Guides

Tie for a funeral: what is appropriate

A funeral calls for a black or very dark tie without shine. And what applies when no black one is to hand.

The rule is short

For a funeral you wear a black tie with a dark suit. Solid, no pattern, no shine. That remains the expectation in Switzerland and across German-speaking Europe.

The reason is practical rather than symbolic: at a funeral the guests’ clothing should not be a difference anyone notices. Uniformly dark achieves that most reliably.

When no black one is to hand

Charcoal and very dark grey are the accepted fallback. Very dark blue is not felt as a breach either, as long as it reads almost black.

What does not work: patterned ties, strong colours and glossy satin silk. A fine grid pattern in the same tone does not stand out in practice and is defensible when there is no alternative.

The knot

A small, plain knot is more appropriate than a large Windsor. The four-in-hand or the half Windsor are the right choice.

The tie is worn fully tied, not loosened — not even when it is warm.

Regional differences

In parts of southern and eastern Europe the black tie is expected less strictly; in Britain, more strictly. If you are unsure at a funeral abroad, black is never wrong.

For some denominations, and at services expressly intended as a farewell in colour, the family’s wishes apply. In such cases they are usually stated in the announcement.