Attending a funeral is a solemn occasion that requires appropriately formal attire. As a man, it can be challenging to determine exactly what to wear to a funeral or memorial service. You’ll want to dress in a way that shows respect for the deceased and grief-stricken family members.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about how to dress for a funeral as a man. I’ll provide style tips, outline formal and informal funeral dress codes, and give examples of appropriate outfits. I’ve also included a funeral guest checklist and answers to frequently asked questions.
Factors That Determine Funeral Attire for Men
Several factors influence the dress code for a funeral. The most important considerations are:
- The deceased person’s preferences
- The type of service
- Time of day
- Religious customs
- Season/weather
- Venue formality
Understanding these factors will help guide your clothing choices.
The Deceased Person’s Preferences
Ideally, the dress code will align with what the deceased person would have wanted. Their cultural background, personality, faith, and style values may shape expectations. Ask the immediate family about any specific requests.
For example, some people prefer bright, celebratory colors instead of all black funeral wear. Others want traditional formal attire in dark, muted colors. When possible, honor the wishes of the deceased.
Type of Funeral Service
- Formal funeral: Dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie
- Celebration of life: Business casual or smart casual attire
- Graveside burial: Business attire or daytime semi-formal
- Religious memorial: Follow customs of the faith
- Military funeral: Meet military dress code
Dress codes vary based on the type of service. Formal funerals and burials are more traditional, while celebration of life services may be more casual.
Time of Day
- Daytime: Wear business formal or semi-formal attire
- Evening: Opt for formal dark suits; dark necktie
Daytime funerals tend to be slightly less formal than evening services. For daytime, business suits or daytime semi-formal outfits are appropriate. Stick with formal dark suits and ties for evening services.
Religious Customs
If the funeral is held in a place of worship, dress according to the customs of that faith. For example, in some religions shoulders and knees must be covered. Men may be asked to wear head coverings. Ask what is appropriate.
Season and Weather
Choose fabrics suited to the season, such as tropical wools for summer or heavier fabrics in winter. In rainy, cold weather, wear overcoats and galoshes to stay warm and dry.
Venue Formality
Consider the formality of the venue. For example, a formal funeral held in a cathedral may require traditional dark suits. A funeral at a local community center may call for smart casual instead.
Men’s Funeral Attire by Dress Code
Use the factors above to determine the appropriate dress code for the funeral. Here are men’s funeral outfit suggestions organized by level of formality:
Formal Funeral Attire
A formal funeral calls for a traditional dark suit and tie. This is the standard funeral dress code for men.
- Dark suit: Solid black, dark gray, navy, or dark brown suits are appropriate. Avoid patterns or bright colors that draw attention.
- White dress shirt: Crisp and pressed. Avoid bold colors or patterns.
- Conservative tie: Stick with subtle colors and traditional patterns like stripes, dots or solids.
- Dark dress shoes and belt: Shoes should be polished and in good condition. Match the belt to the shoes.
- Dark socks: Black or dark gray socks that are calf-length or higher.
- Minimal jewelry: Avoid large, flashy accessories. Keep it simple.
Business Formal Attire
For daytime burials and services with a business formal dress code, you can wear a somewhat lighter version of traditional funeral wear:
- Dark or gray suit: Solid gray suits are fitting for business formal.
- White or light colored shirt: Light blue or lavender dress shirts are appropriate.
- Subdued tie: Muted patterns or solid medium shades work well.
- Dark shoes and belt: Follow the traditional guidelines.
- Dark socks: Keep them calf-length or higher.
- Minimal accessories: No loud jewelry or accessories.
Business Casual Attire
Some memorial services specify business casual attire. Here are some business casual options:
- Sport coat or blazer: Navy, black, gray, olive, or brown tailored sport coats work well. Can be worn with dress pants or chinos.
- Dress pants: Choose solid black, gray, navy or khakis. Avoid faded, worn or wrinkled pants.
- Button-down dress shirt: Solid colors or simple patterns are good choices.
- Optional tie: If you opt to wear a tie, choose knit ties or solid patterns.
- Leather dress shoes or loafers: Make sure they are clean and polished.
- Dark socks: Mid-calf or higher, dark colors like black, navy or brown. Match the socks to your pants.
- Minimal jewelry: Avoid wearing too much bling.
Smart Casual Attire
For a more relaxed celebration of life service, smart casual is appropriate. Smart casual is dressier than regular casual wear but still comfortable.
