What to wear to a funeral in the summer

Deciding what to wear to a funeral in the summer can be difficult! Especially when it can be 30°C or 86°F outside you want to find something that is going to keep you cool but also modest!

We have put together the perfect guide!

Funeral ceremonies can last anywhere between 30-90 minutes and if you are in a small space with a hundred other people or standing in direct sunlight at the graveside you are going to start overheating pretty quickly!

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In this post we will talk about all of the options you could wear to a funeral to make sure you are looking smart, staying respectful but also comfortable!

Table Of Contents

This article aims to give you some inspiration on what to wear to a funeral during the summer. If you would like to skip to a specific section you can use the table of contents below.

Why is picking the right outfit so important for a summer funeral?
Why cotton is your best friend during summer
How to choose the right dress for a summer funeral
Outfit choices that are not dresses for women
The types of trousers you can wear to a funeral
The types of tops you can wear at a funeral
What shoes can I wear to a funeral during the summer?
What jewellery should you wear at a funeral?

Why is picking the right outfit so important for a funeral?

Even if it is 30°C / 86°F outside it is still important to choose modest funeral outfit. Choosing the right funeral attire ensures you are paying respect to the deceased and to the deceased’s family. A funeral is never the place to wear a mini skirt, vest top or shorts, no matter how hot it is outside!

When it comes to picking an outfit for a funeral, you want to make sure the neckline and length is appropriate. Try to avoid dresses or skirts that sit above the knee and also try to avoid dresses or tops that have a dramatic plunge.

Although long sleeves for the majority of funerals is not a requirement, choosing a cap sleeve or a t-shirt sleeve instead of a completely sleeveless dress or top would be a better choice to maintain modesty and respect for the day.

Anything sheer should be considered a no no. If you have an outfit in mind, make sure you cannot see your underwear through it. Also consider the type of material you are going to wear. Some materials will make you sweat more than others such as Nylon or Polyester vs Cotton. This can lead to sweat patches or create sheerness in areas you may not want!

Why cotton is your best friend on a hot day

A long black cotton dress would be the perfect choice for a funeral during the summer. Cotton is known for its natural fibres and ability to cool you down even on some of the most humid days. Here are a few benefits of why choosing cotton over any other material is a good choice for a funeral outfit during the summer:

• Breathability: Cotton is a highly breathable fabric, meaning it allows air to circulate freely through the fibers. This airflow helps to keep moisture away from the body, allowing sweat to evaporate quickly and effectively, which in turn helps to cool the body down quickly.
• Absorbency: Cotton has natural absorbent properties, meaning it can absorb moisture (such as sweat). This absorption helps to keep the skin dry and comfortable, reducing the sensation of heat and stickiness.
• Softness and Comfort: Cotton is soft and comfortable against the skin. Wearing breathable, lightweight cotton clothing can help you feel more comfortable in hot and humid conditions, as it allows for better airflow and reduces the risk of overheating. If you are standing or sitting for prolonged periods during a funeral, cotton will also make sure you are feeling comfortable.
• Natural Fiber: Cotton is a natural fiber derived from the cotton plant, and it is less likely to trap heat compared to synthetic fabrics. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon can be less breathable and may trap heat and moisture against the skin, leading to discomfort in hot weather.

Choosing the right dress for a summer funeral

A dress is the perfect piece of clothing to wear to a summer funeral. A summer dress at a funeral should be smart and modest. Try to avoid dresses that are backlessHowever, here are some things to consider…

Length of woman’s dress or skirt for a funeral

For most modern funerals, the length of a dress should ideally be 1-2 inches below the knee to maintain modesty. It’s important to consider how the dress fits when you sit down. If, when standing, your dress is below the knee but when you sit down your dress comes a few inches above your knee exposing a lot of leg, this may not be the dress for a funeral.

If you are attending a funeral where religious or cultural appropriation is necessary then it is best to consider a dress or skirt that is ankle or floor length. Take a look at our post on what to wear to a Muslim funeral.

