United States

Do you know you can't wear white after Labor Day, here's why

Labor Day in 2023 falls on September 4th, a Monday. Find out more about this celebration and the reasons why some Americans choose not to wear white following this event

Labor Day poster
info_icon

Labor Day is annually celebrated on the first Monday in September. The United States recognizes Labor Day as a federal holiday. It is a day dedicated to honoring American workers. The founders envisioned it to commemorate the American worker, the driving engine behind the world's most productive economy, as well as the American work ethic that has resulted in one of the world's greatest standards of living. Everything stemmed from a belief in economic and political democracy. 
Not only did Labor Day celebrate American workers, but it also helped keep their way of life alive. In the late 1800s, the Labor movement was started to solve some of the most important problems in the country, such as long work hours and not enough time off. 
Why is it traditional to avoid wearing white after Labor Day? 
One theory for wearing white is that it was cooler before air conditioning since white reflected the sun rather than absorbing it. Another hypothesis holds that the end of summer marked a return to the city and job life, as many people used to spend August at the beach. Returning to city life (often unclean) meant that dark garments had to be worn again, and whites were no longer suitable.
Of course, "summering" was more for the wealthy, who could escape the city in the days before air conditioning to the seashore or mountains. As a result, wearing white was reserved for those who could afford to stay clean and travel. 
Another theory states that it is thought to have started in the late 1800s, when white was still regarded as a summer color and people stored their white clothing after Labor Day to make room for darker, more autumnal hues.
There are no such restrictions about white today. We have air conditioning, lighter fabrics, and clothing has become more casual and comfortable in comparison to the more formal suits and business outfits of previous decades. 
Here are some ideas for how to celebrate Labor Day.
Take this day off if you can to simply give yourself a break from your hard job since you deserve this national day of relaxation. 
Participate in a Labor Day parade. A parade or a festival is held in many cities and villages. Alternatively, enjoy a picnic or BBQ like our forefathers did many years ago.
Despite the fact that the American workforce has evolved dramatically since the industrial revolution, many Americans continue to work longer hours and take fewer vacation days than our Western counterparts. Labor Day is unique in that it is the one day of the year when no one expects to work! On Labor Day, people recognize the worth of labor by putting it aside for an extra-long weekend.