Burial garments, also called funeral clothes, are used to dress a deceased person at their final resting place. These are a special way for families to remember and honor their loved one. Some people choose to wear clothing that their deceased loved ones had in life — a favorite shirt, comfy pyjamas or a dress they liked to wear. Other people choose a more formal outfit such as a suit or a tailored shirt and trousers. Many people opt for dark-colored clothing, which looks dignified and respectable at a funeral.
When choosing an outfit for a loved one’s funeral, it’s important to consider the deceased person’s personality and beliefs. For example, if your deceased loved bright colours and patterns, you might want to choose an outfit that reflects those traits. Similarly, if your loved one was a religious person, you might choose something that reflects their faith, such as an embroidered Muslim shroud or a Christian cross.
A suit is a classic outfit choice that’s appropriate for both men and women. You can find suits in a variety of colors and fabrics, including black, charcoal gray and navy blue. A classic suit is easy to pair with a dress shirt, conservative tie and polished dress shoes.
Often, a funeral director will dress the deceased in a traditional funeral gown, or burial shroud. These are made of soft and satin-like materials and resemble smart night gowns or pyjamas. They are available for both men and women, and can also feature religious motifs. They are commonly worn at Catholic funerals and can be designed with false shirt fronts and other details for added dignity.
Cremation is becoming a popular option for many people, and some people prefer to have their beloved dead dressed in an outfit that they would wear if they were being buried. For this reason, you should always check with your funeral home to see what options they have available. For instance, they might be able to source traditional cultural attire or burial garments that are too fragile for cremation.
In addition to funeral homes, there are a number of other places where you can purchase burial garments. Some churches and religious organisations also sell clothing to support bereaved families.
Some organisations, such as the Utah-based Angel Gown Project, offer to sew and donate baby burial gowns that are too small for standard off-the-rack infant clothing. This project is a labor of love for founder Nicole Nowell, a seamstress who sewed the tiny garments after her own daughter, Ayla, died from a rare genetic disorder. As Ciara Hulet from member station KUER reports, infant deaths are a frequent tragedy for parents, and it’s difficult to find clothes for their very little babes. However, Nowell has made this project her mission and is a national and international leader in the field. Other charities and sewing groups exist in other parts of the country and beyond, making burial clothes for a wide range of tiny sizes from newborns to micro preemies.