CENTRE COUTY — While adherence to the “no white after Labor Day” rule has waned in recent years, the history behind the fashion faux pas dates back decades. Before you spend Monday, Sept. 2, putting away your whites, discover the real reason behind the rule.
As is with many fashion trends, the “no white after Labor Day” rule is rooted in wealth and class differentiation.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, “prior to the advent of air conditioning, clothing choices were important for keeping cool in the summer. 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.”
However, though the end of summer was marked by Labor Day, causing a shift in wardrobe, a deeper meaning behind the practicality of the color choice is what established the fashion rule.
Those of the upper class who could afford summer vacations could opt for white fabrics not just to keep cool, but also because not working meant they did not have to worry about staining their clothes. Lower- and middle-class workers had to wear darker colors to cover the grime accumulated from working long days.
While the color white was a symbol of wealth, the firm rule of no longer wearing white after Labor Day was put into place by old money who viewed those who recently came into money as less refined and flaunting of their wealth.
Due to a lack of awareness of etiquette rules, new money would often make fashion faux pas. However, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, 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.
With fall right around the corner, it may seem apt to put away your white clothing until next year. However, with fashion trends continuing to evolve, the fashion police aren’t likely to come for you for wearing a winter white now and again.
