How did we get this whole no white after labor day rule?
First of all, what is Labor Day? Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement. Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, and society eventually adopted it as the natural endpoint for summer fashion.
But how did we get this whole no white after Labor Day rule?
Rich People
Its origins can be traced back to the elites of the Gilded Age.
In the past, adhering to the latest fashion meant reserving your white clothing exclusively for the warmer months when you escaped the city for a glamorous vacation. Owning a new wardrobe for each season was a symbol of status among the wealthiest individuals.
It also served as a convenient method to distinguish the newly affluent from established old-money families. This differentiation was achieved by establishing somewhat arbitrary guidelines about when and where to wear certain attire, which only those well-versed in societal norms understood and followed.
Another explanation for the tradition of avoiding white attire after Labor Day suggests that white garments are more challenging to keep clean during the autumn and winter months due to factors like mud, dirt, fallen leaves, snow, and the unpleasant slush that forms after a few days of winter weather.
“White, while perfect for the country, it is, because it soils so easily, impossible for town wear,” Vogue wrote in 1925.
In Summery
- The rule of not wearing white after Labor Day is a classist rule that originated in the 19th century. Upper-class people only wore white in the summer, and anyone who would wear it in the fall was deemed “lower-class”
- The rule is no longer relevant in today’s world, where individuality and personal style are championed
- Many fashion designers now create white clothes that are appropriate for fall and winter
- Ultimately, whether or not you wear white after Labor Day is up to you. There is no right or wrong answer
Mens Lightweight Safari Jacket
$38.99
Safari jacket for men, lightweight military windbreaker jacket, pure cotton, solid color, long sleeve, button down, zip up. Fit is over-sized. May need alterations.
