Choosing burial attire is a delicate and profound act of remembrance. It’s important to honor your loved one’s personality, style choices, and beliefs with the final outfit that you select for their viewing and funeral.
Traditionally, burial clothing leans towards formality and can include suits, dress shirts, or ties for men; dresses, skirts, or blouses for women. However, you can also choose less formal apparel that aligns with your loved one’s lifestyle, cultural background, or personal preferences.
Many families turn to their wardrobes when selecting burial clothes, but this can often be difficult. For example, clothing can fit differently after a prolonged illness or significant weight loss, and the cuffs may not fall properly around your loved one’s arms. In addition, some outfits may not look good on your loved one when they are laying down.
For these reasons, some families choose to purchase clothing specifically for their loved ones’ burials. These burial garments are often called shrouds, which wrap the body in a way that feels like skin and can be draped over your loved one to create a dignified, respectful appearance. These are available from many artisans, who make them out of wool, cotton, linen, or hemp—materials that are often grown, dyed, and woven nearby. Many are designed for natural and green burials, which means they’re biodegradable and have a minimal environmental impact.
Some companies specialize in creating these burial shrouds, and they offer both ready-to-wear garments and bespoke gowns made to order. For example, MOV Memorial Gowns makes beautiful, heirloom-quality burial gowns for babies who die at home, in the hospital, or during labor and delivery. The team at MOV Memorial Gowns works with local hospitals and midwives, and their gowns have been praised by parents as a lovely alternative to the hospital blankets that are otherwise commonly used for infant burials.
A burial shroud can be made from a variety of fabrics, but it’s best to use materials that are grown, dyed, and woven in an environmentally responsible manner. In addition, you want the shroud to be breathable and comfortable.
You’ll also want to consider any religious or cultural guidelines that you want your loved one to adhere to when dressing them for their burial. For example, some cultures prefer to wear loose-fitting garments that don’t reveal the face or legs.
While choosing burial clothes, it’s also a good idea to think about any accessories you’d like to add. This could be jewelry, a favorite sports jersey, or other items that hold meaning to your loved one. Keep in mind that you may not be able to see these items during the viewing or funeral, so you might want to choose items that are subtle and understated.
Navigating a loss is never easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. The caring staff at Vaughn Greene Funeral Services is here to provide compassionate guidance and support throughout this process. Contact us today to learn more about the options we offer for your loved one’s final viewing and funeral service.