What Does White Clothing Symbolize?
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Do you know what the symbolism of white clothing is? When we put together an outfit while using white clothing pieces, there is the possibility people might potentially interpret your appearance in a certain way.
After analyzing the color psychology of almost the whole color wheel, by explaining how wearing a color can affect your mood, we think it’s time to dig a little deeper into the symbolism behind white clothing.
As previously expressed, a color can alter, change, and influence your mood. It can enforce feelings of happiness, calmness, passion, or even power. From blue to green, to even orange, these emotions will range.
In this issue, we will discuss what wearing white can symbolize, from emotions to even associations.
The Color Psychology of White
White, according to color psychology, can symbolize a variety of meanings and feelings ranging from innocence, cleanliness, peacefulness, to even emptiness. Within history, the color white is portrayed as good and is symbolically linked to various situations and meanings. In some cultures, white means life, in others it’s the color of death.
In fashion, white can portray different styles, as it truly is timeless. It encourages the wearer to look professional, sleek, modern, elegant, and formal without being overbearing.
White is often worn during special occasions, religious rituals/ practices, or events that demand formal wear. It can also work to bring forth another color, emphasizing or highlighting it. As white matches every color, it is universal and will enhance an outfit’s vibrance.
What Does White Symbolize?
Wedding dresses are white for a reason! In A Guide to Color Symbolism, it states how white symbolizes “purity” and “newness”. The term white means “untouched” or “unblemished” by color.
White clothing symbolizes purity and peace. It looks elegant, sleek, and professional.
With this definition, it has translated into the wedding ceremony signifying a bride’s innocence and virginity. This represents a clean slate, her innocence, chastity, and new beginnings.
In some scenarios and cultures, white can signify coldness, loneliness, and even death. As white favors no specific hue, it is untarnished by color. We can also view it as boring, plain, and stark. However, this depends on what situation it appears in and who is interpreting it.
White is ideal if you are looking to appear perfect, untouched, and sophisticated. The starkness and superiority of it appear angelic and sacred.
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Biblical Symbolism of White
Biblically, white represents prophecy, righteousness, and wisdom. We can find this symbolism within the Bible and popular culture. For example, the two prophetic horses, which embodied truthfulness and righteousness, appeared in white.
When we think of heaven, anything angelic, or something that resembles “goodness”, we tend to pair white with it.
In contrast, black represents evil, sin, and anything unholy. Think of the Halloween costumes of a good angel versus a bad one. Typically, the good angel is in all white, whereas the evil angel is in black.
As this study published in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology suggests, white is the color that portrays “good”. However, it is also perceived as “weak”.
One represents life and purity, whereas the other represents death and sin. Another excellent example of white representing good and black representing bad is the Ancient Chinese concept of Yin and Yang.
The Color of “New”
White also symbolizes a fresh start, peace, and cleanliness. Starting over (like with a blank page or a white canvas) is often represented in white.
When we reference cleaning, we strip an object of its dirt or color that tarnishes its immaculate state. Bounty, the paper towel company’s commercials almost always feature a crisp white clean surface that a very dark and dirty spill tarnishes. When using Bounty on the surface, they restore it back to its perfect and pure state.
White is also a symbol for peace. As World Birds states, white doves, on an international level, “represents hope and peace”. They signify “global optimism” that resonates across various cultures. This is also why a white flag/towel is waved when a war or fight breaks out and an opponent wants to call a truce.
Variations of White
As white is untouched by color, we can’t necessarily call anything in relation to white a shade. White isn’t a color. So, there technically aren’t any “shades” of white. However, there are variations of it!
For example, eggshell, vanilla, and ivory. When we think of these variations, we do group them with white. That is how we classify them; we classify them as “off-white” variants.
Left: pure white | Right: Eggshell
Left: pure white | Right: Vanilla
Left: pure white | Right: Ivory
Yes, it’s hard to tell a difference…
Do these variations still carry the same symbolism and interpretations as pure white does? No, not exactly. In our opinion, they can’t!
These shades are blemished, tarnished, and touched by color. They no longer hold the same meaning white does. Remember, white is “blemish-free”, it’s “pure”, and it’s “innocent”.
Off-white shades aren’t as pure as true white is; they can’t be. However, they hold the title of being “less-pure than white”. They are altered by colors of yellow or even brown. This means that yes, they are still white, but less genuine versions.
That is why they are variations of white and don’t encompass the exact same symbolism.
When painting a wall, sometimes people don’t want the perfect and starkness that white offers. White can sometimes appear too bright and too pure for some individuals. Therefore, versions of white, like eggshell, are often preferred.
Since white can be overly pure or clean, off-white alternatives are great for when you want to look less “spot on” and more “down to earth”.
The same goes for clothing. More often than not, “white clothes” are actually not purely white but rather off-white. This mostly has to do with white clothing taking on the colors of other clothes while being washed and thus losing its purity.
Yes, we will be writing an article about how to wash colorful clothing soon.
But for all reasonable purposes, white clothes are considered white – even if they technically aren’t.
White in Clothing
Now that we’ve covered the symbolism, history, and variations of white, it’s time to discuss when and where to wear it!
Besides weddings, baptisms, and communions, white can appear in your everyday wardrobe. It can be a power outfit! From special occasions to looking like JLo at President Joe Biden’s inauguration, it can demand attention and allow you to appear sophisticated.
It’s great for when you want to look pure, innocent, and youthful. It is often worn during sacred practices to signify renewals, cleansing, and protection.
White also offers a sense of balance! When wearing a pop of color, for example, our Super Fruit Socks, a white clothing item will enhance and emphasize these socks’ colors and make them appear more vibrant! However, be careful of when and where you wear white, as sometimes it can come across as overly pristine, sterile, and plain.
A good rule to follow? Even though white works with every color, it’s best not to pair it with any of its own variations. Stay away from any eggshell and pure white color combos. This will usually create a rather weird and frumpy outfit choice!
But, more on how to wear white in future articles. Sign up for our Member Letter to be notified when it’s out.
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