Why are You Not Supposed To Wear White After Labor Day?
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In many parts of the United States, a rule about not wearing white after Labor Day, which takes place on the first Monday in September, is heavily ingrained. The roots of the idea that people should not wear white after Labor Day appear to be shrouded in mystery, and the rule has been greatly relaxed since the 1950s and 1960s, when it was more heavily enforced. People who choose to wear white after Labor Day are no longer heavily criticized for the choice, and are sometimes embraced as fashion forward trendsetters.
The most common confusion about the rule which forbids people to wear white after Labor Day is what garments, exactly, are involved. Originally, the restriction applied only to white dress shoes and pumps, which are unsuitable for winter weather anyway. At some point, the rule was extended to white clothing, but it was in fact always acceptable to wear “winter white” clothing in cream and other off-white colors. Winter brides have also always been allowed to wear whatever they please.
There are several theories about the the rule which governs people who wear white after Labor Day. The first and most sensible is that it reminded people not to wear summer weight clothing during the Winter. It may be tempting to don a pair of light pumps in the crisp weather of early fall, but changing weather can make it an unwise decision. By not wearing white shoes after Labor Day, people can ensure that they don't end up with soiled, cold shoes. It is also conceivable that the the rule not to wear white after Labor Day was adopted as part of a larger movement to “educate” the nouveau riche. Older society families were concerned about the fashion etiquette of more recent additions, and established a complex code of fashion rules to guide them.
Whatever the origins of the idea, restrictions on people who wear white after Labor Day appear to be outmoded except in very traditional society. Many fashion designers offer white as part of their fall and winter lines, often in stunning pieces. In warmer areas of the United States such as Hawaii and Florida, white is also a more acceptable color to wear year round, since unfavorable winter weather is not as much of an issue.
Like many other seemingly idiosyncratic fashion rules, the reasoning behind the ban on wearing white after Labor Day has probably faded from the public mind. For most people, it is safe to wear white after Labor Day, although they may want to consider wearing the color in moderation. In inclement weather, a more sensible color which does not show stains or water is advised. Otherwise, wear white after Labor Day as often as you like.
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19
I think some people care way too much what other people think about how they look and are manipulated by others.
rule no.1: 1. put on clothing; 2. look in mirror; 3. if you like how it looks, wear it, if you don't, put something else on. rule no. 2: if your friend doesn't like the way it looks, and you do, you can either be a follower and take it off. Or second, you can be a leader and decide for yourself. - anon50466
18
Ok, if anyone can find it in the Bible, Constitution, Law books, or any other important government/religious document stating that wearing white after Labor Day is forbidden, then please share it with the rest of us. Just because people wear what they want, when they want doesn't make them ignorant. It's called "free will". - anon48027
17
i wear what fits and is comfortable regardless of the season! - anon45624
16
Every spring I enjoy the rituals of my upbringing, with four older sisters, of putting away our woolen plaids, flannels, long sleeved, dark colored clothes, dark purses and bringing out our summer wardrobes in time for Church on Easter. Equally, in the fall I enjoy pulling out my sweaters again and don't even miss my white pants. It is usually the biggest year round fashion offenders, in my opinion, who think it's ok to wear white pants all winter. These same people wear casual flip-flops, crocs, spaghetti straps, tank tops and sweatpants to work. I always consider the source of who is telling me to proceed with my white pants in winter and I have yet to be advised that by anyone remotely resembling a fashionista. In fact, it is usually the most fashion ignorant slobs who tell me it's ok. Forgive me if I don't heed your fashion advice. I think they would all be better off following mine. - anon44755
15
anon30978: I couldn't have said it any better.
