Can You Wear Jeans to a Funeral?

We hope this guide helps answer this question and more about dressing to honor the deceased.

Can you wear jeans to a funeral? The most common answer is that jeans aren’t considered appropriate funeral etiquette unless requested by the family. However, dark, unembellished jeans paired with a shirt, tie, and blazer for men or a blouse and a blazer for women can be appropriate for a casual service.

Here are some general tips when deciding what to wear to the service:

• While you don’t have to wear black, you should choose darker, subdued colors. Black and dark colors (gray, navy blue) symbolize mourning and allow the attention to stay on the decedent and the life he or she led.
• Dress modestly. Bare shoulders, midriffs, and backs – and very short skirts – are generally not appropriate at a funeral and may be seen as offensive by the family in mourning.
• Avoid glittery, loud, or flashy clothes with bright prints.
• When choosing a shoe, choose something that will be both comfortable and functional in the church and at the burial site. Choose something comfortable as you can expect to spend much of your time standing and walking.
• Honor the family’s wishes. Sometimes families will request that everyone wear jeans to the funeral of a casual decedent or ask that everyone wear the decedent’s favorite color (or just bright colors) to celebrate their life and come together in a positive way.

Honoring the life of the decedent and showing your support for their family is the most important aspect of funeral attendance. Never forego attending the service of somebody you love because you don’t have a dark suit or dress; simply choose something subdued and attend anyway. It’s rarely necessary to purchase something new for a service as the range of acceptable attire is broad.

For other questions about funeral etiquette or for help determining how to celebrate the life of a loved one, visit us at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery today. Our team is standing by.