Why Can’t You Wear White After Labor Day?
Updated: Jul. 22, 2024
We've all heard that you can't wear white after Labor Day ... but does this rule still apply in 2024? Here's the scoop.
Planning to kick back and enjoy a well-earned day off on Labor Day? We sure hope so! And while you’re enjoying a final summer getaway or an epic barbecue, wear all your favorite white ensembles because it’s your last chance to do so until next summer! Or at least that’s what we’ve been told over the years. So what’s with this quirky fashion rule? Why can’t you wear white after Labor Day?
This directive has been passed down through the generations, but you probably have no idea where it came from and if it even still applies today. Keep reading to unravel the mystery … and make sure you don’t become an accidental post–Labor Day meme.
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Why can’t you wear white after Labor Day?
One popular theory on why you can’t wear white after Labor Day dates back to the Gilded Age, which spanned from the late 1870s to the early 1900s. If you were on trend, you wore white only when you left the grimy city during the warmer months to take a vacation. In fact, “if you look at any photograph of any city in America in the 1930s, you’ll see people in dark clothes,” Charlie Scheips, author of American Fashion, told Time. These photographs usually depicted people in darker attire as they scrambled to their jobs for the day.
By contrast, wearing white was a symbol of wealth, dating back to the 17th century. Since white is hard to keep clean, owning it meant that you had the means to replace those items frequently, didn’t have to work and sully them, and could afford a whole new wardrobe for different seasons. According to historians, it was a huge status marker for the wealthiest families—and also a helpful way to separate the nouveau riche from the old money by creating semi-arbitrary rules about what to wear and when to wear it.
Another theory that answers the question of why you can’t wear white after Labor Day? 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! 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 warmer climates, you still took your style cues and tips from Fashion Avenue, so for the trendiest dressers, white was out despite its cooling benefits.
Can I wear white after Labor Day now?
It’s 2024, so the answer to “Can you wear white after Labor Day?” is yes! You can absolutely wear white after Labor Day if you want. Things have come a long way since the Gilded Age. In fact, there’s even some historical precedent for your trend-thwarting ways: Fashion icon Coco Chanel insisted on donning white outfits year-round, so go forth and wear what makes you happy!
That said, a few style tips will help in this arena so you don’t look completely out of season. For starters, experiment with various shades of white. Beige, cream and ivory can help you transition your wardrobe into a more neutral fall palette. Or you can layer a crisp white shirt with a jean jacket or blazer. Then, as the weather cools, opt for thicker fabrics like white knitted sweaters or cashmere.
How long after Labor Day can I wear white?
The old-fashioned decree bans us from wearing white during the winter and spring, from Labor Day in September until May Day (another day designated to celebrate workers’ rights). But remember: The rule isn’t too serious, so feel free to wear white as you see fit year-round.
Additional reporting by Brittany Gibson.
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Originally Published: June 01, 2021