Style of the dress to wear at a funeral

When choosing a style of dress for a funeral try to avoid anything that is very tight fitting. Tight fitting dresses, such as dresses you may wear to a club or a party, would not be considered appropriate for a funeral. Dresses that are slightly loose fitting and with a flow won’t just be a better pick for a funeral but they will also help to keep you cool as they will allow for airflow and breathability.

Try to pick a dress that is plain and not overstated. Avoid a dress with a lot of bling or bright and bold patterns. A funeral is not a place to draw attention. Therefore, understated will work best.

Sleeves on a summer funeral dress

For most modern funerals you will not need long sleeves for a funeral. However, a completely sleeveless dress should be avoided. Cap sleeves, 3/4 sleeves or t-shirt style sleeves would be a better choice to maintain modesty.

Cap sleeves are a great option for summer funeral outfits as they keep the sun off your shoulders, maintain airflow as they are loose fitted and maintain modesty.

If you are attending a Hindu or Muslim funeral or another funeral where you may need to wear something appropriate for the culture and etiquette of the funeral then a long sleeve option may be necessary. It is important to either ask the family of the deceased or research the type of funeral you are going to before attending.

Colour of a funeral dress for women

Often the funeral notice or invitation will often state what they would like people to wear. In some modern or humanist funerals the family of the deceased may want you to wear bright and celebratory colours to celebrate the life of the deceased. In traditional or religious funerals black may be requested as the only colour you should wear.

If in doubt, choose dark, neutral, colours for your funeral outfit. Black is a funeral favourite, however navy, dark purple or beige may also be OK.

Outfit choices for women to wear to a summer funeral that are not dresses

If dresses are not your style then trousers and a top are perfect for a summer funeral. A nice pant suit or even a one piece can work well for a modern summer funeral. In this section we will discuss all of the options that would be acceptable to wear at a funeral.

What trousers to wear to a funeral during the summer

When choosing trousers to wear to a summer funeral, try to choose trousers that are loose fitting and smart. Pick trousers that are modest and plain and try to avoid any bling, overstated patterns, rips or high levels of embroidery.

Can I wear jeans to a funeral?

Jeans are not necessarily a no for funerals it would just depend on the style and fit of the denim. Skinny jeans may be considered too casual for a funeral but may also be considered too tight, especially if you pair it with a tight fitted top. Similarly, ripped jeans that have holes either on the front or the back could be taken as disrespectful. It is important to maintain modesty and respect for the day, so avoid anything you might wear to a party or out for dinner with the girls.

Can I wear suit trousers at a funeral?

Suit trousers can be a great option for women attending a funeral during the summer as they are both respectful and smart. Pairing your suit pants with a blazer or smart shirt can offer a highly modest and respectful look.

Can I wear culottes to a funeral?

Culottes can be a great choice as they are smart, loose fitted and would allow for airflow which would help cool you down on hotter days if attending a funeral during the summer. 3/4 length culottes are also perfect and again would help with airflow while maintaining a smart and modest look.

Can I wear shorts at a funeral?

Wearing shorts at a funeral, especially short shorts, can be seen as very disrespectful. Even if the funeral you are attending may be a celebration of life or you may be attending a modern or humanist style funeral it is still better to avoid shorts. If you are attending a traditional funeral in a church or a holy place then shorts might mean you are refused entry.

What style of top can I wear to a funeral during the summer?

Wearing a nice top to a funeral is perfectly acceptable as long as they are modest and respectful. Tops such as shirts, 3/4 sleeve tops and even some t-shirts will be fine to wear to a funeral. Try to avoid anything that is sheer (where you can see your bra), that has a deep plunge or a vest.

Wearing a women’s shirt or blouse to a funeral during the summer

Yes! It is completely fine to wear a shirt or blouse to a funeral. Just make sure you have buttoned up the shirt so you are not revealing too much. Pick a shirt or blouse with plain neutral colours that will work best.

