Can you wear jeans to a funeral? Yes. And also, no. So what is the correct answer? You can wear crisp, new jeans to a funeral. Pair them with dark shoes, a white shirt, and a sports jacket for a clean and sophisticated look. But don’t wear ripped or faded jeans, since they aren’t appropriate.
When Are Jeans Okay To Wear To A Funeral?
Funerals are serious and sad events. Standard etiquette says to wear dark and modest clothing. However, jeans are okay to wear under certain conditions. Today, we’ll look at when you can wear jeans to a funeral. And how to style them for an understated style.
Can You Wear Black Jeans To A Funeral?
Black jeans are the best choice for funerals if you don’t own dark slacks. Pair them with a white shirt and a sports jacket for a casual yet respectful ensemble. Don’t forget to wear dark socks and shoes to complete your look.
Wear a tie or opt for a scarf in cooler weather. Either option dresses up your outfit and helps you pay respects to the deceased.
Funeral clothing aims to keep the attention off yourself and directed towards the deceased and their family. So you need not spend a fortune on a funeral outfit, but you still want to dress respectfully.
Related: Can You Wear Red To A Funeral?
Can You Wear Blue Jeans To A Funeral?
Again, if you don’t own dark slacks and can’t afford to buy a pair, then comfortably wear dark blue jeans to a funeral. Avoid lighter blue jeans and by all means, stay away from faded jeans. They are not generally appropriate funeral attire.
Lighter jeans are okay if you’re attending a Memorial Service or Celebration of Life where the family has requested casual wear. But for a more formal funeral, stick to darker blue jeans.
Wash and iron clothing when appropriate for the most put-together funeral style. Even if you can’t afford a suit, dark blue jeans and a crisp button-up shirt still look nice. The options in the images below show that you can still look respectful wearing jeans and a jacket.
Of course, darker clothing is usually preferred for funerals, but sometimes you need to wear what you already own. You will honor the deceased and pay respects to the family by your mere presence. So don’t stay home because you think you have to wear black.
Related: Why Do People Wear Black To Funerals?
Can You Wear Ripped Jeans To A Funeral?
Ripped jeans are never appropriate to wear to a funeral. I could probably type that sentence ten times for emphasis. My 18-year-old grandson recently attended his first funeral for a peer. His friend died in a car crash, leaving a lot of sorrow, as you can imagine.
Some young people attended the funeral service straight from high school. They wore ripped jeans and t-shirts. My grandson said the large turnout showed support for the grieving family. But he was furious that some people chose not to dress appropriately.
His disdain for these poorly dressed young people surprised me. I cautioned him to show acceptance since we don’t know their financial circumstances. But it didn’t matter because he said they could have at least worn dark jeans and nice shirts.
So, I’ll repeat that ripped jeans are never appropriate to wear to a funeral. Even a teenager agrees with me on this one.
Can You Wear Jeans To A Catholic Funeral?
A Catholic Funeral Mass is one of the most traditional services for mourners. So, if you don’t own black or dark slacks, then I suggest trying to borrow a pair. An alternative is to shop at a thrift store for a lower-cost suit or slacks.
For example, you can purchase a used suit for about $40 at a local Goodwill. A used pair of black slacks cost around $10. So even if money is tight, I suggest you try to find an alternative to wearing jeans to a Catholic funeral.
Some Outfit Ideas With Jeans
Pair dark jeans with a tan jacket if that’s what you have in your closet. It looks clean and stylish, and the family will appreciate your effort.
Dark or black jeans with a gray jacket look great for wearing to funerals. With or without the tie, you will look pulled together and respectful.
Here are two examples of jeans and jackets without a tie. The dark button-up shirt still has a dressy edge. And the sweater over a white shirt combination is ideal for cold weather.
While a button-up shirt creates a dressier tone, you can get away with a newer dark T-shirt when it’s your only option. Iron it, if possible, for a crisp look. And you can see that the black button-up shirt with black jeans makes a great ensemble. If possible, opt for a black belt rather than a white one.
What Not To Wear To A Funeral
Besides ripped jeans, avoid wearing T-shirts to a funeral. Wear dark, modest clothing rather than bright colors or flashy outfits. In addition, avoid tennis shoes unless you have no other choice. Dark athletic shoes are preferable to white or colorful ones.
Opt for clean and ironed clothes over wrinkled and smelly clothes. Think about clothing you wear to an office as a guideline for funeral clothing. If your outfit works for a business setting, it likely works for a funeral.
Conclusion
Funerals don’t always happen at the best time financially, so you may be limited in spending options for clothing. The main point is to dress in a modest way that doesn’t draw attention away from the deceased.
Clean, pressed clothing looks respectable even when you don’t have a big budget. It’s okay to wear dark blue or black jeans to a funeral when you pair them with the right accessories. So put your best foot forward and hold your head high.
