10 Things to Do with a Deceased Person’s Clothing
When a loved one dies, some people find it comforting to keep the deceased person’s clothing. Perhaps they wore a favorite cologne or perfume. Maybe they used a type of laundry detergent you liked, or their old jacket smells just like them. No matter the scenario, there are many reasons why keeping someone’s clothes can be meaningful. This article gives you some ideas on what to do with a deceased person’s clothing (have you ever heard of a teddy bear made from a deceased person’s clothes?) and what to do if you’re not the creative type.
Keeping the clothes of a dead person
People keep a deceased person's clothing for various emotional and practical reasons. Sentimentally, these clothes often serve as tangible connections to the loved one who has passed away, preserving their memory and providing comfort. Wearing or holding these garments can evoke cherished memories, offering a sense of closeness and continuity. Additionally, some people may repurpose the clothing into memory quilts, teddy bears, or other keepsakes, creating lasting mementos that honor the deceased. Culturally and personally, these clothes can symbolize respect and remembrance, playing a crucial role in the grieving process and helping individuals cope with their loss.
Is it bad luck to wear a dead person’s clothes?
The belief that wearing a deceased person's clothes brings bad luck varies widely among cultures and individuals. Some have been told that it is considered inauspicious or even taboo to wear a deceased person’s clothing as the clothing is thought to carry the deceased's spirit or energy. These beliefs might stem from a fear of death and its associations. However, in many other cultures and personal perspectives, wearing a loved one's clothing is seen as a meaningful way to remember and feel connected to the departed. For some, these garments provide comfort and a sense of closeness, transforming them into cherished keepsakes rather than sources of bad luck. Ultimately, the perception of bad luck associated with wearing a deceased person's clothes is deeply influenced by cultural, religious, and personal beliefs.
Unique things to do with a deceased person’s clothing
Here are 10 unique things to do with a deceased person's clothing:
- Memory quilt: Craft a memory quilt using pieces of the deceased person's clothing, creating a patchwork of memories that can provide comfort and warmth. You can use the deceased’s clothing in a memory quilt and find patterns online.
- Teddy bear: Make a teddy bear entirely from clothing or purchase a base and have the outside of the teddy bear be made using your loved one’s clothing. There are tutorials and guides for a memory teddy bear on YouTube. These teddy bears make great gifts for younger children who have lost a loved one.
- Pillows: Create decorative or functional pillows from the fabric, adding a personal touch to home decor while keeping the loved one's memory close.
- Jewelry: Incorporate small pieces of fabric into custom jewelry, such as lockets, bracelets, or necklaces, to carry a part of the loved one with you.
- Artwork: Use the clothing to create unique pieces of art, such as framed fabric collages or canvases adorned with meaningful swatches.
- Clothing for dolls: Make doll clothes from the fabric, providing a comforting and personal connection for children or grandchildren. You can even make miniature versions of memorial shirts for the dolls to wear.
- Patchwork bags: Sew tote bags, purses, or pouches from the clothing, creating practical items that serve as daily reminders of the loved one.
- Memory book: Compile a scrapbook or memory book that includes fabric swatches alongside photos and stories, preserving the memories in a tangible form. Memory books often make excellent memorial gifts for someone who has lost a loved one.
- Aprons: Design aprons from the clothing, particularly if the loved one enjoyed cooking or gardening, turning the fabric into a functional tribute.
- Christmas ornaments: Craft Christmas tree ornaments from small pieces of clothing, allowing the loved one’s memory to be part of holiday celebrations.
Do I need to do something creative with a deceased person’s clothing?
If making teddy bears made from a deceased person’s clothing doesn’t sound like something you’re interested in, there’s no need to worry. You do not need to do anything creative with a deceased person's clothing if you prefer to leave it as is. Keeping the clothing intact can be a meaningful way to preserve your memories and maintain a tangible connection to your loved one. Simply holding onto the garments as they are, perhaps storing them in a special place or occasionally wearing them, can provide comfort and a sense of closeness. How you choose to honor and remember your loved one is a deeply personal decision. It’s also perfectly fine (and normal) to donate or sell the clothing.
Using a loved one’s clothing is just one way to keep their memory alive. If you’ve recently lost someone or are simply looking for ways to memorialize someone, consider setting up a memorial website with Ever Loved. Ever Loved memorial websites come with a space for an obituary, a space to collect memories, share photos, share event information and even host a fundraiser – all for free.
