Don't Wear White After Labor Day

We're tackling the sartorial rule that has stumped America for decades: "Don't Wear White After Labor Day." Join us as we unravel the surprising history behind this fashion faux pas, from its origins in the catty social circles of 20th-century New York to its unexpected metaphor to the meaning of Labor Day and the fight for workers' rights. Tune in to learn what Labor Day really signifies and whether it's finally time to break this outdated rule.

References:

1. U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Labor Day history. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

2. Holmes, M. (2022, August 30). Why can't you wear white after Labor Day? Here's the history behind the fashion rule. The Pioneer Woman. https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/a40246129/white-after-labor-day-history/

3. Schulman, M. (2022, September 5). Can you wear white after Labor Day? Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/article/wearing-white-after-labor-day

4. The Wardrobe Consultant. (2022, September 5). Can you wear white after Labor Day? The Wardrobe Consultant. https://www.thewardrobeconsultant.com/blog/can-you-wear-white-after-labor-day

5. Union Plus. (n.d.). Labor Day history. Union Plus. https://www.unionplus.org/page/labor-day-history

6. Labour Day. (2025, August 30). In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labour_Day

7. Haymarket affair. (2025, August 30). In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haymarket_affair

8. International Workers' Day. (2025, August 30). In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Workers%27_Day

9. Leslie, O. (2022, September 1). Why the U.S. celebrates Labor Day instead of May Day. Observing Leslie. https://observingleslie.com/magazine/why-the-us-celebrates-labor-day-instead-of-may-day