Families pass down traditions and beliefs from generation to generation but I would’ve never thought that “not wearing white after Labor Day” would be one that stuck around. After hearing this fashion rule for years, I decided to do some research to see where this rule came from and why.
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There might not be an exact answer for how this rule came into play but there are some very interesting theories.
Calm, Cool & Collected
According to an article published by Time, white clothing was a way of dressing cooler for the hot summer months. With no air conditioning and white being lighter weight and doesn’t draw as much heat from the sun, it makes perfect sense. In the fall and winter seasons, you wouldn’t have the need to stay cool so I can see how this could’ve started the white summer trend.
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Another theory to fashion rule dates back to the early 1900s where white became the color of wealth for the upper class during the summer months. Only the elite had the means of vacationing out of the city and once they returned to the city, this would signify the end of summer and the change to darker colors. Only the “who’s who” followed these types of fashion rules and it was only until magazines in the 1950s started publicizing the fashion etiquette that it become a public fashion rule to follow.
Dirty Laundry and Change of Seasons
When the weather is bad, you wouldn’t dare wear white clothing and risk getting mud on them. With white already being a hard color to keep clean, the fall and winter months would bring unfavorable weather conditions so it would make sense to wear darker colors. Once again, this change to darker colors would signify the end of summer and the beginning of fall.
How did Labor Day get caught up in all this?
Labor Day, celebrated the first Monday in September, has been a national holiday since 1894 to honor the achievements of American workers. Americans use it to plan the last of summer activities before school, sports and autumn begins. So because Labor Day is considered the “unofficial end of summer”, it became associated with the “no wearing white after Labor Day” tradition.
Taboo or Not Taboo?
Over the years, many have followed the rule because it was a fashion tradition passed down from the generations. Some fashion designers tend to follow this rule to keep from being the “black sheep of the family” but as the years go by, this rule is less followed. People are getting away from the “rules” and going more with the seasonal trends.
“It’s not about being taboo, it’s about wearing what you like, what looks good on you and what makes you feel comfortable.”
Ssouthernlifestyle
Do you follow the “no white after Labor Day” rule? Leave a comment below to let me know what you think. Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly email and stop by the Southern Shop for the latest fall designs!
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