What you choose to dress a loved one in when they are laid to rest can be deeply personal. For many families, this is an opportunity to remember a loved one’s style and personality – it can be a way to honor their memory. While this can be an emotionally difficult task, choosing clothing for a deceased family member is often the last detail people think about when planning their end-of-life services.
Burial gowns (also known as funeral attire or burial garments) are the outfit that will be worn by a person when they pass away. They can range from formal to casual depending on a person’s culture, religious beliefs, or lifestyle.
Some people who choose a natural burial also have a shroud to go with their coffin, which can double as their final outfit. Shrouds are cloth wraps that cover a body – they may or may not include pockets and fasteners. They are a symbol of simpler times, when people worked with their hands and spun thread by firelight. They can be decorated with flowers, pine needles or herbs. They are an important ritual for some faiths and cultures; washing and dressing a dead person is a significant part of Muslim and Jewish funeral traditions.
As the popularity of natural burials grows, there is a greater need for clothing to be used as an alternative to a traditional casket or vault. Manufacturers have responded to this need by creating a variety of men’s and women’s burial gowns in satins and crepes, embellished with ruches and false shirt-fronts, ribbons and bows. They can also be adorned with the image of the Virgin Mary or Sacred Heart, which are common icons for Catholic funerals.
While many people want to avoid the stigma associated with mourners wearing clothes, it’s important to consider what a loved one would have wanted. It is not uncommon for people to wear their favorite outfits when they die – they are their final wardrobe. Choosing the right outfit for your loved one can help ease their transition and help their family members and friends feel more at peace.
A white ensemble is a traditional option for both men and women, as it symbolizes purity. Whether you choose a tailored suit, dress shirt and tie or a white blouse with knee-length skirt or dress, the outfit should be well-fitting and not overly casual.
When putting together a burial ensemble, consider a person’s hobbies and interests. They may have a special jacket or sports jersey that holds sentimental value. For a woman, an outfit that includes their favorite jewelry or perfume can be a beautiful accent to their look.
Alternatively, you can also consider a person’s cultural background when deciding on burial clothes. If they have a specific heritage, incorporating traditional cultural clothing like a kimono or kilt could be a meaningful choice.