Not sure what to wear to a funeral? Here’s our guide to choosing funeral clothes.
Wearing smart, black clothing is still the most common choice for funerals in the UK. But there are many different types of funeral, each with their own dress code. We’ll take a look at different funeral dress codes in more detail below.
What to wear to a funeral – top tips
Whatever type of funeral you’re going to, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- If you’re going to a religious funeral and you’re not sure what to wear, it’s fine to ask the family or funeral director.
- The dress code for most funerals is conservative, so if in doubt, avoid wearing short-sleeved tops, shorts or skirts that are above the knee.
- Head coverings are common at many religious funerals. If you’re unsure, take a scarf or small hat with you, so you can put it on if needed.
- Most people won’t expect you to buy new clothes for a funeral – it’s fine to do the best with what you already own. Usually, wearing a navy or dark grey jacket is fine if you don’t own a black one.
- Try not to worry too much about what you wear – the most important thing is to be there to pay your respects.
In the words of Rabbi Ruth Adar:
“Remember: showing up is the main thing. If the only way you can get there is in your bunny slippers, show up in bunny slippers.”
What to wear to a non-religious funeral
Non-religious funerals can be anything from formal ceremonies to casual, colourful celebrations of life. So it’s a good idea to check the dress code with the person organising the funeral. But here are a few things to keep in mind:
- It’s common to wear black or dark colours to Humanist or secular funerals.
- Men usually wear a shirt, tie and jacket with matching trousers.
- Women usually wear a jacket over either trousers, a skirt or a dress.
- Smart shoes are usually preferred, but you probably won’t be expected to wear a hat or head covering.
- If the dress code is more relaxed, feel free to embrace it. For example, if everyone’s been asked to wear a specific colour or type of clothing, the family will appreciate you making the effort to join in.
What to wear to a Buddhist funeral
The dress code for Buddhist funerals is characterised by simplicity. Here are a few useful things to know:
- The family of the person who has died will usually wear white. Other people attending the funeral will wear dark colours.
- Keep your clothing simple and avoid flashy accessories or bright colours. It’s usual for Buddhists to avoid displays of wealth.
- You might be asked to remove your shoes, so it’s a good idea to wear ones that are easy to slip off and on.
What to wear to a Christian funeral
The dress code for most Christian funerals tends to be quite formal. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Black is the most popular colour to wear at a Christian funeral, although sometimes you might be asked to wear a colour that was important to the person who has died.
- Men usually wear a shirt, tie and jacket with matching trousers.
- Women usually wear a jacket with either trousers, a skirt or a dress.
- Generally, it’s best to wear formal shoes or boots that match the rest of your funeral outfit.
- Usually, you won’t be expected to wear a head covering or hat.
- If you’re wearing a sleeveless top, you’ll probably be asked to cover your shoulders before entering the church. So it’s a good idea to take a scarf, cardigan or jacket with you.
What to wear to a colourful funeral
Colourful funerals are becoming more popular in the UK. If you’re invited to one, you might be asked to wear a specific colour, or simply to avoid wearing black.
- Colourful funerals are often less formal than traditional funerals. While you’ll still want to dress smartly, you probably don’t need to wear a suit jacket or a tie.
- If you don’t have any bright clothes in the right colour, you could wear a brightly coloured scarf over darker clothing.
- Embrace the dress code. The family will appreciate you making the effort to join in and respect their request.
What to wear to a Jewish funeral
The dress code for Jewish funerals is usually conservative and smart, though the etiquette can be slightly different depending on the specific Jewish tradition followed by the person who has died.
- Wear smart, conservative clothing in black or dark colours.
- Men are expected to wear a head covering known as a kippah or yarmulke. If you don’t have one, you’ll usually be given one to wear at the funeral.
- Women will sometimes be asked to cover their hair with a scarf.
- For Orthodox funerals, women are often expected to wear a skirt or dress that reaches below the knee. For other Jewish funerals, it’s usually okay for women to wear trousers.
- Family members sometimes wear a black ribbon which they’ll continue to wear during the mourning period.
What to wear to a Hindu funeral
The dress code for Hindu funerals is more relaxed than for many other types of funeral. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- It’s usual to wear white or pale colours as a mark of respect.
- Avoid wearing black or dark colours.
- Keep shoulders, arms and legs covered.
- You might be asked to wear a head covering, so it’s a good idea to take a scarf with you.
- It’s perfectly fine to wear sandals or other open-toe shoes.
- It’s fine to wear jewellery. Though as with most funerals, it’s a good idea to avoid wearing anything too bold.
What to wear to a Muslim funeral
Covering up and dressing conservatively is an important part of the dress code for an Islamic funeral. Though clothing doesn’t usually need to be too formal.
- Wear long sleeves, a high-necked top, and full-length trousers or a skirt, even in hot weather.
- Men aren’t expected to wear a tie or jacket to the funeral, as long as you look smart.
- Try to avoid clothing that’s tightly fitted or transparent.
- You’ll probably be asked to take off your shoes, so it’s a good idea to wear ones that are easy to slip off and on, and to make sure your socks or tights are clean and smart.
- It’s usual to be expected to wear a head covering, even if you don’t follow the religion.
What to wear to a Sikh funeral
The dress code for Sikh funerals is simple and smart. Here are a few things to know:
- It’s traditional to wear smart clothes in white or light colours. Though in the UK, people will sometimes wear dark colours instead.
- It’s usual to be expected to wear a head covering, even if you don’t follow the religion. If you don’t have one, you may be given one to use at the gurdwara.
- You’ll be asked to take off your shoes before entering the gurdwara, so try to wear footwear that’s easy to remove.
What should a pallbearer wear to a funeral?
Usually you’ll wear a suit in a black or dark colour. However, less traditional funeral clothing is becoming more popular. So it’s best to ask the family or funeral director what the pallbearer dress code is.
You’ll also want to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes in case you’re walking across uneven ground.
Learn more about pallbearers.
What should children wear to a funeral?
- Teenagers. Follow the same funeral wear advice as for adults. If they don’t have a suit, then smart trousers or a skirt and a shirt or blouse is ideal. You may find that their school uniform works well.
- Younger children, toddlers and babies. It’s a good idea to dress them in smart clothes if possible, but you don’t usually need to worry about following the dress code too strictly. Comfort is the most important thing.
What not wear to a funeral
The etiquette varies for different types of ceremony, and also depends on the funeral dress code given by the family. But there are a few items it’s usually best to avoid when you choose your funeral clothes:
- Showy clothing that will make you stand out from the crowd of mourners
- Clothes that leave a lot of your body on show (for example, shorts or skirts above the knee)
- Very casual clothing such as jeans, trainers or logo t-shirts
- Casual hats such as baseball caps or beanies
It’s always best to try to follow the dress code of the funeral as much as you can. If you have any questions, always ask the person who’s organising the funeral if something is okay to wear.
Looking for more info? Learn more in the funeral planning advice hub. Or find a funeral director to help you plan the service you want.
Photo by The Good Funeral Guide on Unsplash.