Often, asking people what to dress for a Funeral Attire feels a little out of place. After all, this isn’t a fashion show. However, attendees need to show respect; wearing appropriate funeral attire is one way to achieve this.
Men’s funeral attire clothes may be considered sensitive but shouldn’t be. It’s natural to want to wear appropriate clothing for the situation, but it can be challenging to figure out precisely what that means. I’ve compiled the essential elements every man should consider to assist with this fashion dilemma. Continue reading for a helpful tip on what guys should dress for funeral attire.
KEY TAKEAWAY
You’re not the only one who has looked up “what men should wear to a funeral attire” on Google. This is a question I have asked myself numerous times in the past. Must you wear all black? Is a suit and tie required? In actuality, a lot of this relies on the preferences of the departed person’s relatives. However, there are several necessities that you can never go without. I’ll share these essential pieces with you in this guide, along with highlighting clothing items to steer clear of and other crucial considerations.
OPTION 1: BLACK SUIT
The black suit would be my first choice if I could only include one piece of clothing on this list of appropriate funeral wear for guys. It is classy, astute, and incredibly adaptable, perfectly balancing style and decency. There are respectable substitute suits, like dark navy and charcoal. But black ought to be your first option at all times.
The men’s suit is perfect for work interviews, dinner parties, funerals, and the nine-to-five. For example, a slim-fit suit from Hawes & Curtis will guarantee that you have an elegant silhouette, particularly when paired with black shoes, a black tie, and a fresh white shirt. You may pair it with a roll neck or fine knit sweater (which will keep you warm in the winter) if you want to go a little more casual. Whichever option you decide on, don’t forget to accessorize your ensemble with a high-end watch.
OPTION 2: WHITE SHIRT
If you asked me to enumerate all the situations in which the white shirt is inappropriate, you would most likely be staring at a blank piece of paper. Every imaginable life occasion, from formal meetings to family weddings and funerals (of course), requires the classic staple.
Like a well-fitting pair of shoes or recently cut trim, a white dress shirt can bring everything together. Hawes & Curtis’ refined twill version looks great with black slacks and dressy shoes. Remember to iron your shirt while a simple black tie is not required. I advise going with a single cuff because double cuff styles are more appropriate for formal events like weddings.
OPTION 3: DARK KNITWEAR
Respecting others comes first, but don’t forget to take care of yourself. Purchasing dark knit apparel provides you with an excellent alternative for layering during inclement weather. It is better to have a fine knit rather than a giant cable; dark gray or black is the optimum hue. Aim to avoid busy designs and strong branding, and be mindful of the fit—it should be cut close to the body rather than too baggy. Turtlenecks, V-necks, and half zips work well, but my favorite is the traditional crew.
Among the many must-have looks from Asket is a black sweater that can be worn in many ways. Its mid-weight merino wool construction allows for enough breathability on warm days, but it’s also ideal for layering over a button-down shirt on chilly days. It will look just as lovely with suits, khakis, and jeans for the weekend or when you walk into the office.
OPTION 4: TAILORED PANTS
Fitted pants are a must-have for every man’s closet. Now is the perfect moment to get a pair if you don’t already have one. They are accommodating if you’re wondering what men should wear to a funeral attire. You can bring them down a bit with a knit sweater or pair them with a formal shirt and shoes.
Finding the ideal combination can be difficult, but Reiss never disappoints, in my opinion. Their black chino pants, slightly tapered for a flattering fit, will be your go-to option for many years. The cotton-elastane blend is my favorite because it significantly increases comfort.
OPTION 5: OVERCOAT
The weather is one aspect of life that we cannot control. On the day of a funeral, though, I’m sure we’d all want lots of sunshine if we could. Regretfully, there are occasions when the rain and wind we experience correspond with the gloomy atmosphere. When such weather arrives, you’ll want to be prepared with a chic overcoat.
My first choice is the overcoat from Maison Margiela. It comes in a dark blue color that almost seems black and is composed of a warm wool-blend fabric, making it appropriate for burial day and other occasions. It might be worn with a turtleneck jumper or over a black suit. If it’s not too cold, leave it unfastened, but when the temperature lowers, don’t be scared to button that baby up.
OPTION 6: BLACK SHOES
As they say, a man’s shoes can reveal a lot about him. If you go up for a funeral wearing worn-out sneakers or brogues, you might as well have answered a phone call while the readings were happening. Well, not entirely, but it’s still crucial to choose your shoes with consideration.
The most excellent option, in my opinion, is a pair of well-polished black cap-toe Oxfords. Whether you choose a suit or a shirt and tie, they add a touch of refinement to complete your appearance. Myrqvist has a fantastic, fashionable, long-lasting pair thanks to their full-grain leather construction and Goodyear-welted soles.
