The tradition of not wearing white after Labor Day stemmed from a desire to signal social status and wealth.
Here's a breakdown:
- Historical Context: In the late 1800s, streets were often unpaved and dirty.
- Wealth and Leisure: Those who could afford to leave the city for summer vacations wore white to stay cool. White clothing also showed that one did not have to do manual labor that would soil their clothing.
- Signaling Status: Returning to darker clothing after Labor Day indicated the end of the summer season and a return to city life and more formal attire.
- Showing Off: Wearing white after Labor Day was considered showing off wealth because it implied that one was either still on vacation or did not have to work, according to the provided reference.
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Historical Basis | Dirty streets and the association of white with leisure and wealth. |
| Social Signaling | Differentiated the wealthy summer vacationers from the working class. |
| Modern Relevance | Largely outdated, but still observed by some as a matter of tradition/etiquette. |
In modern times, the rule is less strictly enforced and is often considered more of a guideline or tradition than a rigid rule of etiquette.
