Author: Monika Dušková, KvětinyExpres.cz · Updated: October 2026
For a funeral, wear dark, discreet and well-kept clothes. Black, dark grey or navy blue are the safest choices, without bold patterns, glitter or plunging necklines. Black is no longer compulsory today: what matters is your relationship to the deceased, the family's wishes and the type of ceremony. This guide gives concrete advice for women, men and children, for summer and winter, and tells you what to do when the funeral notice asks for colours other than black.
Basic rules: what to wear to a funeral
- Dark colours: black, charcoal, dark grey or navy blue.
- Modest cut: covered shoulders and knees, no plunging necklines, sheer fabrics or short skirts.
- Neatness: clean, ironed and undamaged clothes and polished shoes.
- Nothing that draws attention: no large slogans, bold patterns, glitter or loud accessories.
- Comfort: you will stand and walk a lot at a funeral, and cemeteries are often cold or wet.
What to wear to a funeral: women
Classics are a black dress or a dark suit with a hemline around the knee and sleeves or a wrap over the shoulders. Dark trousers with a blouse or jumper and a blazer also work. Matte fabrics such as wool, cotton or jersey look more dignified than shiny ones. Choose dark or sheer-nude tights and closed, comfortable shoes, ideally with a low heel, because you will walk on gravel and grass. Keep jewellery to a minimum (for example pearls or a simple chain), the handbag discreet and your hair tidy.
What to wear to a funeral: men
The traditional choice is a dark suit (black, charcoal or navy), a white or light plain shirt and a dark plain tie. If you do not own a suit, dark trousers, a dark jacket and a light shirt are enough. Shoes should be dark, leather and polished, socks dark and long enough. Leave funny ties, patterned shirts, trainers and caps at home.
What children and teenagers should wear
Children do not have to wear black. Dark, simple and clean clothes without slogans or loud motifs are enough, with comfortable shoes and a coat or jacket in cold weather. Choose the outfit together with your child so they feel comfortable in it.
What to wear to a funeral in summer
Even in the heat, stay dark and discreet. Light dresses with sleeves, skirts below the knee or light trousers made of natural materials such as cotton, linen or viscose work well. Cover your shoulders during the ceremony with a light jacket or shawl. Men should wear a lighter suit or dark trousers and a long-sleeved light shirt, and have the jacket with them at least. Leave flip-flops and open sandals at home; closed shoes are more suitable.
What to wear in winter and for All Souls' Day
For a winter funeral or at the cemetery around All Souls' Day, dress in layers: a dark coat or jacket of a discreet cut, gloves, a scarf and warm closed shoes with non-slip soles. You stand outside for a long time and it is often warm inside, so clothes you can take off are worth it. Choose a dark, plain umbrella.
Shoes and accessories for a funeral
- Shoes: dark, closed, clean, without glitter and comfortable.
- Jewellery and bag: minimal jewellery, a simple handbag or briefcase.
- Umbrella and headwear: dark and plain; wear a hat or cap only because of cold or rain and take it off inside the ceremony hall.
Does it always have to be black? When there is an exception
No. Black is the traditional colour of mourning, but dark grey, navy blue and other muted colours are commonly accepted today. An exception is when the funeral notice or the family explicitly asks for colourful clothing, or when the deceased wished so. If you are unsure, ask someone from the family or choose a dark and discreet option in which you will not offend anyone.
Traditions change: how people dress for funerals elsewhere
The colour of mourning is not the same everywhere or at all times, and many customs changed only during the 19th and 20th centuries. An interesting example is Japan: in modern Japan, mourners attend funerals in black clothing. The traditional white colour now applies mainly to the deceased, who is dressed in a white funeral kimono (shinishōzoku or kyōkatabira). If you attend a funeral in another culture, ask someone from the family what is customary.
What not to wear to a funeral
- jeans, tracksuits, shorts, flip-flops and trainers,
- plunging necklines, miniskirts and open backs,
- bright neon colours, bold patterns and printed T-shirts,
- glittery and shiny materials and loud jewellery,
- all-white or very light clothing (a light shirt with a dark suit is fine).
Flowers and condolences: more than clothing
Clothing is only one part of the farewell. Flowers and words express the rest. Read which flower to choose for a funeral, how many flowers to give and what to write on a funeral ribbon. For a ceremony in Prague, see our overview of funeral ceremony venues and information about delivering flowers directly to the ceremony. Bouquets and wreaths are in the funeral bouquets and wreaths category.
Popular funeral bouquets
Mourning bouquet Chrysanthemum
1 025 Kč
Mourning bouquet We will not forget
2 275 Kč
Mourning Lilac bouquet to be placed
1 524 Kč
Our best-selling funeral wreaths
FAQ about funeral clothing
Does funeral clothing have to be black?
No. Black is the safest, but dark grey and navy blue are commonly accepted too. What matters is that the clothes are dark, discreet and neat.
Can I wear jeans to a funeral?
Better not. If you have nothing else, choose dark, clean and undamaged jeans, add a jacket or blouse and wear closed dark shoes.
What should I wear to a funeral in summer?
Light but dark and discreet clothing made of natural materials, covered shoulders during the ceremony and closed shoes. Leave flip-flops and revealing clothes at home.
What should a man wear to a funeral?
A dark suit, a white or light plain shirt, a dark tie and polished dark shoes. Without a suit jacket, dark trousers, a dark blazer and a light shirt will do.
What should children wear to a funeral?
Dark, simple and clean clothes without slogans, comfortable shoes and a coat or jacket in the cold. It does not have to be black.
Can I wear white to a funeral?
All-white clothing is not worn to a funeral. An exception is the explicit wish of the family or the deceased, usually stated in the funeral notice. A light shirt with a dark suit is fine.
Do you want to express condolences with flowers? Choose a funeral bouquet or wreath and order it online with delivery to the ceremony.
Team KvětinyExpres Monika Dušková
