It's the main color worn at Hindu funerals, as a show of respect and purity. Similarly, white is a customary funeral color in some Asian cultures, particularly in China and Korea.
White is the color of mourning in Ethiopia. It is also the mourning color in Buddhism as practiced in India, Cambodia, and areas of Japan. However, white has different meanings as a mourning color in China and India. Both countries and their cultures use white for a color of mourning.
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. Shoes should be dark, clean and polished.
The family of someone who dies wears white mourning, in the hope that their loved ones are reborn again. The idea of white mourning, otherwise known as deuil blanc in French, was formed during the 16th century when white was worn by bereaved children and unmarried women.
A white dress shirt with dark trousers and a dark covering on your torso, such as a sweater, cardigan, or formal, plain jacket or topcoat. What colors can be worn at funerals? In most Western traditions, dark colors are best suited to the somber tone of funerary events.
As a neutral color, white should not be considered inappropriate at most North American funerals. Though you should ask the family hosting the service when in doubt, plain, neutral colors are generally acceptable for memorials. Wearing white in conjunction with other dark tones is absolutely appropriate.
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.
Resist wearing bright colors or wild prints. 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.
Traditionally, the color white symbolizes new beginnings, purity, and innocence. This is often the case in western cultures such as the United States and Western Europe. However, in some cultures, white is the color of mourning.
Avoid wearing bright colors, bold patterns, or flashy accessories as they may be considered disrespectful in a funeral setting. It's also advisable to avoid wearing all white as it may be associated with celebrations rather than mourning in the Catholic faith.
Don't assume that the family expects every single person to wear head-to-toe black unless they've told you this directly. Some white, as part of an otherwise simple, relatively dressed-up and conservative outfit, is usually fine.
Funeral attire is typically classic in style and dark in colour. A navy, grey or black business suit couple with a white collared shirt and a subtle tie is perfect for funeral wear. Try to limit your accessories and maintain an understated style when attending a funeral.
And to an outsider, is it any white garment or just white shoes? Certainly, in Australia we have no such rules about wearing white. And looking at the catwalk trends for Autumn/Winter designers don't shy away from white clothing in winter.
Stick to Neutral Colors
These flashy prints and colors are a distraction, taking attention away from the deceased. While you don't need to feel pressured to strictly wear black, especially with hot weather, it's best to be respectful. Wearing neutral colors like gray, navy, white, and beige is always a good idea.
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.
Chinese funerals are sombre and serious events. One is expected to pay respects to the deceased so wearing neutral and subdued colours are recommended during the mourning period. Shades of blue, black, white or any other dull colours are acceptable.
During this period, people may dress in subdued colours, including white, which is associated with death (a white banner may be hung above the door of the bereaved family's house). Red symbolises happiness and weddings, so would usually be regarded as inappropriate.
Most historians trace the tradition of wearing black at funerals to the time of the Roman Empire. Ancient Romans wore white togas under normal conditions. They would wear a dark toga, known as a toga pulla, to mourn the loss of a loved one.
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.
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.
Soft and subtle colours are widely accepted as part of the preferred dress code for a funeral. Unless you have been advised of a specific request for colour, it might be best to wear an outfit of black, grey, navy or taupe.
Best Types of Funeral Attire. Though today's etiquette no longer demands that funeral attendees wear all black, opting for dark muted colors is always a smart choice. Unless specifically asked for by the host, bright colors, flashy prints and trendy accessories won't be well received.
However, white is the color of mourning in China, and for Sikh, Hindu, and some Muslim services. For a non-traditional gathering like a celebration of life service, you may be asked to wear bright colors or even a costume.
While the dress code for funerals has become more relaxed over the years, it is still important to dress respectfully when attending a funeral. For women, this typically means wearing dark-colored clothing. Black is always a safe choice, but dark navy or green can also be appropriate.
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.