When it comes to a funeral, many people prefer to dress their loved ones in clothes that will bring comfort and represent them well. This can be a matter of faith, cultural tradition or personal preference. While most traditional burial outfits lean towards formal clothing, less dressy choices can also be appropriate if the deceased requested this as part of their wishes.
Burial gowns are designed to make it simple for the funeral director to dress a person with dignity, and they are often made of soft or satin-like materials. They are available in a wide range of attractive colours and can be tailored for men or women. Some are even designed with religious motifs, such as the Virgin Mary or Sacred Heart, for Catholic funerals. For those who choose a natural or woodland burial, there are burial gowns designed specifically to align with eco-friendly end-of-life choices.
Some people choose to use burial shrouds rather than a casket, in which case the body is dressed with an embroidered or printed cotton or linen wrap. These are also available in a range of attractive styles and are designed to resemble traditional nightgowns, pyjamas or dressing gowns. Some are also designed with a sleeve to accommodate a prayer shawl, a common practice in Muslim funerals.
A number of artisan-makers produce beautiful, organic burial shrouds and gowns. For example, artist Yuli Somme sews woollen burial shrouds at her Bellacouche studio in rural Devon. Others make garments from sustainable fabrics, such as cotton and hemp. This approach has gained popularity in the wake of COVID-19, with the growing awareness that these environmentally friendly options are kinder to the earth than standard plastic-based caskets.
For infants, especially those who are micro preemies and other very small babies, it can be difficult to find suitable clothes. The Cherished Gowns group sews three sizes of burial wraps (S-M-L) and four sizes of burial gowns for babies up to eight pounds. The volunteers use donated wedding dresses and other fabric to make the garments, which are sent all over the world. Powell says they have seen a need for these gowns because the tiny sizes aren’t readily available commercially.
The outfit that a person is dressed in for their funeral can be symbolic of their personality, lifestyle or hobbies. If they were a fan of football, for example, wearing their favourite team’s jersey may be meaningful. Similarly, if they were a dedicated fisherman, an outfit featuring their favourite fishing hat, rubber waders and their rod and reel might help others to remember them fondly.
While there are no rules about what you can or cannot wear for a funeral, environmental regulations do prohibit certain materials from being buried or cremated. For instance, treated leather – including biker’s clothing – is not allowed. But it is a good idea to ask the funeral directors at your chosen venue about their dress code expectations before you decide on an outfit.