When a loved one passes away, every detail matters to the grieving family. Choosing attire that represents their personality, cultural background or religious beliefs is a heartfelt expression of reverence. Often, this includes the choice of burial clothing, also known as funeral apparel or burial garments. While it may seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of things, the right outfit can be comforting for loved ones to remember their final journey with peace and dignity.
When it comes to selecting appropriate attire, many people turn to their closet for inspiration. A common option is to choose clothing that the deceased wore in life, such as a favorite suit or dress. This is especially fitting for those who are being buried or cremated at home. The departed’s closet can also serve as a good guide for the style or personality they wished to be remembered with. If the deceased was a baseball player, for example, a baseball shirt can be a meaningful choice. Likewise, Grandma’s baking apron or a pair of rubber waders can serve as the perfect way to honor her love of fishing and time spent with her family at the lake.
However, a major consideration should be whether the items in a person’s closet will be suitable for their funeral or cremation service. Some fabrics can discolor, slough or stiffen during the embalming process. Additionally, a body’s shape may change due to prolonged illness or significant weight loss, and this can impact the fit of a garment. When possible, it is best to avoid tight-fitting garments and to choose long-sleeved tops as the arms can be prone to discoloration as well.
Some cultures and religions also have specific guidelines for burial clothing. In such cases, it is important to consult with clergy or other knowledgeable individuals for guidance on proper attire. It is also helpful to understand how colors or symbols hold meaning in a particular tradition, as these can be reflected in the clothing chosen for a loved one’s memorial service.
Those who wish to support the creation of burial clothes for infants who are too small for off-the-rack garments can make a donation to the Indiana Burial Gown Project. Founded in 2014 by Marie Murphy, a career NICU nurse, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing beautiful and practical clothing for babies who do not survive their premature births. Using donated wedding dresses, the organization has created three sizes of burial wraps and four sizes of baby burial gowns.
The group recently made their cutting and sewing processes more efficient and consistent by utilizing a new acrylic master pattern that they purchased from Plaskolite. This material is clear and provides a precise, uniform cut that allows for accurate pattern pieces to be cut from the fabric. This helps ensure that each burial gown and infant pocket will be a true-to-size match for the babies that will wear them. In addition, the material is strong and durable enough to withstand repeated use.