FUNERAL ATTIRE FOR MEN: WHAT NOT TO WEAR
1. SNEAKERS
I understand that you’re eager to show off your unique new footwear. Hold on, sweetie; everything has its proper time and place. It’s not the right place to show off your expensive shoes at a funeral. Thus, unless the departed was an avid sneakerhead, wear formal shoes and maintain a refined appearance.
If the cost of formal shoes is out of your reach, consider investing in low-key black sneakers. If you do not, I will not inform you. Oliver Cabell’s Low 1 is my fave. You could mistake them for a pair of leather Oxfords if you squinted, but they’re a tremendous smart-casual shoe that goes well with dressy and casual ensembles. You can pair them with a beautiful knit pullover and thin jeans on days off work.
2. T-SHIRTS
Attendees’ attire during funerals frequently reflects the solemn nature of the event. If you want to be sensitive to people who have lost loved ones, wear simple, elegant, and muted clothing. This implies that T-shirts—especially ones with voluminous graphics and a baggy fit—are essentially off-limits.
A basic black T-shirt can work well, but make sure it fits well, like a silk-cotton T-shirt by Luca Faloni. Wear it with a fitted black suit and Derby shoes to further elevate the look. It makes a terrific base layer for everyday outfits when you’re not dressing for a man’s funeral.
3. JEANS
When attending a funeral, you should always dress nicely unless otherwise instructed. Because of this, jeans are typically regarded as an inappropriate choice for the bottom half. A dark, form-fitting pair of pants might work, but formal slacks are the better option. Jeans that are embroidered, torn, or too big should be avoided.
If you want to seem put together without upsetting your aunt, who is always grumpy, go no further than Adriano Goldschmied’s black denim jeans. They were so well-fitting they nearly looked like pants. After paying your respects, you can pair them with long-sleeved tees, sweatshirts, and flannel shirts for weekend use.
4. FLIP FLOPS
Nobody wants to see your bare feet at a funeral, aside from the distracting and somewhat obnoxious slapping noise they’ll make as soon as you arrive. Probably the worst choice of shoes is a pair of flip-flops, second only to rollerblades (which would also be very awful). Wear appropriate shoes if your funeral is not on a beach.
5. SCRUFFY ITEMS
Being a little disheveled is okay in some situations in life. For instance, lounging around the house or going to the gym. In fact, some high-end designer clothing could even be considered somewhat coarse. Not burials, though. They demand a little more work from you.
It is crucial that your clothing be spotless, ironed, and devoid of rips or pulls. Make sure your tie is the proper length—the tip should rest exactly on top of your belt buckle or waistband—and tuck in shirts and shine your shoes.
6. DRESS APPROPRIATE
Without coming across as a helicopter mom, I must reiterate the importance of being considerate when choosing what to wear to a funeral. How does this appear? Easy, classic items that will never be ruled improper. Consider your grandparents. If they would say yes, you’re most likely headed in the right direction.
This does not imply that you have to eliminate all personalities from your ensemble. But remember that your purpose is not to win best dressed; rather, it is to honor and grieve the departed’s life. Steer clear of loud logos, skimpy apparel, and anything that demands attention. Unless you are instructed to wear bright colors, your color scheme should be monochromatic.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE DECIDING WHAT TO WEAR TO A FUNERAL
TIME OF YEAR
The season can have a big impact on what you wear, just like it can with any other clothing decision. Summer funerals should wear fewer layers and lighter clothing, whereas winter funerals could need more winter accessories like gloves and scarves. Dress according to the weather, but maintain your dignity at all times.
THE FAMILY
While there may be a broad consensus regarding funeral attire, each event is unique. While some families might urge visitors to wear black as a sign of respect, others could invite you to defy social norms and wear something bright. Make sure you are informed of the guidelines before selecting your attire. The family’s wishes of the departed are ultimately what matters most.
WHAT TO AVOID
While there is some leeway in the laws of funeral attire, there are some items you should avoid wearing if you want to seem appropriate. You should cross off items like jeans, sports tops, baseball caps, flip-flops, and graphic T-shirts from your list of possible outfits.
FAQs
What is appropriate clothing for males attending a funeral?
When it comes to funeral attire, there are no hard-and-fast standards. There is, however, an unwritten rule that you should always dress nicely to demonstrate some respect through your wardrobe choices. The safest choice is usually a black suit, which includes a black tie, shoes, and a dress shirt of some sort.
Can you attend a funeral in jeans?
There are, in theory, no clothes that are completely prohibited from being worn to a funeral. However, this does not imply that you should dress however you choose. You might be instructed to wear a specific way; if not, try to look as formal as possible. This means you should wear slacks instead of jeans unless they are black and fitting.
