Why Is It Bad to Wear White After Labor Day

From LoveToKnow Womens-Fashion

A lot of people wonder why is it bad to wear white after Labor Day. The truth is that few people know the exact logic behind this antiquated fashion "law." There seems to be no one explanation, but what can be agreed upon is that it's a rule that can now be put to bed.

Very few people still see red when they see white after Labor Day.

Why Is It Bad to Wear White After Labor Day?

The rule against wearing white after Labor Day relates to the designation of Labor Day as the official end of summer. Thus, it is time to put away one's "summer whites" and prepare for the cold weather. For anyone in the non-working class, the time of frivolity was over. It was time to stop wearing cute summer outfits and to start getting serious again. To continue to wear this obvious sign of summer during the non-summer months showed both rudeness and ignorance.

The Original Rule

While white was a common summer color for men's and women's clothes, especially those worn for sports and leisure, the ban on wearing white after Labor Day originally applied almost exclusively to shoes. That's not to say that white was unseen – "Winter White" has always been a common color for coats and jackets.

What Is the Logic?

So what would cause anyone to determine that it's bad to wear white after Labor Day? Or, conversely, why is white a summer color? One possible answer is that white reflects light and heat, so it helps keep you cooler in the hot months, but could potentially prevent you from retaining your full warmth in the cold seasons.

It seems likely as well that the rule stems from a class concern. As more people entered the middle class through the first half of the 20th century, those who were already in the upper echelons of society wanted the nouveau riche to adhere to certain standards of behavior. As in past times when certain colors were inappropriate (only someone royal was allowed to wear purple in Britain), so it was that the rich wanted those gaining wealth to conform to social manners and mores.

Manners or Practicality?

But really, why is it "bad" to wear white after Labor Day? Why white? Possibly, in addition to it being considered a summer color, it's also a guide to help people. Summer clothes are of lighter fabrics and lighter cuts. More playful and, perhaps, impractical. To be reminded that you cannot wear these in the other seasons keeps you dressed more sensibly in addition to projecting that you understand what it means to be attentive to the demands and constraints of society.

Modern Standards

So is it still bad to wear white after Labor Day? There are some people who are shocked to see it, and would never dream of doing so themselves. However, they can't really say why except that it's what they've always been taught. If the rule does originate in practicality, that obviously does not apply in warmer climates. Additionally, most people can figure out that they will be uncomfortable if they wear a lightweight fabric when it's cold.

In so far as showing one is serious is concerned, that could perhaps be considered a fair point, although the evolution of both men's and women's fashions has been such that it is less color, per se, than print and cut that project seriousness. A woman may not want to wear a white business suit not because she will look silly or bad-mannered, but because she doesn't want to risk getting it dirty while she goes about her workday.

Ultimately, these days it's all about gauging what feels appropriate and comfortable for you. Most people have a lot more to worry about than the color of someone's shoes at any time of year!

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