Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Men
• Method 2 of 4: Women
• Method 3 of 4: Children
• Method 4 of 4: General rules for everyone
• Tips
• Warnings
• Related articles

A funeral is a formal occasion where the wearing of appropriate dress is a sign of respect. This article is about Christian funerals. It varies by country and culture as to what appropriate clothing is during funeral occasions.

To step

Western cultures traditionally wear black clothes at a funeral, but today there are other acceptable options, depending on how well you know the person.

Method 1 of 4: Men

1. Wear a black suit and white shirt. You can wear a neutral tie with this. Don't wear too much jewelry or gel in your hair.
   • There are always exceptions to the rules. A blue suit with a black turtleneck, black shirt with red tie, black shirt (no tie; top button unbuttoned), or a black T-shirt (clean and silky) would also work, depending on the family.
   • If you are a chest carrier, you are expected to wear a suit, or at least a dark jacket and tie.

Method 2 of 4: Women

1. Women should choose classic black clothing at a funeral. A black dress with sleeves, a dark suit with a jacket or a dark blouse with trousers or a skirt. You can also wear a dress that is not too brightly colored under a black jacket.
   • You can wear some colored accessories, but keep your jewelry simple.

Method 3 of 4: Children

1. Children should also dress appropriately. Boys should wear a black suit, which matches Daddy's suit if possible. Girls should wear a dress that runs straight down from the shoulders, without frills. go to www.petra-kinderrouwkleding.nl
   • Also pay attention to the shoes. Girls can wear ballerinas or simple black sneakers and boys can wear smart black shoes, loafers (like Dad's) or simple black sneakers.

Method 4 of 4: General rules for everyone

1. Wear something tasteful and conservative. This is especially important if it is a religious funeral in a church, funeral home or at a grave. Black, dark blue, gray or other dark colors are always more conservative. Clothing too bare is not appropriate; some churches prefer that shoulders and knees are covered.
2. Also think about your shoes. Leave your flip flops, Timberlands and trainers at home and go for smart and appropriate shoes.
   • Please note: shoes must be polished. Don't wear worn-out shoes to a funeral.
3. It is best to dress as you would go to church. If you never go to church, think about what you would wear when you have a job interview. Don't wear summer dresses (unless it's a wrap dress or a young child), busy prints on shirts (like martini glasses or animal prints) or too flashy things (like sequins, or very minimal). Gentlemen must wear a jacket or suit.
4. When choosing clothing, take the temperature into account. Men can take off their jackets outside, but they must be worn inside during the service.
5. For funerals further away, you may want to bring multiple outfits for different days.
6. There are those who believe that funeral clothing does not necessarily have to be black. While the person's death is mourned, it also seems appropriate to celebrate the person's life with some color. Don't wear clothes that are too bright, such as lime green, bright yellow, or purple, but maybe red or soft blue.

Tips

• If in doubt, ask the family what the dress code is, or ask someone else if your choice of clothing is appropriate.
• It's smart to have tissues with you in case you, or someone close to you, need / need them.
• If it's a young person's funeral, you may be asked to wear bright, cheerful colors.
• In some cases black is a requirement. This includes a black dress, skirt, leggings, black suit, shirt, black tie, socks and shoes. Coordinate this with the family in advance.
• If this person gave you a gift that would be appropriate, the rules are a bit more lenient. A football jersey or a Hawaiian print shirt is never appropriate, but if this person gave you jewelry or a tie, this is an appropriate way to commemorate them in most cases.
• If warm or rainy weather is forecast on the day of the funeral, bring an umbrella to protect yourself from the elements. It is very polite to offer it to an elderly person or to offer to hold the umbrella for that person.
• If you are in the military, it may be appropriate to wear your uniform. Keep in mind that if you do this, the uniform should look a lot better than what the civilians in attendance are wearing. The uniform must be ironed, polished and in tip-top condition, otherwise it is not appropriate for the funeral. Especially if the deceased was also in the army himself.
• What should you wear when you go to the condolence, the funeral and the service at the grave: to the condolence you should mainly wear black, but a little color is allowed. Children can wear the same, but teens and adults should wear something different for both occasions. A little color is allowed, such as shades of blue, but avoid garish colors.
• The family may choose to wear more festive clothing. If this is the case and you are not related, don't be afraid to ask what would be appropriate clothing.
• When dressing for the funeral, consider the personality and interests of the deceased. For example, if the person liked basketball, a man might wear a tie with basketballs, and a woman might wear jewelry with basketballs. Or if the person often wore flowery dresses, army print clothes or if she really liked red heels, the dress code could reflect this as well.
• For teens, adolescents, children, and sometimes even women and men, if the family or church is not very conservative, it's okay to go to the funeral in dark (or black) jeans and a black T-shirt. The idea behind this is that after the church and funeral services, most large families have an informal meeting or a drink in a rather formal restaurant. If you expect to play with nieces and nephews or to walk back and forth a lot to talk to different people, it may be fine to do this.
• During a very conservative funeral, some women may want to wear simple formal hats.
• Immediate family should always dress more conservatively.
• Avoid garish and flashy jewelry and accessories, cufflinks and large necklaces.
• If you go to the wake or condolence the night before, bring multiple outfits. If you are a guest there, the attire for this can be a bit more casual.

Warnings

• It is recommended to wear waterproof mascara and little eyeshadow / eyeliner.
• Always be respectful.
• Offer your place or your umbrella to older people or women with young children.
• Do not wear T-shirts that may contain offensive texts. In general, T-shirts should be avoided altogether, but texts with foul language, nudity or images or names of a particular brand are strongly discouraged (unless this was the explicit wish of the deceased, as stated in his / her will; agree this with the family in advance). In other words, if you feel like you can wear a T-shirt, it is better to wear a plain T-shirt (the quality, fit and condition of the shirt also matter).
• In swampy soil, high heels are difficult, especially when it has rained.
• If you drink water from a bottle you have in your bag, be discreet.

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