Some people are of the firm belief that white jeans are appropriate from the strict parameters of Memorial Day through Labor Day, while others advocate for year-round white jeans. But no matter where you stand on the timing question (I’m now strongly in the all-seasons camp—just steer clear of overly crisp, stark whites in the depths of winter), a pair of white denim pants is an essential item for a complete capsule wardrobe.
Now, onto the tricky part: Shopping for the perfect pair of jeans isn’t the most enjoyable of activities. (If you’re one of the .0001 percent of people who somehow enjoy trying on jeans, just skip this paragraph and bask in the feeling that you have been blessed by the denim gods.) The search becomes even more difficult when you’re on the hunt for a pair of white denim jeans that fit all your criteria. There are so many factors to take into account—you want these pants to be flattering, of course, and comfortable, and also made of an appropriately opaque fabric so that you don’t end up walking around in a pair of see-through pants.
While finding the right pair of white jeans might seem like a rather daunting task, the good news is that there’s no longer just one style and color out there. White jeans now come in an array of shades and silhouettes, whether you’re looking for a cream-colored flare, an ivory skinny or a cropped ecru. There are high-waisted, mid-rise and low-rise jeans, because options are needed!
If you’ve been burned by the fickle white jean in the past, don’t let that turn you off forever. A classic pair of white jeans is a sartorial powerhouse, especially as we inch at this truly glacial pace toward summer. Pair them with everything from a crisp button-down to a cozy sweater to an oversized blazer, depending on the occasion. Below, see the best white jeans to shop now, for every style preference.
