Funeral Attire for Men: What to Wear to Look Respectful
For a funeral, wear a dark suit (black, charcoal or navy), a white dress shirt, a dark plain tie and polished black or dark brown dress shoes. The goal is to look respectful and blend in. If the family or the invitation asks for something different, such as bright colors for a celebration of life, follow their request.
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The traditional funeral outfit
| Piece | Wear | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Suit | Black, charcoal or navy, solid or very subtle pattern | Light colors, loud checks |
| Shirt | White, or a muted light color | Bright colors, bold prints, short sleeves |
| Tie | Black, navy, gray or a dark muted color | Novelty ties, bright patterns |
| Shoes | Polished black or dark brown oxfords or derbies | Sneakers, sandals, scuffed shoes |
| Extras | Dark socks, simple watch, plain belt | Flashy jewelry, pocket squares in bright colors |
If you don’t own a suit
You don’t need to buy a suit to be respectful. Dark trousers (charcoal, navy or black), a dark blazer or sweater, a white or muted collared shirt, a plain dark tie and clean dress shoes are appropriate at most services. Nobody notices what you wear at a funeral unless it stands out.
Get the shirt right
A plain white dress shirt with a point or spread collar is the safest choice. It should fit your neck with one finger of room under a tie and show a little cuff past your jacket sleeve. If you need a shirt quickly, find your numbers with the size calculator and the size chart so it fits the first time. Press it the night before; here’s how to iron a dress shirt, or choose a non-iron shirt.
See our white dress shirt guide for what to look for.
Different kinds of services
- Traditional funeral or religious service: full dark suit and tie.
- Graveside service: same as above, but think about the weather: a dark overcoat in winter, a lighter-weight suit in summer, and shoes that can handle grass.
- Memorial or celebration of life: often less formal. Dark trousers, a collared shirt and a blazer usually fit. Follow any guidance from the family.
- Visitation or wake: slightly less formal than the funeral itself. Business attire, like you’d wear to a job interview, is a good guide.
Customs vary across religions and cultures, including the colors that signal mourning. If you’re attending a service from a tradition you don’t know, it’s fine to ask the family or someone close to them.
Hot and cold weather
- Summer: a lightweight wool or cotton suit in navy or gray. You can remove the jacket afterward if others do.
- Winter: a dark wool overcoat, dark scarf and gloves. Keep it understated.
Need a shirt quickly? Find your collar and sleeve size so it fits the first time.
Quick answers
Do men have to wear a suit to a funeral?
A dark suit is the traditional choice, but it isn’t required everywhere. Dark trousers, a dark blazer, a collared shirt and dress shoes are respectful if you don’t own a suit.
Can I wear a navy suit to a funeral?
Yes. Navy and charcoal are as appropriate as black at most funerals.
What color shirt should I wear to a funeral?
White is the safest choice. Light blue or another very muted color is usually fine. Avoid bright colors and bold patterns.
Is it OK not to wear a tie to a funeral?
A tie is expected at most traditional services. At a casual memorial or a celebration of life, an open collar can be fine. If unsure, wear a dark, plain tie.
What should men not wear to a funeral?
Bright colors, loud patterns, jeans, sneakers, shorts, T-shirts and anything with logos or slogans, unless the family has asked for something different.
Related: White dress shirts · Semi-formal attire · Interview attire