Funeral Dress Shirt: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Wearing One

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences we face in life. During this time of grief, it's important to make decisions that are both respectful and meaningful. One of these decisions is what to wear to the funeral.

For men, a funeral dress shirt is a classic and appropriate choice. It's a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, depending on the formality of the event. In this guide, we'll provide you with everything you need to know about funeral dress shirts, including how to choose the right one, what to wear it with, and how to care for it.

Choosing the Right Funeral Dress Shirt

When choosing a funeral dress shirt, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Formality: The formality of the funeral will dictate the type of dress shirt you should wear. For a formal funeral, a white dress shirt is the best choice. For a less formal funeral, you can choose a colored dress shirt, such as light blue or gray.
• Fit: The dress shirt should fit you well, without being too tight or too loose. You should be able to move around comfortably in it, and it should not restrict your movement.
• Collar: The collar of the dress shirt should be appropriate for the formality of the event. For a formal funeral, a white spread collar is the best choice. For a less formal funeral, you can choose a button-down collar or a wing collar.
• Cuffs: The cuffs of the dress shirt should be either French cuffs or barrel cuffs. French cuffs are more formal, while barrel cuffs are less formal.
• Material: The dress shirt should be made from a high-quality material, such as cotton or linen. These materials are breathable and comfortable to wear, and they will help you stay cool and fresh during the funeral.

What to Wear with a Funeral Dress Shirt

A funeral dress shirt can be worn with a variety of different outfits. Here are a few ideas:

• Suit: A suit is the most formal outfit you can wear to a funeral. A dark-colored suit, such as black or navy, is the best choice. Pair your suit with a white dress shirt, a tie, and dress shoes.
• Slacks and a jacket: If you don't want to wear a suit, you can wear slacks and a jacket. Choose dark-colored slacks, such as black or navy, and a jacket that matches the color of your slacks. Pair your slacks and jacket with a dress shirt, a tie, and dress shoes.
• Chinos and a dress shirt: Chinos are a less formal option than slacks, but they are still appropriate for a funeral. Choose dark-colored chinos, such as black or navy, and pair them with a dress shirt and dress shoes.

How to Care for a Funeral Dress Shirt

A funeral dress shirt is a valuable investment, so it's important to care for it properly. Here are a few tips:

• Machine wash: You can machine wash a funeral dress shirt on a gentle cycle with cold water. Be sure to use a mild detergent and avoid using bleach.
• Hang dry: Once the dress shirt has been washed, hang it to dry. Do not put it in the dryer, as this can damage the fabric.
• Iron: Once the dress shirt is dry, iron it on a low setting. Be sure to use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric.

Conclusion

A funeral dress shirt is a classic and appropriate choice for a funeral. By following the tips in this guide, you can choose the right dress shirt and wear it with confidence. With proper care, your funeral dress shirt will last for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions about funeral dress shirts:

• What is the best color for a funeral dress shirt? White is the best color for a funeral dress shirt. It is a classic and respectful color that is appropriate for any type of funeral.
• Can I wear a colored dress shirt to a funeral? Yes, you can wear a colored dress shirt to a funeral, but it is important to choose a color that is appropriate for the formality of the event. For a formal funeral, a light blue or gray dress shirt is a good choice. For a less formal funeral, you can choose a darker color, such as black or navy.
• What type of collar should I wear on a funeral dress shirt? For a formal funeral, a white spread collar is the best choice. For a less formal funeral, you can choose a button-down collar or a wing collar.
• What type of cuffs should I wear on a funeral dress shirt? The cuffs of the dress shirt should be either French cuffs or barrel cuffs. French cuffs are more formal, while barrel cuffs are less formal.
• How do I care for a funeral dress shirt? You can machine wash a funeral dress shirt on a gentle cycle with cold water. Be sure to use a mild detergent and avoid using bleach. Once the dress shirt has been washed, hang it to dry. Do not put it in the dryer, as this can damage the fabric. Once the dress shirt is dry, iron it on a low setting. Be sure to use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric.

Additional Resources

Here are a few additional resources that you may find helpful:

• Real Men Real Style: Funeral Dress Code for Men
• Esquire: The Funeral Dress Code
• GQ: How to Dress for a Funeral