John Singer Sargent: The Wyndham Sisters: Lady Elcho, Mrs. Tennant, and Mrs. Adeane The Wyndham Sisters: Lady Elcho, Mrs. Tennant, and Mrs. Adeane, oil painting by John Singer Sargent, 1900; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City (more) Can You Wear White After Labor Day? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Can-You-Wear-White-After-Labor-Day Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Amy Tikkanen Amy Tikkanen is Managing Editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. Amy Tikkanen Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 12, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot While fashion rules come and go, one endured for decades in the United States: don’t wear white after Labor Day. Its origins date to the late 1800s of the Gilded Age. During the summer months, the wealthy often left the sweltering city for cooler vacation homes. There, white clothing reigned supreme—not just for its elegance but also for its practicality. White reflects sunlight, making it cooler than darker hued garments. In addition, sweat is less noticeable in white attire. (Fun fact: that’s how the tradition of wearing white at Wimbledon began.) White also served another purpose: it signaled social status. ...(100 of 211 words)

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