Never wear white after Labor Day. Do you remember hearing that rule as a kid?

No one is quite sure where the rule came from. The most common theory is that it began as something practical. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Americans began seeking out more leisure time in the sun, especially around the beach. Wearing white was an easy way to keep cool during these summer outings. However, when summer ended, the weather changed, and people went back to work, wearing easily-stained white no longer make sense. So, people would stock their fall wardrobe with heavier fabrics and darker colors.1

Not wearing white after Labor Day was less a rule, and more a rule of thumb.

Somewhere along the line, though, no white after Labor Day became more about fashion etiquette than anything else. Historians aren’t really sure about when this started, either. One theory is that it became a status symbol for the wealthy.2 To wear white only in a very specific season was a way of showing you had enough money to make style your main concern rather than practicality. Whether that’s true or not, at some point, the rule became an unwritten law of the land, enforced only social mores and the fear of looking ignorant.

But one generation’s sacred wisdom becomes another’s sacred cow.

Today, many people don’t even know about the no white after Labor Day. Most who do ignore it. And why shouldn’t they? If you have a pair of slick white sneakers, you should wear them. If your favorite t-shirt is white, put it on. Look good in a white dress, or a dress shirt? Let the world know!

Sure, some places and situations still have dress codes. But how you dress, how you look, how you feel…that’s your business, and nobody else’s.

And that, to us, is one of the reasons we celebrate Labor Day.

We can’t see you as you read this, but we are willing to bet you’ve got an eyebrow raised right now. After all, what possible connection is there between Labor Day and how we dress other than the old, discarded never wear white rule

Well, think about what Labor Day represents.

Labor Day, as a federal holiday, started as a concession given to the thousands of laborers who struggled for fair pay, benefits, and improved living conditions. Over time, it became a celebration of the overall labor movement, and all that movement accomplished.

What did the movement accomplish?

The labor movement won, for all Canadians and Americans, the ability to have weekends. The right to fairer wages. The ability to take vacations. The right to work fewer hours, so we can spend more time with our families. The ability to send our children to school instead of to work.

And with those rights and abilities came the right to self-expression. The freedom, both socially and economically, to dress how we want. To look how we want. To be who we want.

So, on behalf of our team, we wish you a happy Labor Day!

Whether you spend the end of summer outside or in, wearing white or not, revel in the fact that the choice belongs to you and you alone.

Have a great rest of your summer!

The Omell Financial Group

1 “Why We Can’t Wear White After Labor Day,” Time, www.history.com/articles/no-white-after-labor-day-origins-fashion 2 “What Are the Origins of the ‘No White After labor Day’ Rule?” History, www.history.com/articles/no-white-after-labor-day-origins-fashion.

Bill Good Letters Library.