I have a very strange question…
It’s Tuesday morning. The shop has just opened and we are busy restocking after a lovely Saturday when the phone rings. “Natur-el, good morning, Vera speaking!”
On the other end, I hear: “Hello, this is Judith.” We get calls every day – about fits, orders, washing advice, or just because someone wants to share how happy they are with their new purchase. But this call? That went a little differently.
A strange question (or is it?)
“I have a bit of a strange question,” says Judith.
“Only if your question is truly strange,” I joke back, “because I pass the boring questions straight to my colleague.” Jana, who has curiously come to stand beside me, bursts out laughing. Luckily, Judith does too.
And then it came: “I’m looking for clothes to be buried in. For when I’m no longer here.”
A brief pause. Not strange, but certainly intimate. And honestly? Also very beautiful. That someone wants to be dressed by us for their final day – it feels like a huge honor.
Clothing for a natural burial site
Judith explains that she would like to be buried at a natural burial site. Special rules apply there:
- no synthetic fabrics
- no plastic zippers, buttons, or velcro
- no accessories made of artificial materials
- preferably no chemical dyes
- shoes without plastic soles
As she lists her requirements, I run our collection through my mind. Some items are out – a bit of elastane, a plastic button. But actually, it turns out: by far most of it is perfectly suitable. Not because we ever thought: “Handy for funerals,” but because we choose the most natural materials possible anyway. And that is not only better for the earth, but also just better for your skin.
An outfit for now and later
A few days later, the door opens. “I called the other day with a strange question…” says Judith, a bit hesitantly. Roos, who happens to be in the shop, nods immediately: “That was you!”
Together we look for an outfit that is just right. Judith says: “Actually, I should be wearing this now, not just later.” And she’s right. Because what feels good, you should enjoy wearing today – not just on your final day.
We have received these types of questions more often since then. It always feels like a great trust – and an honor – that someone comes to us for something so personal.
Did you know…
During my conversation with Judith, I discovered something new. An ordinary funeral often leaves a huge ecological footprint. Lacquered wooden coffins? They take years to decompose. And synthetic clothing in the soil? That just stays there.
- Living coffins made of mycelium – created by the pioneers at Loop Biotech. They believe: we take from nature during our lifetime, so we should give something back when we are no longer here.
- Natural burial sites throughout the Netherlands – a handy overview via alle natuurbegraafplaatsen.
Which clothing is suitable for a natural burial?
We get that question regularly. The short answer: choose natural, biodegradable materials and avoid synthetic or metal parts. Below are the guidelines that many natural burial sites use, plus practical tips to make your outfit suitable.
Recommended materials (eco-friendly funeral clothing)
- 100% organic cotton (preferably unbleached/undyed or naturally dyed) – view our selection: organic cotton
- Linen – airy, strong, and fully biodegradable: linen clothing
- Wool – warm, breathable, and natural: 100% wool
- Hemp or nettle fiber (where available): hemp
- Raw/unbleached silk (if you prefer silk)
To avoid (natural burial clothing – what is not allowed)
- Synthetic clothing (polyester, nylon, acrylic, pantyhose)
- Metal and plastic parts: zippers, large (jeans) buttons, velcro (sometimes our clothing has plastic buttons, but you can easily remove these and replace them with a natural alternative)
- Intensively chemically dyed or coated fabrics
Practical solutions
- Is there a zipper or button anyway? Unpick the zipper or button when the time comes and fold/sew the closure shut with organic cotton thread.
- Replace plastic buttons with wood or coconut. Tip: e.g., purecoverz.nl sells sustainable buttons and threads.
- If necessary, choose a shroud made of organic cotton (unbleached sheet or canvas). Simple, natural, and fully biodegradable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you wear wool for a natural burial?
Yes, wool is a natural and biodegradable material. Just watch out for extras like zippers or synthetic linings and avoid them where possible.
Are metal buttons allowed?
Preferably not. Choose buttons made of wood, coconut, or mother-of-pearl. You can replace existing buttons or sew the closure shut with organic cotton thread.
Where can I find suitable clothing?
Easily filter by material in our webshop: organic cotton, linen, wool, hemp.
What does the GOTS label mean exactly?
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) guarantees not only organic fibers but also audits dye houses and finishing processes. No harmful metals or synthetic finishes are used. Our product descriptions always state whether an item is GOTS-certified.
No question is too crazy
A conversation that started with a joke ended in a special moment that I won't forget. And it showed me once again: no question is too crazy.
Whether you call for washing advice, a question about fit, or an outfit for your final journey – we are open to anything. Call us or visit the shop; we’re here to help.
Love,
Vera
