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Funeral Director clothing

ntagonist

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All:

I'm working as a funeral director this summer. Long story short: I quit a few years ago, lost some weight and am returning to fill in for a former coworker, out on maternity leave. None of the suits that I used to own a) fit well or b) have held up over the last few years. So, I need to buy about two or three new suits.

I'm interested in, obviously, looking good but also need a suit that can handle the rigors (no pun intended) of what amounts to light manual labor (e.g. loading and unloading flowers from a van, lifting and moving caskets, washing cars, etc.). I could go to Men's Wearhouse and grab some garbage suits for cheap but I want something that looks moderately fashionable for when I interact with families yet can hold up to the wear-and-tear of the job.

Is this a time when BB's "346" suits will do the job?

Also, what are some materials that will be work appropriate (probably not linen) yet breathable on those days where I'm standing outside for two humid hours at a time?

I appreciate any and all help.
 

austerlitz

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buy a cheap suit and have it tailored
 

Roger Everett

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I would definitely go for 100% wool, for wear, breathability and wrinkle resistance. Get moderatly priced and have a good tailor tune it up.
 

pvrhye

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Washing cars? Sounds hard on a suit. Maybe find a cheap suit at a place that does separates and get an extra pair or trousers or two for hard labor, and only wear the jacket when facing clients? Spend the money on tailoring.
 

Reggs

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There is a Funeral Parlor Owner who is a prominent poster at Fedora Lounge.
 

a tailor

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do what pvrhye says. +++
 

JoelF

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Recently dealt with some funeral guys who came by to make a pickup late Saturday night. Casual would have been fine but they took extra time getting there to put on those suits and ties. Definitely would have preferred quicker service and leave the cheap suits at home. Then a week or so later I stopped by to get the ashes, the dude was just wearing a polo shirt with undershirt underneath. Weird.
 

acidboy

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Originally Posted by JoelF
Recently dealt with some funeral guys who came by to make a pickup late Saturday night. Casual would have been fine but they took extra time getting there to put on those suits and ties. Definitely would have preferred quicker service and leave the cheap suits at home. Then a week or so later I stopped by to get the ashes, the dude was just wearing a polo shirt with undershirt underneath. Weird.

yes it is definitely weird to wear an undershirt underneath a polo shirt.
 

VelvetGreen

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I'm just wondering what colour OP's suit should be.
 

patrickBOOTH

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Originally Posted by VelvetGreen
I'm just wondering what colour OP's suit should be.

Something bright and cheerful to add some spice in his client's lives. Maybe red, or green.
 

Samovar McGee

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Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH
Something bright and cheerful to add some spice in his client's lives. Maybe red, or green.

Better yet: A triumphant gold sharkskin, with baby blue pinstripes.
 

ntagonist

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Originally Posted by VelvetGreen
I'm just wondering what colour OP's suit should be.

Nothing too outlandish. Black suits are definitely favored by management but I'd prefer to wear something grey or even navy blue. I suppose charcoal works as well. I suppose I can add some color with a tie and pocket square?

I appreciate all the advice. I'll check the local chains (Jos. A. Bank; BBs) for deals, "buy cheap," and go to a tailor. What are some things to be aware of when getting the suit? I recall reading that shoulders are something that is incredibly difficult for a tailor to adjust.

re: polo shirts. Some funeral homes allow their staff to dress down. My funeral home requires that we always wear a suit. I THINK a sports coat and slacks are permissible though I've never gone that route myself. I prefer to wear a suit when in funeral director mode.

Also, it's never taken me that much longer to respond to a house call when I put one on.
 

Patrologia

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Originally Posted by Samovar McGee
Better yet: A triumphant gold sharkskin, with baby blue pinstripes.

I think I saw that suit at a local thrift! Probably gone by now, of course.
laugh.gif
 

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