Skip to main content

Our Thoughts Are With You: What to Wear to a Funeral

One evening, as you scroll through your social media feed, you see a post noting that your High School English teacher passed away and his funeral is scheduled in two weeks. This teacher was one of the most influential of your childhood. He taught you the love of words and how to express yourself in a concise and professional fashion. The least you can do is pay your respects and attend, even thought this is your first funeral ever.

Now, aside from all emotions you may be feeling, you may be thinking “What do I wear to a funeral?” If this is you, don’t worry,  because you are not alone. Dressing for an occasion you’ve never experienced before can be stressful. Just remember to choose your clothes carefully out of respect for the surviving friends and family members.

Recommended Videos

Whenever you’re piecing together an outfit, always remind yourself you’re dressing with a purpose. No matter where you’re headed, try to find something that reflects that purpose. We were lucky enough to have obtained some important advice on what to wear to a funeral from suit guru and M. Dumas & Sons CEO, Gary Flynn.

Without further ado, here’s a quick Q&A style rundown on what to wear to a funeral.

The Basics – What is the most important aspect? Obviously it isn’t somewhere to  standout, but you do want to look put together during condolences. So, what’s the best advice you have for an overall look when remembering a lost loved one? 

Flynn — “I always err on going too dressy as opposed to not dressy enough. It’s respectful and tasteful and will never offend. Simple and subtle would be the next advice. Solids, dark tones. The idea is to not stand out from the crowd for this event, guys.

Stock-Man-in-Black-Suit
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Black Suit – Black suits are the standard, but does one style stand out from another? Is one maybe going a bit to far, or on the contrary, is another too plain for a funeral setting? 

Flynn — “I wouldn’t go with a fashion forward looking black suit. The best option is a good fitting, clean, two-button suit. I would steer clear of any fabric that is too shiny, too. Again, subtle and simple is the key.

Navy Suit – What are the benefits of wearing navy rather than black at a funeral? Do you think it’s too far deviated from the “wear black to a funeral” standard?

Flynn — “The main benefit for wearing Navy is that Navy is very in right now and can be worn again and again. A black suit is a little limiting right now. If the Navy fits the bill of being subtle and simple, I think it appropriate to wear as well.”

Accessories – I feel like this one is pretty straight forward. Why and when would you where accessories to a funeral? 

Flynn — “The main accessories to wear would be a pocket square, probably white to match your shirt, a nice watch and your best condolences speech.”

Is there anything else you’d advice for a first time funeral goer? (As sad as that may be to think about) 

Flynn — “This isn’t a scene from The Wedding Crashers. It’s probably not in the best taste to try to “connect” or “hook up” at this event if you ever want to see these people again! Seriously, be polite, be quiet, come with a nice story or two to tell the family about how great the departed was. Those are the things they will cherish.”

Bryan Holt
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Bryan Holt is a writer, editor, designer, and multimedia storyteller based in Portland, Oregon. He is a graduate from the…
Timex revives a 1970s classic with a modern twist in new Bespoke Post collab
A modern interpretation of the Viscount collection
Timex x Bespoke Post

Timex's latest field watch is inspired by a collection of watches known as Viscount, which dates back to the 1970s. It was quite popular in the good old days and was the go-to for the Australian National Railway. This time around, the brand partnered with Bespoke Post to make the watch more stylish and durable, keeping up with the times. While the brand rolled out large models inspired by Viscount in the past few years, the latest addition has a 36 mm casing—the new modern size.

Given that Bespoke Post focuses on outdoor gear, it had a big influence on some of the materials featured on the new watch. Apart from the small casing, the watch is paired with a new Cordura strap, a material that can be easily styled to fit multiple spaces. It can also take on everything that’s thrown its way.

Read more
From mountains to muddy trails: The top hiking shoe brands you need to know
Looking for new hiking shoes? Try one of these brands
Man rucking, jumping, walking, backpacking with rucksack on rocks

Every year, more people seek the tranquility of the forests and mountains for adventure and peace of mind. There are so many reasons to hit the trails this year, from physical to mental wellness, but everyone has had to start somewhere. We all know that overwhelming feeling of uncertainty that comes with browsing an entire aisle (or several stores) for your first pair of hiking shoes. Whether you're looking for your first pair or a replacement, here are my favorite hiking shoe brands, as well as a couple of recommendations to get you started.

What to consider

Read more
Tommy Bahama x Original Madras Trading Company come together for the ultimate vacation capsule
The perfect vacation shirt and the perfect DAD on vacation shirt
Tommy Bahama x Original Madras long-sleeve

There is a specific look that guys have when they go on vacation. Sometimes it's the adoption of shorts and sandals, with pants nowhere in sight. Sometimes it's the loud shirts that he feels he can't wear anywhere else. The Hawaiian shirt is the quintessential example. But there are two that have stood out for years, and they have now come together. The Tommy Bahama x Original Madras Trading Company collaboration brings together two vacation outfitters for a capsule that is keeping men out of the office and on the water.

I discovered Original Madras Trading Company at the Chicago Collective show. It immediately stood out as something special, with bold colors and a hint of playfulness. My early summertime memories at the lake include a lot of Madras. To me, it is the quintessential and original cool (and cooling) fabric. The combination of summer, colors, and relaxed vibes felt like a perfect marriage of our brands. - Bradley O’Brien, Executive Vice President of Product Design & Development, Tommy Bahama.

Read more