With the world population continuing to grow exponentially, many major cities face a unique crisis: Running out of room for traditional burials. Houston Landing reports that the city of Houston may not have enough burial space within the next 50 years.
Due to this and a variety of other factors, cremation is steadily gaining popularity. What used to be an uncommon burial method has only grown over the years, as more options become available for human ashes scattering and cremation keepsakes.
If you’re getting ready to bury a loved one, you may be wondering, “Are people cremated with clothes on? Generally, yes. In this article, we will delve into considerations for cremation clothing, ideal clothing materials, and other cremation concerns.
Unless the deceased specifically requests it, people are more often than not cremated with some form of clothes or covering. The type of cremation clothing varies depending on many factors, including:
For religious practices such as Hinduism, cremation is the primary method of burial. As such, the deceased wears the color white, which symbolizes purity. Western practices, like evangelical Christianity, may simply require more modest attire, reflecting clothing choices made in life.
Some religious practices avoid certain colors. In Buddhism, the color red is typically not appropriate for funerals, both for the deceased and guests.
Dressing a loved one may also be significant to one’s religion or culture. If you would like to participate in this process, consult with the funeral home to ensure you follow appropriate guidelines.
If the deceased is not religious, their family may still want to designate cremation clothing. Often, the type of clothing is significant to the person who has passed away. It could include:
The deceased may have arranged their cremation preferences ahead of time. If they have a will or last testament, be sure to read it and see if there are instructions regarding their final wishes. They can be as general as simply wanting cremation, to specifically requesting certain clothing and items.
A prepaid cremation package may also include mementos such as:
Even if you do not agree, it’s vital to honor your loved one’s wishes and fulfill them if possible.
When you meet with the funeral home, ask if they have any restrictions on cremation clothing. They may not allow certain materials or offensive attire. If dressing your loved one is important to you, discuss this with the staff. It may be available for an additional charge.
Although cremation clothing policies can be very flexible, they also have some limitations. Clothing material can be hazardous when burned at high temperatures, so it’s important to consider the material of your loved one’s garments before making the choice.
Natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, work best for cremation. They are easily combustible and will not emit strong fumes or chemicals during the cremation process. If your loved one was eco-conscious, consider materials that are biodegradable.
Avoid synthetic materials, such as:
Although these materials are often cheaper and more versatile, they can cause complications. The funeral home may disallow them outright due to the risk of harmful fumes and chemicals.
Before deciding on clothing or purchasing a new outfit for the deceased, ask the funeral home which materials they allow and which to avoid. You’ll save time and money while still honoring your loved one.
As with any burial process, cremation comes with a host of concerns and questions, especially regarding clothing. Here are some common questions you may want to ask.
In rare cases, there may be no clothes available for the deceased. They may be an unhoused individual, or the manner of their death may have ruined the clothes they were wearing. Sometimes, family or loved ones are unavailable or untraceable.
Funeral homes will often provide basic clothing in these cases, or a basic funeral shroud. At funeral homes such as Lone Star Cremation, it is important to treat every person with dignity and respect.
Direct cremation is the simplest and often most affordable form of cremation. It means that the body is cremated shortly after death, and there is no:
Often, those who are directly cremated usually go through the cremation process in the clothes they were wearing at the time of death. Direct cremation is also a more environmentally-friendly option; no additional material is required for caskets, and embalming fluids usually are not necessary.
Your loved one may wish to be cremated with items or clothing that were important to them. For clothing, it should be permissible as long as it follows the general guidelines of the funeral home.
Jewelry can be tricky. Precious metals generally have a high melting point, meaning they will likely survive the cremation process. However, your funeral home might require the removal of jewelry before the cremation begins.
Smaller items made of organic materials are ideal for creating with the deceased. Large items, or items made of metal, are usually not permissible.
Are you still wondering, “Are people cremated with clothes on?” The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that the type and style of clothing play a significant role in the cremation process.
At Lone Star Cremation, we guide you through every step of the cremation for your loved one. With a variety of pricing plans and prepayment options available, you can rest easy knowing your loved one has the dignity they deserve, even in death.
Do you want to learn more about the services we offer? Reach out to us today or visit the FAQ page on our website to view common inquiries.
