The tradition of not wearing white after Labor Day originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily among wealthy New Yorkers. White clothing was associated with summer vacations and warmer weather because it helped keep people cool and was practical for leisurely summer activities. After Labor Day, which marked the unofficial end of summer, the wealthy would swap their white summer clothes for darker, more practical fall attire. This rule served as a way for the upper class to distinguish themselves from the working class, who typically wore darker clothes year-round to hide dirt and grime from labor. The rule also had a practical side in that lighter colors were suitable for summer, while darker, heavier fabrics were better for colder weather. Today, the rule is seen as outdated and largely irrelevant. Modern fashion embraces white as a year-round color, and many style experts encourage wearing white even after Labor Day as a matter of personal expression rather than social conformity or practicality.
