No white after Labor Day? Turns out, this seasonal fashion rule has roots in high society—but is it still relevant today?
If you’re planning to spend your Labor Day enjoying a well-earned day off work, congratulations! But are you loving the barbecues, parades, weekend getawaysand Labor Day memes and yet still wondering “When is Labor Day?” Well, this year it falls on Monday, Sept. 5—and that day off is exactly what the workers and unions of the past fought for, along with reasonable working hours, safety regulations and a minimum wage.
Labor Day isn’t just summer’s last hurrah; it’s a day to appreciate the hard work the labor force does each day, like these Labor Day quotes do. After all, it’s the contributions of workers and laborers in every industry that made the United States what it is today, and what it will be in the future. That sounds like a good excuse to put up some Labor Day decorations! Or, if you prefer to celebrate in style, perhaps check out some Labor Day sales at your favorite stores and then grab a meal at a restaurant open on Labor Day.
Speaking of style, the “no white after Labor Day” rule might have you thinking twice before putting any white clothing items in your cart. But why can’t you wear white after Labor Day? And does this rule still apply to 21st-century workers? Turns out, no one is entirely sure where this fashion decree came from, but there are a few different theories.
Why can’t you wear white after Labor Day?
The old-fashioned decree bans us from wearing white during the winter and spring, from Labor Day in September till May Day (another day designated to celebrate workers’ rights). One popular theory dates back to the early 1900s. Many progressive changes were occurring for American women, like the election of the first woman to Congress and the passing of the 19th Amendment, which meant women could finally vote. Despite these advances, social acceptance for wealthy women was still very much based on what they wore—and when they wore it.
So why can’t you wear white after Labor Day? Well, if you were on trend, you only wore white during the warmer months, when you left the grimy city to take your fabulous vacation. Being able to afford a whole new wardrobe for different seasons was a huge status marker for the wealthiest families. It was also a helpful way to separate the nouveau riche from the old money, by creating semi-arbitrary rules about what to wear, when and where, that only those in the know knew to follow.
Another theory that answers the question of “Why you can’t wear white after Labor Day” notes that white is harder to keep clean in the fall and winter: mud, dirt, leaves, snow, that gross slush that develops after a couple of days—yuck! Of course, white can be hard to keep clean in every season, but back in the day, when pollution was severely unchecked, white would have been one of the higher-maintenance clothing colors. Additionally, most fashion designers were based in the Northeast, particularly in New York City, which cycles through four seasons a year. Even if you lived in New Orleans, you still took your style cues and tips from Fashion Avenue, so for the trendiest dressers, white was out, despite its cooling benefits.
By the 1950s, women’s magazines started making this “no white after Labor Day” rule more public. Wearing white only between Memorial Day and Labor Day now signified that a lady was part of the in-the-know fashion club.
So can I wear white after Labor Day after all?
Wondering if you can still rock your favorite pair of white jeans after Labor Day? It’s 2023, so the answer to “Can you wear white after Labor Day?” is yes! 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!
Additional reporting by Brittany Gibson.
As someone deeply immersed in the realms of fashion history and cultural significance, I can confidently address the intriguing subject of the "no white after Labor Day" rule. My expertise in the evolution of fashion norms and their underlying societal influences allows me to shed light on the origins and contemporary relevance of this seasonal decree.
The notion of abstaining from wearing white after Labor Day finds its roots in the early 1900s, a time of considerable transformation for American women. During this period, societal acceptance for affluent women was intricately linked to their attire, giving rise to discernible fashion norms. One prevailing theory suggests that wearing white during the warmer months symbolized affluence, particularly for those who could afford to indulge in seasonal wardrobe changes. The winter and spring, conversely, were considered less fashionable seasons, and refraining from white during this time became a marker of social standing, distinguishing the elite from the nouveau riche.
Another compelling theory delves into practical considerations, asserting that white clothing was more challenging to keep clean during the fall and winter months due to factors such as mud, dirt, leaves, and snow. The high-maintenance nature of white attire, coupled with the unchecked pollution of the time, contributed to its exclusion from colder seasons. Fashion trends, largely dictated by designers concentrated in the Northeast, further propagated this decree, making it a symbol of adherence to the latest styles.
The 1950s witnessed the amplification of the "no white after Labor Day" rule through women's magazines, solidifying its place as a marker of fashion sophistication. However, as we find ourselves in the year 2023, it's crucial to note that fashion is dynamic and ever-evolving. The constraints of historical norms have given way to a more liberated approach to personal style.
In the contemporary era, the answer to the question "Can you wear white after Labor Day?" is a resounding yes. Fashion icon Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel's year-round preference for bright white outfits serves as historical precedent for those who choose to defy the outdated rule. Therefore, in the spirit of individual expression and embracing personal preferences, one can confidently don white attire beyond Labor Day, free from the constraints of antiquated fashion dictums.
As we celebrate Labor Day and reflect on its significance in acknowledging the contributions of workers, let us also appreciate the dynamic nature of fashion, allowing personal style choices to triumph over outdated conventions.
