Labor Day: Do you still have to stop wearing lighter colors?

Labor Day weekend is just on the horizon, which means an unofficial close to the summer season. And some for some, it also signals the end of wardrobe staple in our closets.

Chances are you have heard at some point in your lifetime, either passed down from trusted adults or in general American culture, the age-old fashion rule you should not wear white after Labor Day.

For decades, it has been considered taboo to be seen wearing the bright color after the federal holiday, which is only meant to be reintroduced once summer returns around May. But why exactly is it so forbidden to wear white?

Let's explore what the fashion faux pas actually is and where it came from.

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When is Labor Day?

Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September. This year, the holiday will be on Sept. 4.

What is Labor Day?

Labor Day is an annual celebration of the achievements of American workers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

In the proposal for a national holiday, it was suggested the day should be observed with a street parade to exhibit "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

What exactly is the white after Labor Day rule?

The rule states that after Labor Day, white should be retired from your wardrobe. Then once Memorial Day rolls around in May, the cycle restarts and the color is reintroduced.

Where did the rule of not wearing white after Labor Day come from?

USA Today reports found that this fashion rule can be traced all the way back to the turn of the century. The rule was originally quietly spread by the old money elite as to distinguish themselves from the 'nouveau riche,' or newly wealthy.

Deeper dive into Labor Day rule: Why can’t you wear white after Labor Day? Fashion’s perennial rule, explained.

White attire often meant to signal leisure, as those who traveled during winter and fall wore white as vacation attire. Yet those who stayed in city centers generally remained in dark clothing for the colder seasons, Better Homes & Gardens reports.

Another theory claims the rule is meant to signal the end of summer, reminding people to switch out their light summer linens with darker tones and thicker fabrics once the federal holiday passes.

How serious do people take the rule? (A.K.A Can I wear white after Labor Day?)

Go ahead and break out the white outfit.

Wearing white after Labor Day is not a sign of disrespect, despite what people might fear. The rule has been ignored by many over the years, either because it's too hot to switch to dark clothes so soon or they simply do not care. As world-renowned fashion magazine Vogue puts it, abstaining from wearing white after Labor Day is "outdated and irrelevant."

Contributing reporting: Anna Kaufman, USA-Today Network

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Labor Day 2023: Can I still wear white afterwards?