What to Wear to a Funeral that’s Not Black

What to Wear to a Funeral that’s Not Black

Darker shades of navy, green, grey, or purple can be worn instead of black.

When attending a funeral, it is important to dress in a way that shows respect for the deceased and their family. However, you don’t necessarily have to wear black. If you’re not sure what color to wear, consider a dark shade of blue or green. These colors are often seen as more respectful and dignified than black.

Always avoid brighter shades, as they may be considered inappropriate or insensitive. That’s why black clothes for funeral have always been the safest choice. You should also avoid patterns or prints, as they can be distracting. Instead, opt for a simple, classic style that will show you’re taking the occasion seriously.

You should always keep a couple of outfits in your classic wardrobe that would merit a funeral.

However, there is a caveat. If the deceased is very old and lived a very happy long life, then a very conservative splash of color is acceptable. One example would be a black dress with a small colored flower on it.

One other example is if it is the deceased wish to wear bright colors to not make it a somber event, then you can wear colors. I’ve been invited to one funeral like this and it felt very odd to see so many colors, but that was their wish.

Best Clothing to Wear to a Funeral

– Dark Blue

– Dark Green

– Grey

– Deep Purple

– Black (if you must)

– Stick to simple, classic styles

Worst Clothing to Wear to a Funeral

– Neon Colors

– Patterns or Prints

– Anything too tight or revealing

– Bright Colors (unless it is the wish of the deceased)

Is it disrespectful to not wear black at a funeral?

No, it’s not seen as disrespectful to not wear black. Although traditionally there were black mourning clothing, especially worn by the widow or widower, it is not considered the same anymore.

The most important tip is to show consideration to the deceased. Depending where the funeral is being held will determine the clothing that you wear. However, the most important tip is to wear clothing that is not stained, dirty, or ripped. Especially the family members, they should be dressed up a bit more than casual.

To be respectful and not feel there is a chance of being rude, choose darker colors with simple lines and plain fabric. Make sure that they are not too tight or too baggy and that you are not trying to make the attention to you.

What Colors do Other Cultures Wear to a Funeral?

In Western cultures, black is typically associated with death and mourning. However, in many other cultures around the world, white is the traditional color of mourning.

In China, for example, white is seen as a symbol of purity and new beginnings. To wear black at a funeral would be considered to be in bad taste, as it is associated with negative energy.

In India, meanwhile, both white and yellow are considered to be appropriate colors for funerals. White is seen as a sign of respect for the deceased, while yellow represents the eternal cycle of life.

And in Japan, black is worn at funerals as a sign of respect for the lost soul. Each culture has its own unique way of approaching death and grieving, and this is reflected in the colors that are worn at funerals.

Why Did Black Attire Become the Color of Choice for Funerals?

The origins of black funeral attire date back to the Roman Empire. At that time, citizens were required to wear clothes made of dark-colored wool when attending funerals. This tradition continued through the Middle Ages and eventually spread to England. By the early 19th century, black had become the standard color for both men’s and women’s funeral clothing in Victorian England. The trend then spread to the United States, where it became firmly established by the end of the century.

There are a number of reasons why wearing black came to be associated with death and mourning. For one, black is a color that absorbs light, which symbolized the loss of life. In addition, black has long been associated with elements such as darkness and mystery. For many people, these connotations made black an ideal color for funeral attire.

Today, the most appropriate clothes to wear to a funeral remains black and smart casual. While the specific reasons for this may have changed over time, black continues to be seen as a respectful and appropriate color for mourning or half mourning.