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: June 5, 2024
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Fashion rules say you're not supposed to wear white after Labor Day. But why not? The reasons are not so black and white! 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.
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.
White pants can, in fact, be worn any time of year, even past the antiquated Labor Day expiration date rule. You might think that a pair of white pants is not the wisest choice for a slushy, post-snow-storm sidewalk—but it's clear that many of our street style muses disagree.
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.
Women such as Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Martha Stewart, Helen Mirren and Joan Collins all know an effective way to brighten the complexion and look younger is to wear something white, which reflects the light. Knowing your most flattering shade is vital.
3. White jeans. Once confined to the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, white jeans—along with their bone, ecru, and ivory cousins—have become year-round staples. We're expecting to see more of them than ever in 2024, considering how much they're popping up in street style.
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.
What is the rule about no white after Labor Day? An unwritten etiquette rule followed by many for years held that white garments and shoes were only worn in the summer, which officially came to its a close on Labor Day after the national holiday was established in 1894.
In general, it's not appropriate for guests to wear white to a wedding. "When you're a guest at a wedding, the most important thing to keep in mind is not to upstage or upset the bride," says wedding dress designer Madeline Gardner. "It's safe to stay away from any outfits that are predominantly white, cream or ivory."
In many different countries, wearing a certain color on New Year's Eve is an age-old tradition. For example, in Brazil, people wear white to bring peace into the new year. In Italy, red is the color to don for success.
White represents purity or innocence. While a bride wearing white was often thought to convey the bride's virginity, blue was once a traditional color worn by brides to symbolize purity. White is bright and can create a sense of space or add highlights.
Introduction: My name is Lakeisha Bayer VM, I am a brainy, kind, enchanting, healthy, lovely, clean, witty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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