How to Choose Burial Clothing for a Loved One
When it comes to honoring the memory of a loved one who has passed away, every detail matters to many people, including the clothing they are laid to rest in. Choosing burial clothing may be an unexpected task, but with a thoughtful approach and consideration of various factors, you can find attire that reflects the individual's personality and respects their final journey.
What is burial clothing?
Burial clothing, also known as funeral attire or burial garments, refers to the clothing chosen to dress a deceased individual when they are laid to rest. These garments hold symbolic value as they can represent the last memory that you have of the person and how you think the person would want to be remembered when going into the afterlife. Burial clothing serves as a means to honor the departed's memory and pay homage to their life.
Where do you get burial clothing?
There are several avenues to explore when looking to find or purchase burial clothing. Consider the following options:
- The deceased’s closet: One of the first places you should go to for burial clothing is the deceased’s closet. The deceased may have had a favorite outfit (or even chosen an outfit for themselves to be buried in), or you may already have an outfit in mind as a family member or loved one. Regardless, it’s common to choose an outfit for burial that the deceased already had. An exception to this is if you are in need of specific religious attire that the deceased didn’t have prior.
- Funeral homes: Funeral homes may either provide you with burial clothes or have someone that they can recommend you purchase from. They offer convenience and expertise in handling funeral arrangements, including the provision of appropriate attire. Funeral directors can guide you through available choices and help you make informed decisions.
- Local clothing stores: Traditional clothing stores will likely carry appropriate attire for burial purposes. You could even try looking through local thrift stores if you’re looking for a way to save money (though simply burying the deceased in clothing they already owned will be the most cost effective and common option!)
- Religious institutions: If you’re in need of specific cultural attire or religious attire, religious institutions may be able to help you with this.
Does burial clothing have to be formal?
The choice of burial clothing depends on cultural norms, personal preferences, and the wishes of the deceased and their family. While there is no strict rule on formality, it is common for burial clothing to lean towards formal or semi-formal attire. Traditional options for men may include suits, dress shirts, ties, and trousers, while women's choices often involve dresses, skirts, blouses, or pantsuits.
However, the formality can be adjusted to align with the individual's lifestyle, cultural background, or personal style. Some families may choose more casual clothing, such as a favorite sports jersey or a cherished outfit that holds sentimental value. Ultimately, the goal is to select clothing that represents and honors the individual's identity and preferences.
Burial clothing examples
Many outfits that people are buried in reflect the very same attire men and women might wear to a funeral. For an understanding of the type of clothes people are often buried in, here’s a short list of examples of burial outfits.
- Classic black dress: A timeless choice when it comes to burial clothes for ladies, a simple black dress exudes elegance and solemnity. Opt for a knee-length or midi-length dress with a modest neckline and sleeves. Pair it with closed-toe shoes and minimal jewelry for a refined and dignified look.
- White ensemble: White symbolizes purity and peace, making it a suitable choice for a burial outfit. Consider a white blouse or tailored shirt paired with a knee-length skirt or dress pants. Complete the look with closed-toe shoes and understated accessories.
- Subtle pastels: Soft pastel colors can convey a sense of serenity and tranquility. Choose a pastel-colored dress or a blouse paired with a skirt or dress pants in a complementary shade. Stick to light, muted hues like pale pink, lavender, or light blue.
- Traditional suit: A classic suit is a timeless choice for a burial outfit. Opt for a well-fitted, dark-colored suit, such as charcoal gray, navy blue, or black. Pair it with a crisp white dress shirt and a conservative tie. Complete the look with polished dress shoes.
- Formal shirt and trousers: If a full suit feels too formal, you can opt for a formal shirt and trousers ensemble. Choose a button-down dress shirt in a solid, subdued color like white, light blue, or gray. Pair it with tailored dress pants in a coordinating color. Wear a belt and polished dress shoes to complete the look.
- Traditional cultural attire: If the deceased had a strong cultural background or specific cultural traditions, incorporating traditional attire can be a meaningful choice. Traditional garments like a kimono, kilt, kurta, or national dress can be worn to honor the individual's heritage and pay tribute to their cultural identity.
In some cases, a more casual approach may be appropriate, especially if the deceased had a preference for relaxed attire. You can choose a well-fitting dress shirt paired with dress pants or khakis. Opt for neutral or subdued colors and try to avoid overly casual elements like jeans or t-shirts (unless this was specifically requested or your family feels it represents the deceased best).
Religious considerations
Religious beliefs and customs can play a significant role in the selection of burial clothing. Different faith traditions may have specific guidelines or expectations regarding attire for the deceased. It is essential to consult with religious leaders, clergy, or knowledgeable individuals within your community to ensure compliance with religious customs.
For example, in some cultures, white clothing symbolizes purity and may be preferred for burial. (An example of this is Mormon custom – Mormons have specific burial clothes that they’re buried in with women often being buried in long-sleeved dresses and stockings and men buried wearing full suits and ties and it wouldn’t be in line with cultural standards to bury them in an outfit other than their burial clothes.)
In other traditions, specific colors or symbols hold religious significance and may be incorporated into the attire. By understanding and respecting these religious considerations, you can honor the deceased's faith and cultural practices.
Choosing burial clothing for a loved one is a personal and meaningful task. By considering the individual's personality, cultural background, religious beliefs, and personal style, you can select attire that reflects their identity and pays tribute to their memory.
Choosing burial clothes is just one of many things that may need to be handled after someone passes away. Ever Loved has a full checklist that can help to tackle these logistics, for free.
