Choosing and making the proper burial attire for your loved one is a very personal process. There are many different options available: from a simple, wrapped shroud to multi-piece religious garments, from handmade tatting to silk, from plain shrouds you can add art to, and from your own grandpa’s shirts to something made out of recycled fabrics and ribbons.
Whatever your choice may be, you can feel confident that it will bring a sense of comfort and respect to the deceased. In addition, the use of burial gowns has been shown to be beneficial for the grieving family members.
There are a number of places to purchase or make your own burial clothes, including funeral homes. The staff at these establishments offer a great deal of expertise in handling end-of-life arrangements and can guide you through your options. They are also likely to have a good idea of what has been traditionally worn by their clientele.
Another source for clothing is the deceased’s closet. If your loved one has specific requests or prefers a particular outfit to be their burial attire, you can often find what they want in the closet, such as a favorite suit or a dress that they liked wearing for special occasions.
Many people choose to embellish their burial apparel with things that are meaningful to the deceased, such as a piece of their favorite jewelry or a teddy bear. These elements aren’t necessarily appropriate for everyone, so consult your local funeral directors if you have any questions about what can or cannot be worn for the burial service.
Some items are not suited for a person who is being buried in a casket, and it’s best to avoid them in case you run into any complications with your choice. For example, you’ll need to consider whether the person who is being buried will have their arms raised for viewing or lowered into the casket, and a shirt with sleeves that won’t fit the body properly will be problematic.
Those who are being buried in a green burial will often wear an eco-friendly, natural shroud made out of cotton or linen. The simplicity and biodegradability of this type of burial garment makes it a popular choice among those who want to honor their deceased loved ones while protecting the environment.
If you have an old wedding dress that no longer serves its original purpose, there are several organizations that accept donations of bridal gowns for the purposes of making angel gowns and burial shrouds. For example, The Emma and Evan Foundation uses donated wedding dresses to create burial gowns for infants who have died. These garments are gifted to grieving families as a lasting tribute and a reminder of their loved one’s life. The organization provides details for mailing or dropping off your donation.