What Clothes Should Someone Be Buried In?

Choosing what clothes someone should be buried in is a deeply personal decision guided by family traditions, religious requirements, and the loved one's personality. Generally, families select formal attire, religious garments like LDS temple clothing, or favorite outfits that reflect the individual's life while providing full coverage for a dignified appearance.

What Clothes Should Someone Be Buried In?

Deciding on the final attire for a loved one is one of the most tender tasks during the funeral planning process. In Provo and throughout Utah County, this choice is often a combination of tradition, religious significance, and personal legacy. There is no singular "right" answer; rather, the selection should represent the person’s life, their values, and how the family wishes to remember them. Many families find comfort in selecting an outfit that the deceased felt particularly confident in—perhaps a suit worn to a grandchild’s wedding or a dress they loved for Sunday services.

Historically, burial clothing was often a simple shroud, but modern customs have evolved into a wide spectrum of choices. Today, families often choose from:

• Formal business suits or elegant evening gowns
• Sunday best or church attire
• Casual clothing that represents a specific hobby or passion
• Military uniforms for veterans
• Sacred religious or ceremonial garments

At Berg Mortuary, we understand that these choices are significant. Whether you are following a strict cultural protocol or choosing something uniquely personal, our team is here to support your decision. If you are starting this process, you may want to plan ahead to ensure these specific wishes are documented and understood by your family members ahead of time.

The Role of Tradition and Faith in Burial Attire

In many cultures, the clothing chosen for the deceased is symbolic of their journey beyond this life or their standing within their community. In Utah County, faith often plays a central role in these decisions. Traditional burial attire typically leans toward the formal, signaling respect for the gravity of the occasion and the dignity of the person being honored. This formality provides a sense of continuity and reverence during the viewing and the funeral service.

However, we are seeing a shift toward more personalized options. Some families choose to bury their loved ones in clothing that reflects a lifelong passion—such as a favorite sports jersey, a scouting uniform, or even a beloved denim jacket. These choices can make the viewing feel more intimate and reflective of the person’s actual daily life. While tradition provides a helpful framework, the most important factor is the peace of mind it brings to the grieving family. If you are unsure about the options available, reviewing our service offerings can provide a clearer picture of how we accommodate diverse requests.

Can I Choose Ceremonial LDS Temple Clothing?

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the choice of burial clothing often involves sacred ceremonial attire. If the deceased was an endowed member of the Church, they are typically buried in their temple clothing. This is a deeply significant practice that reflects the person’s covenants and their faith in the afterlife. The clothing is distinct from everyday Sunday dress and includes specific robes, sashes, and other items that hold great spiritual meaning.

When a family chooses temple clothing, the mortuary staff works closely with the family or designated church members to ensure the clothing is placed correctly and with the utmost respect. If the family is unable to provide the clothing or is unsure of the requirements, we often suggest consulting with local leadership or visiting our Bishop's Resources page for more guidance. In cases where the deceased was not endowed or if the family chooses otherwise, a simple white suit or dress is also a common and beautiful choice within the LDS community, symbolizing purity and light.

Important Aesthetic Considerations for a Dignified Farewell

While the style of the clothing is a primary concern, there are several practical and aesthetic considerations that can help ensure your loved one looks their best. Funeral directors often recommend clothing that provides significant coverage. Specifically, outfits that cover the body to the wrists and the ankles are highly recommended. This is not just a matter of modesty; it is also a practical consideration for the presentation of the body.

Over time, natural changes in the skin can occur after death. Clothing that covers the arms and legs helps to minimize the visibility of any discoloration or changes in skin tone that might be distracting during an open-casket viewing. High necklines are also often preferred for the same reason. When selecting an outfit, consider fabrics that hold their shape well, such as wool blends, heavy silks, or structured cottons. These materials drape more naturally and look more composed within the setting of a casket.

Why Is Full-Coverage Clothing Recommended for Funerals?

Choosing long sleeves and high necklines serves a vital role in the "memory picture" created during a viewing. The goal of the funeral director is to present the loved one in a way that looks peaceful and natural. Because the hands and face are usually the only areas of skin visible, providing clothing that covers the rest of the body allows the focus to remain on the person's features rather than the physical realities of the body's transition.

Furthermore, clothing that is too tight or made of very thin, sheer material can be difficult to fit properly. As we prepare the deceased, we want to ensure the clothing sits naturally. If you have questions about a specific garment, you can always refer to our pre-planning checklist or speak directly with one of our staff members. We can advise you on whether a particular piece of clothing will work well for the viewing or if a different selection might be more appropriate for achieving a dignified appearance.

Should You Include Shoes and Undergarments?

A question we often receive is whether the deceased should be wearing undergarments and shoes. The answer is almost always yes. Providing a full set of clothing—including undergarments, socks or hosiery, and shoes—is part of treating the loved one with total dignity. It completes the outfit and ensures that they are fully dressed, just as they would have been in life. Even though the lower half of the body may not be visible in a half-couch casket (where only the top half is open), knowing that the loved one is fully and respectfully dressed provides a sense of closure for the family.

Shoes are a personal choice. Some families choose to include the person's favorite pair of shoes, while others prefer simple slippers or choose to omit shoes entirely if the casket will remain closed from the waist down. However, having shoes can help the clothing sit correctly and provide a more natural silhouette. If you are concerned about the cost or the environmental impact, there are many options available, and we can discuss how to balance these practical needs with your personal values.

How to Coordinate with Your Funeral Director

Communication is the most important part of the clothing selection process. Once you have chosen an outfit, simply bring it to the mortuary. You do not need to worry about dressing the loved one yourself; our professional staff is trained to handle this with care and expertise. If there are specific ways the clothing should be worn—such as a certain way a scarf should be tied or a specific pin that should be placed on a lapel—please let us know.

We also recommend bringing the clothing in as early as possible. This gives us time to ensure everything fits correctly and to reach out to you if any adjustments are needed. If the deceased's weight changed significantly toward the end of their life, some items may need to be pinned or adjusted, which we handle discreetly. For more information on what to do in the immediate aftermath of a loss, please visit our page on when a death occurs .

Summary: Honoring Your Loved One Through Choice

Choosing burial clothing is a final act of service for your loved one, allowing you to honor their identity and beliefs one last time. Whether you opt for traditional formal wear, sacred ceremonial garments, or a favorite personal outfit, the goal is to create a dignified and peaceful memory. By considering practical factors like coverage and fabric, you ensure the most respectful presentation possible.

• Prioritize comfort and identity: Choose an outfit that reflects who they were.
• Consider religious needs: LDS families may choose sacred temple clothing.
• Think about coverage: Long sleeves and high necks help maintain a natural appearance.
• Include the basics: Don't forget undergarments and, if desired, shoes.
• Communicate clearly: Talk to your funeral director about specific placements or accessories.

If you have further questions or need assistance with funeral arrangements in Provo, Orem, or Springville, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are here to help you navigate these choices with compassion and professionalism.