Should You Wear a Suit to a Funeral?

A Guide to Men’s Formal Attire for Funerals.

Should you wear a suit to a funeral? Funerals are solemn occasions, and dressing appropriately is paramount. While there are many factors to consider, one central debate for men is whether to wear a suit.

The Importance of Formal Attire at Funerals Funerals are ceremonies of respect, remembrance, and saying goodbye. The way we dress for them should reflect our regard for the deceased and our empathy for their grieving loved ones. Formal attire usually comes to mind when considering suitable funeral outfits. In this regard, wearing a suit is the safest bet. It ensures you are showing respect and are dressed appropriately for the occasion.

What Colors Are Appropriate to Wear to a Funeral? Can you only wear a black suit or tuxedo to a funeral? Black is the traditional color of mourning. Therefore, your funeral suit should be black or a dark color such as dark gray, charcoal, or navy blue. You should also avoid flashy accessories or overly bright colors. However, not having clothes that fit this description shouldn’t stop you from attending a funeral.

For some funerals, a particular dress code or theme is specified. We’ve seen a funeral where the deceased’s family requested attendees to wear white. If this is the case, it’s essential to honor such dress codes. It may also make it easier for you to choose what to wear to a funeral.

How to Dress Down Casual at a Funeral Remember in the beginning we said, “You should wear a suit to a funeral, but you don’t have to.” While a suit is a universally accepted option for what men should wear to a funeral, there are more casual alternatives. These include:

• A sports coat in place of a suit (i.e. with a formal dress shirt and formal dress pants);
• A blazer or sweater paired with formal dress pants;
• A polo shirt and khakis; and so on. Sometimes families might ask attendees to dress more casually to celebrate the deceased’s life rather than mourn their passing. That’s very heartwarming if you ask us. And it means you can certainly dress down casually for such a funeral.

As casual as you may want to look, we do advise you to avoid wearing jeans to a funeral at all costs.

In some cultures or regions, traditional dress or other forms of men’s formal attire might be the norm.

Where to Buy Suits and Tuxedos in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania At Eddie’s Men Store, we understand that the primary purpose of a funeral is to pay respects and support the grieving family. Your outfit should be a reflection of that sentiment, whether you’re clad in a traditional suit or another form of men’s formal wear.

If you’re searching for where to buy suits or tuxedos in Pennsylvania, we offer a vast range of options suitable for any occasion. Click here to browse our dapper selection; we promise to have something for you.