Furthermore, what makes this so funny is that some people think that this rule is outdated and antiquated. I think it is fun. They also presume that following this rule will lead to dresses below ankles and blah blah blah. Really? Do you really think that? Do you really think that this rule will lead us back into the turn of the century? Sheesh! I just think it is just part of the fun in fashion. All these quirky little rules to follow! - anon44527
14
Show me where refrainng from white after labor day serves humanity and then I'll follow the rule. It continues to be warm after labor and white is a cooler fabric. That serves a better purpose, don't you think. Not to mention unless one of those fashion snobs wants to buy my clothes then I'll wear what I want and can afford and what I'm comfortable in. Think about it really, take the time to really think about how outdated and insulting the rule is. Think for yourself people. Don't be the sheep that follows without really thinking about what or why you're following. The world is changing, because we tend to shed the useless and ridiculous. - anon44468
13
omg really? get over the whole white after labor day routine! Why is it bad manners? oh, its not! by the way if you want to keep tradition then maybe you should throw away all your pants and only wear dresses and skirts below the knee. -what kind of dumb people have to be reminded not to wear white just so they would remember not to wear summer clothes during winter anyway? LOL okay women, lets go home and bake an apple pie for our hubby! the old fashioned way is the *best* way (bow down to the men!) - anon37205
12
anon17926, well insulation is white, but notice how it would go inside the seams of a coat that might not be white? And as the article said, if the wear should get muddy, it's not exactly smart to wear white unless one would like to be constantly cleaning it. Is it any real wonder why most of the winter clothing ends up black or equally dark?Although anon3808 might be extreme in saying that she "almost died" but there are people that do still follow this rule, and if you're a person saying that this rule should be broken for the sake of something like freedom of speech, this person has the choice to do the opposite when she's not harming anyone beyond voicing her displeasure. - anon30978
11
Isn't it funny how we invent and keep such silly little rules to make ourselves look more Important for knowing what is Right and Proper?Wearing white at certain times of the year shouldn't be considered bad manners - it's not like belching in public or blowing your nose on someone's sleeve. It doesn't hurt anyone, nor should it annoy anyone. There's absolutely no rational reason for it. What should be considered bad manners is holding onto such silly and outdated pretensions. - anon27841
10
White jeans, shoes, pants, shorts, dresses, hats, should never be worn between Labor Day and Easter. It is called good manners. Only the ignorant of decorum would say...oh, it doesn't matter. It shows how much education and attention to propriety a person has. Only break the rule if you want people to think you do not know any better. - anon20104
9
To add to this discussion - it has long been said that white outerwear (coats etc) and denim (jeans) are more than acceptable year round. - anon18215
8
I believe everyone has their own opinions on whats should and what shouldnt and thus everyone does what they want especially since as women we were given the right to vote. "Making my own decisions" - anon18009
7
Trust me, as a life-long Michigan resident, when it's the dead of winter it doesn't matter what color your clothes are. White or black, the light reflectivity or whatever isn't going to make a whole lot of difference when the wind chill is -30 F. The best fashion tip you can give to protect against the winter weather is to invest in a nice heat-retaining coat with good insulation (and guess what? Most insulated underwear is *gasp* white, and will also keep you nice and toasty warm when it's freezing).Oh, and when it's below 30 outside, no one needs to be reminded not to wear summer clothes. Actually, now that I think about it, after a cold snap of below zero temperatures 32 and above starts to feel pretty darn warm. ^_^ As for the "etiquette", I'll agree to it when I hear a logical reason behind it. Call me when someone finds it again.
- anon17926
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Who cares if people wear white after Labor Day? The world has bigger problems than this! - anon16599
4
Omg yeah, to the lady that lives in manhattan, what's the big deal?? it's a new century, stop living like you're stuck in the 50s. Katherine Heigl just proved that it's as old of a rule as girls not showing their ankles. - anon9166
3
To the person that posted above me that says she wanted to die when she saw someone on tv wear all white..plz lady get a life!
I dont see what the big deal is, why do you care about what others choose to wear! I bet if all you had was a white pair of jeans and white blouse you'd put that on real quick.
- anon7718
2
I live in Manhattan and every year I see more and more people wearing white after labor day. I was brought up to NEVER even think about it. I think it's sad how this rule is slowly dying. At this years Emmy awards, Katherine Heigl was named as one of the best dressed at the show, dressed in an ALL white gown...I almost died. - anon3808
1
Why is this so hard for people? White deflects heat. Thus, white clothing helps you keep slightly cooler in the summer. Ditto for lighter weight fabrics. Heavy fabrics or dark colors hold in heat, making you hotter in summer and warmer in winter. So, it's simply smarter to wear light-weight fabrics in white or near-white colors in summer and heavy and/or dark colored fabrics in winter. As for shoes, everyone knows that sandals are cold in winter, whatever color they are. Pretty much everyone I know already knew this without a huge debate about it. - anon3720
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Written by
S.E. Smith
Last Modified: 28 October 2009
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