The Etiquette on Funeral Attire
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
For many people, wearing black to a funeral has and still is a symbol of grief and sympathy. Although society has become more relaxed about appropriate attire at a funeral today, it is typically customary to wear clothing that is in subdued colors and more conservative.
If you are unsure of what to wear, a good rule of thumb is to dress in your “Sunday best”. Generally speaking, you do not want to dress too casually. Jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, and sweatshirts are probably not the most suitable attire. To that end, women should also avoid wearing clothing that draws attention, such as short skirts and low necklines.
In certain traditions, there may be colors and styles that are culturally inappropriate. It’s important to check into what is appropriate to wear if you are attending a service of a faith or ethnicity that you are unfamiliar with. You can find this information by asking friends or family members that are aware of the culture and traditions.
If you’re still struggling to determine what you should wear, pick an outfit, and have a friend give you their opinion. At the end of the day, it isn’t about the clothing you choose, and in most cases, no one will remember what you were wearing. What they will remember is that you were there.
