Fashion rules say you're not supposed to wear white after Labor Day. But why not? The reasons are not so black and white!
by Amber KanuckelUpdated: October 17, 2023
Labor Day is just about here, and if you’re one to follow fashion traditions, then you know that you’re not supposed to wear white after the holiday weekend is over. But why not, you might be wondering? Turns out, the reasons are not so black and white. (Psst … see our Labor Day weather forecast for your region!)
White Clothing—A Sign of Wealth?
The “Don’t Wear White After Labor Day” rule may have stemmed from practicality. Prior to the advent of air conditioning, clothing choices were important when trying to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Whites and lighter-weight fabrics were more popular during the warm months, and in the winter, people naturally switched to darker colors and heavier fabrics. Perhaps since people already chose light colors to stay cool in the summer, the fashion world went ahead and made the rule an official one. Once Labor Day (the unofficial end of summer) arrived, it was time to retire those whites.
However, others speculate that the rule came from the fashion practices of the wealthy. In the early 1900s, those who were well-to-do often favored lightweight, bright clothing—white linen suits and breezy dresses. Wearing white after Labor Day meant you were someone who had the means to have end-of-summer vacations. Wearing your whites beyond Labor Day was just, well… showing off.
Some historians believe that this rule was actually a way for the wealthy to separate themselves from the working class. Not only could they afford vacations—and the expensive clothes to match—but they didn’t do work that stained their white clothes. Middle-class laborers, on the other hand, often wore darker colors even in the summer to hide the dirt and grime that accumulated after a hard day’s work.
By the 1950s, not wearing white after Labor Day was a firm rule among the wealthy, who regarded it as a symbol of refinement. The “new money” types weren’t always as well-versed in the rules of etiquette and made these types of fashion faux pas. In fact, those who adopted the “no white after Labor Day” rule were often seen more favorably, as ambitious up-and-comers were willing to learn the rules surrounding their new social circle.
Rules Are Meant To Be Broken
As with most things in fashion, rules are meant to be broken. Breaking the norm, many fashion enthusiasts happily flaunt their white attire even after Labor Day. Back in the 1920s, fashion icon Coco Chanel revolutionized the industry by keeping white as a permanent staple in her wardrobe, regardless of the season. Even in present times, many modern fashion elites follow this trend by wearing white all year-round.
While there are still those who consider post-Labor Day white clothing a no-no, plenty of fashion-forward people say if you have a flattering garment you love, wear it whenever you want, no matter the color and no matter the season. Good advice!
Amber Kanuckel
Amber Kanuckel is a freelance writer from rural Ohio who loves all things outdoors. She specializes in home, garden, environmental, and green living topics.
"Very rarely is there actually a functional reason for a fashion rule,” Steele tells Time. Instead, some experts say that the rule started because wealthy families stopped wearing white after Labor Day, aka the end of the summer holiday, to distinguish themselves from the working class.
To wear white was a subtle way of showing you weren't doing the landscaping, cooking, or cleaning—or, well, manual labor at all. When fall came, the wealthy packed their whites away. They didn't need to wear them: the temperatures had cooled, the tennis tournaments had finished. But they also couldn't wear them.
It's actually more interesting than you'd think. According to the Farmer's Almanac, the concept of not wearing white after Labor Day started in the 19th century as a way for the upper class to separate themselves from the working class.
While there are many who still choose to live by the tradition-based guideline that you must wait until Memorial Day to wear white, there are others who favor a different date: Easter. In fact, Easter is sometimes seen as the true mark of being able to break out your best whites, and it does make sense in some ways.
Where did the rule of not wearing white after Labor Day come from? This fashion rule can be traced all the way back to the turn of the century, Marie Claire reports. The unspoken rule, now very much spoken, was created by the old money elite, hoping to elevate themselves above the nouveau riche, or newly wealthy.
If you could wear white, it often was an indication that you had means and that you didn't do manual labor and you could afford a vacation.” But who exactly started this rule and established it? Sinclair said it was the wealthy women who came from old money who wanted to separate themselves from society.
Just because Labor Day has come and gone doesn't mean you must pack away your favorite white jeans or slacks. Contrary to the old-fashioned “rule,” we're here to tell you that white pants can absolutely be rocked during the colder months.
Etiquette expert Elaine Swann is on board: “It's perfectly fine to wear white after Labor Day whether you are on the West Coast in California or southeast in Florida or in the northern part of our nation in New York.
You can absolutely wear white after Labor Day if you want. Better yet, there's a historical precedent for your trend-thwarting ways: Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, who insisted on swanning around in bright white outfits year-round (so stylish). So go forth and wear what makes you happy!
I'm also over the heat and all my summer clothes so all I can think about are fall fashions. Since it stays warm through October, you can definitely still wear white jeans as long as you pair them with darker colors, heavier fabrics, and leather or suede accessories.
This Monday is Labor Day in the United States – a holiday linked to workers' rights and wearing white. That may sound strange, but it is true. Many Americans put away their white clothes on Labor Day and do not wear them again until the following May, after Memorial Day.
The old rules about wearing white only between Easter or Memorial Day (depending on your tradition) and Labor Day are out the window. Really. You absolutely can wear white jeans and pants anytime you want and look very in the know. But I generally just enjoy the novelty of them more in the warmer months.
If you are currently looking for answers to the question, “can you wear linen in the fall,” you may notice some people saying it is only for summer days. In contrast, we believe linen can be the perfect go-to clothing regardless of any season. This is due to its excellent fabric and versatility.
The rule is outdated. Julia Guerra is a lifestyle journalist with almost a decade's experience reporting on beauty, fashion, health, and more. You can find her bylines across more than 20 publications.
If you're uncertain about the cultural norms or preferences of the funeral you're attending, sticking to universally accepted colors like black, gray, white or navy is a safe bet. These colors are subdued and respectful, making them suitable for most funeral settings across different cultures.
The exact origin of the “no white after Labor Day” rule is debatable, but many have put forward theories on where it came from. In this instance, the most obvious explanation may be the changing of the seasons, and the evolution from a light summer wardrobe to darker, warmer winter clothes.
Their bright and neutral color palette makes them perfect for the warmer months and serves as an excellent base to build your outfit around. Whether you're dressing up for a business event, going out for a casual outing with friends, or attending a summer party, white jeans can be your go-to option.
Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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