Try to avoid shirts with a lot of embellishments or rips. To remain modest you should also try to avoid shirts or blouses that are sheer (where you can see your bra underneath). If you want to wear a sheer shirt or blouse then it would be better to find a slip vest to wear underneath.

P.S The exception to wearing embellishment at a funeral is if you are going to a funeral for a cowboy, a Texan ranch style funeral or where it is culturally appropriate. In this case, embellishments may be ok, however if you are unsure it is always best to check with family and friends.

Wearing a t-shirt to a funeral during the summer

Wearing a t-shirt to a funeral is fine. Cotton t-shirts can be a great option for a funeral as they will help to keep you cool! Try to avoid anything that is overly casual. T-shirts with higher necklines would work best to maintain modesty and respect for the funeral.

Wearing a vest to a funeral during the summer

It is best to avoid anything that does not cover the shoulders for a funeral. If you are attending a traditional funeral or a funeral that has certain cultural rules then it is best to avoid vest tops completely. In many religious venues it is expected that shoulders are covered, especially for women. It is a sign of respect not only to the deceased and their family but also the religion.

In some religions, such as Islamic religions, women will have to cover both their heads and their shoulders. So turning up to a funeral with exposed shoulders may mean you will not be allowed into the holy place.

What shoes can I wear to a funeral during the summer?

You can wear lots of different types of shoes to a funeral during the summer. Smart sandals, high heels, kitten heels, wedges and open toe and closed toe are all fine. Some shoes you should try to avoid are your beat up trainers or converse, shoes you cannot walk in or loud and squeaky shoes.

Can I wear sandals to a funeral?

Yes, it is acceptable to wear sandals to a funeral. Sandals are a great option to wear to a funeral during the summer as they will help cool you down. Pairing your sandals with trousers or a dress will also work well.

When choosing a sandal to wear to a funeral, try to pick ones that are in muted colours. So whites, blacks, beiges, muted silvers and golds are all fine. Try to avoid wearing sandals that are neon in colour or very bright. Examples of these colours could be hot pinks, neon yellows or vibrant greens.

If wearing sandals – avoid the sock sandal combo! This is too casual and will not work for a funeral.

Can I wear trainers or converse to a funeral?

This will depend on the type of trainer or the type of converse. If they are clean and keep your outfit looking smart then they should be fine. However, scuffed up or dirty trainers should be avoided. The trainers you would also wear running or to the gym would be best staying at home.

If you want to wear a trainer or a converse try to pick something that is respectful to the event. It is also important to stick with muted tones with little to no pattern. Some trainers can come in bright pinks or yellows but it is better to stay with a white or black trainer if you are going to wear one.

Can I wear high-heels to a funeral?

Yes, you can wear high-heels to a funeral. The important thing is that you can walk in your heels and they are comfortable. Some funerals will also have the burial on the same day. Keep in mind that you may have to walk across gravel or grass to get to the graveside. So it is important to ask yourself, will your high-heel allow you to do that?

Funerals also consist of a lot of standing so if you are choosing a heel to wear make sure it is one you feel comfortable standing in for prolonged periods of time.

Finally, noisy heels that make a lot of clicking when walking may be best to avoid. A funeral is obviously a very sad and mournful time so wearing a shoe that echoes around the church or venue the funeral is being held in may not be the best idea. It is best to not draw attention to yourself!

Can I wear jewellery to a funeral?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to wear jewellery to a funeral. In fact, jewellery can help elevate an outfit, make it look smarter and more respectful.

When accessorising your outfit, try to pick jewellery that is understated. Simple chains and rings work best. Try to avoid anything overstated that would draw attention to you rather than the deceased and their family.

Picking an outfit for a funeral during the summer

We hope this guide has helped you decide on the perfect funeral attire to wear to a funeral during the summer months! If you have any questions or need any help drop us a comment below or send us an email!