- Sports jacket or blazer
- Dress pants or chinos: Avoid shorts or ripped/distressed styles.
- Collared shirt: Opt for a polo, button-down, or casual shirt. Don’t wear graphic tees.
- Optional sweater: Choose solid neutral colors.
- Loafers or leather casual shoes: Avoid sneakers or sandals.
- Dark socks: Mid-calf or higher.
- Very minimal, simple jewelry: Keep accessories neat and inconspicuous.
Religious Customs
If you need to cover your head, shoulders or knees due to religious customs, bring the appropriate garments. Skin may need to be covered fully. Black, loose clothing that is not form-fitting is recommended. Ask what is appropriate for that place of worship.
What Not to Wear to a Funeral
There are certain clothing items you should always avoid when dressing for a funeral:
- T-shirts or tank tops
- Shorts or ripped jeans
- Sandals, flip flops, or sneakers
- Bold prints, graphics or logos
- Heavy cologne or aftershave
- Strong-scented grooming products
- Casual hats
- Sunglasses indoors
- Visible piercings aside from conservative earrings
- Flashy, large jewelry
Stick to formal, conservative, dark-colored suits and ties for funeral attire as a man. Avoid anything informal, bright, flashy, or distracting.
Now that we’ve covered dress codes and clothing suggestions, here is a printable checklist to help you prepare your funeral outfit:
Men’s Funeral Attire Checklist
| Clothing Item | Guidelines | Do you have it? |
|---|---|---|
| Dark suit | Solid black, dark gray, navy, or dark brown. Conservative fit. | Yes/No |
| White dress shirt | Long sleeved, pressed, collared. Avoid patterns. | Yes/No |
| Tie | Subtle patterns or solids in conservative colors. | Yes/No |
| Dark belt | Leather. Match color to shoes. | Yes/No |
| Dark dress shoes | Closed toe, polished. | Yes/No |
| Dark socks | Calf length or higher in black, dark gray, navy. | Yes/No |
ConclusionAttending a funeral or memorial service can be difficult. Finding the right outfit to wear is an important way to show respect while also honoring the wishes of the deceased and their family. As a man, stick to traditional, formal dark suits and ties for most funeral services. For less formal celebration of life ceremonies, business casual or smart casual attire is appropriate. Avoid anything overly casual like shorts, t-shirts, sneakers, or loud prints. It’s always a good idea to check with the immediate family or funeral home about any specific dress code requests. Take into account factors like the deceased person’s preferences, religious customs, the formality of the venue, time of day, and the season/weather. Use common sense – if you’re unsure about an outfit, choose something else to avoid looking out of place. Dressing appropriately is part of mourning etiquette and demonstrates your empathy. Keep the focus on being there to comfort the bereaved and remember the person who passed away. With the right mindset and attire, you can pay your respects in a meaningful way. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat color suit should a man wear to a funeral?The most traditional funeral suit color for men is solid black, dark charcoal gray, navy blue, or dark brown. Avoid lighter colors or distracting patterns. What do men wear to a daytime funeral?For a daytime funeral service, men can wear a dark business suit with a white shirt and conservative tie. Jacket, dress pants, dress shirt, and leather shoes are appropriate. What should a man wear to a casual funeral?For a more casual celebration of life, opt for business casual attire like chinos with a sports jacket or sweater. Loafers, leather casual shoes and a button-down shirt are fitting options. What kind of tie should I wear to a funeral?Choose a subtly patterned long necktie or a solid color tie in dark, muted tones. Avoid bright colors or distracting prints and patterns. What shoes should a man wear to a funeral?Opt for dark leather dress shoes that are comfortable and appropriate for a formal occasion. Loafers can work for more casual memorial services. Sneakers and sandals are not funeral-appropriate. Should I wear a hat to a funeral?Wearing hats is not necessary and often seen as too casual for funerals. There are some exceptions like religious head coverings. If you want to wear one, opt for a formal hat in dark colors. Avoid baseball caps and casual styles. Ask the family if unsure. How should I accessorize my funeral outfit?When it comes to a funeral, less is more when choosing jewelry, belts, and other accessories. Avoid anything chunky, flashy or distracting. Stick to minimal, simple accessories in muted colors. Keep piercings to simple stud earrings if any. What if I don’t own a dark suit and tie?If possible, try to borrow suitable funeral attire from a male relative or friend. Otherwise, consider investing in a basic black suit and white shirt that can be worn again for future formal occasions. Check second-hand stores as well. |