Summer White
Summer White
Learn about the "No White After Labor Day" fashion rule!
“No White After Labor Day”
I hope everyone reading this enjoyed their Labor Day weekend!
As we transition into fall, I thought it’d be the perfect time to discuss the origins of this old American fashion guideline and uncover the story behind why not wearing white after Labor Day is a thing. Let’s get into it!
Social Status
The “no white after Labor Day” rule dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when social classes where sharply divided and fashion was a key marker of status and wealth.
Wealthy families followed this fashion maxim most as they’d retreat to their summer homes in cooler locations and wear white to reflect the heat.
In fact, this rule went as far as being a way for the upper class to distinguish themselves from the middle and lower classes. Those who didn’t follow the rule were often seen as unsophisticated or not part of the fashionable social elite. Brutal!
Unofficial End of Summer
Labor Day is also considered the unofficial end of summer—marking the return to city life and regular social or work activities. As the summer shifted to fall and winter, fashion history shows that wardrobes changed to feature darker, heavier fabrics.
The Practical Side
Aside from the social implications, wearing white has been associated with summer since the 19th century for practical reasons as well.
This is largely due to light and airy fabrics helping people keep cool during hot months, especially before air conditioning was available. Fall and winter also brought cooler and wetter weather, making white clothing easier to get dirty or stain.
On which note, I’m reminded of an article I wrote back in May of 2023 about why Cycladic (Greek Island) architecture is white. Click here to check the post out if you’re interested—it also briefly touches on the practicality of white during summertime.
The Rule’s Evolution
By the mid-20th century, the rule’s influence began to wane although it remained a staple of fashion etiquette. The 1960s and 70s cultural movements also challenged many old fashion rules, including this one.
Today, the “no white after Labor Day” rule is more of a historical footnote and part of American fashion lore than a hard-and-fast rule. In a sense, it’s a nostalgic nod to a bygone era of strict fashion codes. Or a fun piece of trivia knowledge.
Fashion has become significantly more fluid and individualistic over time (thankfully), so I say go ahead and wear white whenever you please!