wear red at a Chinese funeral.
While you don't want to wear black to a celebration of life, there are a few other colors you should avoid as well. Colors like white, cream and beige can come across as too somber for a happy occasion. Instead, try to brighten up your outfit with some color. Red, orange, yellow, and green are all great colors to wear.