What to wear at a funeral (guide for men)
Choosing what to wear to a funeral is an important decision. This guide for men should help you choose the best outfit for the occasion.
When a person dies, there are lots of things to think about. If you're a close relative, you'll need to arrange a funeral and deal with the estate. All this needs to be done at a time when emotions can run high.
For many people, this can make it hard to make decisions. Even basic questions can become difficult to answer. A prime example is the question of what to wear to a funeral.
In the UK, traditional funeral dress is formal and dark-coloured. Men wear dark suits to show respect for the person who died and their loved ones.
In recent decades, however, things have become more complicated. That's partly because the UK has become a far more multicultural society. Different religions and cultures have different traditions for funeral dress.
It's also because of a rise in non-traditional funeral services. Celebrations of life, for instance, focus on celebration rather than mourning. Themed funerals invite people to dress in a way that reflects the personality or interests of the person who died.
All this can make the question of what to wear complicated. Whatever the situation, however, there are a couple of guidelines to follow.
The first is that it's almost always best to err on the side of caution. If you don't know exactly what's expected, it's better to be safe than sorry.
The second is to check the funeral invitation for guidance. If it's unclear, get in touch with the organiser. It's better to do this before the funeral than to feel embarrassed or out of place on the day.
What to wear to a non-religious funeral
Unless otherwise specified, your best bet is to wear formal clothes in dark or muted colours. Traditionally, this would be a black or dark suit, a plain white or dark shirt, a dark tie and smart shoes.
Today, some men wear dark trousers or smart jeans with a long-sleeved shirt and a blazer or jacket. The main thing is to keep your outfit smart and muted.
What to wear to a Catholic funeral
At most Catholic funerals, men are expected to wear dark, formal clothes. This will often be a black or dark-coloured suit with a white or dark plain shirt and a dark tie.
If you decide not to wear a suit, you should still wear something smart and dark. A dark sports jacket, shirt, tie and pair of trousers should fit the bill.
Whatever your exact outfit, the key consideration is to dress modestly and respectfully. Unless otherwise specified, bright colours and patterns are inappropriate. The same goes for casual wear.
What to wear to a Muslim funeral
At Muslim funerals in the UK, men usually wear a plain, long-sleeved, button-down shirt. This is typically paired with dress trousers and smart shoes.
Flamboyant colours are a no-no unless the family or funeral director suggests otherwise.
Before entering the prayer hall, both men and women remove their shoes. For this reason, you should make sure you're wearing clean, presentable socks.
What to wear to a Jewish funeral
Men at Jewish funerals usually wear dark, formal clothing. Traditionally, this will be a suit, tie and shoes in muted colours (black, navy and dark grey are common).
Male Jewish attendees will wear a yarmulke or skullcap. This is a small piece of cloth worn on the head. The synagogue will usually provide a basket of yarmulkes. Non-Jewish men aren't obliged to wear a yarmulke but may consider doing so as a sign of respect.
What to wear to a Hindu funeral
In Hinduism, white is the colour of mourning. Both Hindus and non-Hindus should wear white or light colours to a Hindu funeral in the UK.
Men often wear a white shirt and trousers or a white kurta (a loose, collarless tunic) and pyjama bottoms. Both men and women should avoid black and flashy colours or patterns.
It's customary for attendees to remove their shoes before entering the funeral venue. For this reason, you may want to make sure you're wearing clean and presentable socks.
What to wear to a Buddhist funeral
At Buddhist funerals, men usually wear simple, dark-coloured and modest attire. This will often be a dark suit, but can also be dark trousers, dark dress shoes and a plain shirt.
You should avoid flashy or bright colours – especially red, which symbolises joy, happiness and celebration.
As with all funerals, your main consideration is to dress modestly and show respect to the person who has died and their loved ones.
What to wear to a celebration of life
In recent years, celebrations of life have become increasingly popular. This is an alternative type of funeral service that celebrates the achievements and personality of the person who died.
Because of their relative newness, there's no strict dress code for celebrations of life. Your best bet is to check the invitation for guidance.
You may be asked to wear vibrant colours, or you may be asked to wear whatever makes you comfortable. There may also be a themed dress code. When in doubt, double-check.
Frequently asked questions
What do men wear to a funeral?
Men usually wear dark, formal clothes to a funeral. The main exceptions are Hindu funerals, where men wear white, and celebrations of life, where men may be encouraged to wear more casual clothes.
What do women wear to a funeral?
We've covered this in our guide to women's funeral attire. Like men, women mostly wear dark, formal clothes as a sign of modesty and respect.
Should you wear accessories to a funeral?
In most cases, it's fine to wear accessories to a funeral. However, these accessories should match the tone and dress code of the funeral.
Akshardham Funeral Directors provides tailored, affordable funeral services in London. For more funeral advice and ideas, follow our blog.
