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 Tune in to learn what Labor Day really signifies and whether it's finally time to break this outdated rule.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:
U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Labor Day history. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history
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/
Schulman, M. (2022, September 5). Can you wear white after Labor Day? Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/article/wearing-white-after-labor-day
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
Union Plus. (n.d.). Labor Day history. Union Plus. https://www.unionplus.org/page/labor-day-history
Labour Day. (2025, August 30). In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labour_Day
Haymarket affair. (2025, August 30). In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haymarket_affair
International Workers' Day. (2025, August 30). In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Workers%27_Day
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
