We have noticed you are using an older version internet browser. To gain the best experience from our site we recommend upgrading your internet browser.
What to wear for a summer funeral
Choosing an appropriate outfit for a summer funeral can be challenging. Although funerals are no longer strictly black tie occasions, selecting an outfit that is respectful, comfortable and weather appropriate during the summer months requires some thought.
In this blog, we provide advice for
both men and women on what to wear to a summer funeral.
How to dress for a funeral in the summer
Despite having a little more freedom when it comes to choosing a funeral outfit nowadays, even in the heat of summer, funerals tend to be formal affairs that require a certain level of decorum. Your attire needs to be respectful and must fit in with the environment of the occasion. This may be inside a place of worship, outside, beside a grave, or at a non-religious memorial service. However, at the same time, when attending the funeral of a friend or loved one, the last thing you want to worry about is feeling too hot or even sweating profusely. To ensure you strike the right balance between comfort and respect, below we provide summer funeral outfit advice.
For women
Even during the summer months, the weather in the UK is very unpredictable. For this reason, it’s important to dress for any eventuality. Opting for base items made from lightweight fabrics such as linen or cotton, combined with warmer removable items such as cardigans, scarves and shawls, can be a good idea. For example, a formal linen trouser suit combined with a warm pashmina or shawl, or a cotton skirt and blouse paired with a removable cardigan, could be suitable and highly versatile options.
You need to give colour some
careful thought too. It is a misconception that black is the only colour
appropriate for funerals and memorial services. In fact, this is not always the
case. While it is obviously better to avoid bright colours and patterns -
unless specifically instructed by the funeral’s organiser - opting for
non-black items can help you stay cool. With this in mind, outfits made up of
items of navy blue, dark green, grey and other muted colours can also be
appropriate.
Finally, while hats or head scarves
are often worn out of respect at funerals, if a service is taking place outside
in warm conditions, thought must be given to the most appropriate headwear.
Items such as pillbox hats or fascinators made from lightweight and breathable
materials could be the best option. Heavy Angelina hats and wide-brim Kentucky
Derby hats should be avoided.
For men
While suits are almost always the required funeral dress code for men, there are ways to make these formal outfits more suitable for higher summer temperatures. Jackets or blazers may be best left at home if conditions are particularly hot, for example. Similarly, opting not to wear a tie and instead wearing a smart open-collared dress shirt is also a good way of staying cool while looking smart.Men also need to take the
environment into serious consideration when choosing an outfit for a summer
funeral. For example, if you know the funeral is going to include an outdoor
service, you may need to come prepared for the heat and sun. This means
avoiding heavy materials is key. Finding formalwear made from lighter materials
may be tougher for men than for women. However, ironed linen or cotton suits
could prove a good option.
When it comes to colours, muted shades such as black, navy blue, grey and brown, are recommended. Formalwear in these colours is not only respectful, they also helps to mask any unsightly sweat stains should the environment be particularly warm.
What shoes to wear to a summer funeral
Regardless of temperature, both men and women should typically opt for formal shoes for funerals. It goes without saying that trainers, sandals and flip flops should not be worn. Similarly, while women may choose to wear appropriate open-toed sandals, men should completely avoid open-toed shoes.Once again, paying attention to the
funeral setting before making a footwear decision is key. If, for example, the
service is taking place outdoors and you know there may be a lot of walking
involved, women should steer clear of heels. New shoes that have not yet been
broken in should also be avoided. For this reason, items such as traditional ladies’ loafers or plain ballet
flats may be the most sensible choice for women. Similarly, men should opt for comfortable dress shoes. Models such as
derbys, wingtips, loafers or oxfords are all solid choices as these shoes are
smart, respectful and typically available in black or brown.
See our privacy policy to understand how we process your data to send you marketing emails
Copyright © 2024 Chums
PayPal Representative Example:
Representative 23.9% APR (variable) Purchase interest rate 23.9% p.a. (variable) Assumed Credit limit £1,200.
PayPal Credit and PayPal Pay in 3 are trading names of PayPal UK Ltd, Whittaker House, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond-Upon-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom, TW9 1EH. Terms and conditions apply. Credit subject to status, UK residents only, Chums Ltd acts as a broker and offers finance from a restricted range of finance providers. PayPal Pay in 3 is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Pay in 3 eligibility is subject to status and approval. 18+. UK residents only. Pay in 3 is a form of credit. Check if affordable and how you will repay. May make other borrowing more difficult or expensive. See product terms for more details
