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by nurse7263 on January 13th, 2007

nurse7263

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When did the old "never wear white after Labor Day" saying start? Do you wear white after Labor Day? Why or why not?

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Answers. 7 helpful answers below.

  • by mysticdeliria on January 13th, 2007

    mysticdeliria

    I've heard two different things about this. The first is the obvious: White is a summer colour, it reflects light and thus cools you down, not such a good idea for winter. So the rule is pretty functional and logistical.

    The other reason I've heard is that it has to do with class. In the early part of last century, a lot of people started making the jump from middle to upper class. The rule came about to help these "nouveau-riche" women better understand high society fashion which they didn't have a natural affinity for.

    And yes, I wear white any time of year. I have huge student loans and am lucky to have clothes at all, I'm not picky. :)

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  • by TrumpetLuck on January 13th, 2007

    TrumpetLuck

    Well, I think that it is kind of impossible to not wear white after Labor Day, cause isn't like, every day after Labor Day? Kinda like the fact, that you say I'm going this direction, and someone else goes the exact opposite direction. You would eventually run into them at the other side of the world, right?

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  • by Dirty D on September 7th, 2009

    Dirty D

    I guess because White reflects heat instead of retaining it so it wouldn't be as warm as darker colored clothing. Still I don't know anyone who actually follows or cares about this rule.

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  • by Rude Bear Ready for Winter on October 11th, 2008

    Rude Bear Ready for Winter

    It comes from the fact that people of wealth and privileged would leave the cities during the summer because it was hot, it smelled, and there was lots of illness around. They would go out to the country where they could be cool and healthy, and come the Autumn, when the city cooled off they could return.
    Since the cities had no/poor sewer systems, there was often "Mud" in the streets. Wearing white clothes in the city was pretty damn foolish...
    I imagine that the "after Labor Day" suffix was added after the holiday was established because it was a good indicator that summer was over and autumn had begun.

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  • by Friendo on August 31st, 2008

    Friendo

    Emily Post?

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  • by debodun on August 31st, 2008

    debodun

    There's no hard an fast rule about what colors to wear at what times, although I'm surprised at how many people wear black, even in the summer. To me, black is a fall and winter color. I like to see pastels for summer wear. I suppose some professions, like medical and food service, must wear white at all times while on the job. But I'm still curious about all the black - any ideas?

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  • by pointe_me on August 27th, 2008

    pointe_me

    Whoever started that saying has never been in a mid-september wedding.

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