What to Wear for Men – The Funeral

Appropriate Advice for Gentlemen Attending a Memorial Service

Mar 18, 2009

Nobody looks forward to having to attend a funeral, a sombre occasion with a great deal of emotional gravity. Just what, then, is appropriate to wear?

Due to the nature of a memorial service, it is always recommended that a man dress very conservatively for the event. While in some cultures the funeral service is lively or upbeat, a wake for example, this extension does not normally apply to the dress code.

Black for Mourning, Acceptable Compliments

Depending on the level of formality at the service, a variety of clothing options are on the table. Many funerals are extremely informal social affairs meant to provide a bonding experience between a close-knit group of friends, family, and acquaintances.

For these types of affairs, it is recommended to wear a pair of black dress pants and a dark coloured dress shirt, long or short sleeve. The hues that are most suited for this type of gathering are traditionally black, burgundy, navy, olive, or any other dark shade that blends well with black.

That same advice extends to a more formal funeral service, in which case it is always recommended to wear the best articles of clothing that you might own – to show respect both for the memorial service as well as for the person in memoriam. A typical, and appropriate, outfit for this type of service is a full suit of black (pinstripes are acceptable, where once they may not have been) with a conservative dress shirt and tie co-ordination.

Showing up to a funeral service dressed in work jeans and a t-shirt may be appropriate in some few instances, but for the most part decorum is to be respected – this is a very emotional and involved service for those in attendance, and so should be afforded due respect and honour.

Purchasing, Renting, and Other Considerations

If one does not have an acceptable garment to wear to a funeral or memorial service – the obvious options spring to the forefront. Most people do not know that it is highly difficult to rent a suit of clothes, although tuxedo rentals are commonplace – however a tuxedo may be out of place in this context, and further, it is difficult and expensive to place a rush order on a rental.

Purchasing a suit of clothes need not be expensive. For those of more modest means, thrift stores often offer a fair selection of black and navy suits that may fit adequately. If you are not a gentleman who commonly wears a suit, this route will not only save you money but it may provide you with a staple garment for your wardrobe should another formal occasion arise.

Should this avenue not prove fruitful, most reputable menswear outlets carry a traditional black suit of blended fabrics (polyester/cotton or polyester/wool) at an extremely reasonable pricepoint.

In all cases, however, it is simply important to afford the individual service the respect and gravity it deserves. By dressing appropriately one displays respect and honour – an honour that should continue throughout the service and in memorium for as long as it may.

Other Articles Pertaining to Men's Lifestyle and Fashion

The copyright of the article What to Wear for Men – The Funeral in Men’s Fashion is owned by Nicholas Morine. Permission to republish What to Wear for Men – The Funeral in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.