In the aftermath of a loved one’s death, families may struggle with the choice of their final outfit. Clothing plays a significant role in the way people are remembered and how they are depicted. For some families, dressing a deceased loved one in clothes that capture their style and personality is important to them. Fortunately, there are many options for what kind of clothing to dress your loved one in, including burial gowns.
A burial gown is a special garment that helps preserve and protect the body as it is laid to rest. It is designed to be easy for a funeral director to dress the deceased with dignity, and it is often made of soft, satin-like materials that can be easily adjusted. Burial gowns are available in a variety of styles and colors, and they can also be embellished with religious or cultural motifs. For example, some are shaped to look like smart night gowns or pyjamas, while others feature a design that resembles the Sacred Heart for Catholic funerals.
Other kinds of funeral clothing include a casket dress or a shroud, which is traditionally used by certain Christian sects. These are typically made of white cotton or linen and can be embroidered or adorned with crosses. They are also usually suitable for green funerals and natural burial grounds, since they are biodegradable.
If you are unsure what kind of clothing to choose for your loved one, ask their family members about what they liked to wear and if there is anything that stands out. You can also consult with a funeral director to make sure that the clothing you choose will be appropriate for their religion and final disposition method.
Many families choose to dress their deceased loved ones in a suit or dress that they would have worn in life. For women, this means choosing a gown or a suit with a feminine neckline and long sleeves. Men, meanwhile, should consider a fitted suit or a business-style suit in a somber color. If you want to honor your loved one’s hobbies, you can also accessorize their outfit with pieces of jewelry that were sentimental to them in life.
Choosing the right shoes to accompany your deceased relative is an important decision, and some people find that wearing their favorite pair is comforting. The type of footwear should be chosen carefully, as they will be worn throughout the entire funeral and any visitation services. If the deceased was diabetic or suffered from another condition that caused them to lose a lot of weight, it is a good idea to buy a pair of burial shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
Many charities and nonprofit organizations have created burial clothing for infants, particularly micro-premature babies that are born before reaching full gestational age. Some have crocheted or knitted white dresses that resemble Baptismal and Christening attire. Some of these gowns can be embroidered or laced and may have flower or butterfly motifs. There are also a number of sewing patterns that can be found online for crafting these delicate gowns.