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The 20 Best White Jeans for Pretty Much Every Summer Event, Starting at $35

Hint: Pay attention to the fabric

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Best white jeans: Collage of white jeans
Illustration by Paula Boudes

White jeans are an indispensable part of our wardrobes: We admire celebrities rocking them, we build outfits around them all year long and we buy them in the latest silhouettes (hello, barrel leg), washes and fabrics.  With so so many options to choose from in this fashion category, it’s a little difficult to find the best white jeans that are going to be figure-flattering, comfortable and as trendy or classic as we want. Here’s everything you need to know to.

Meet the Experts

  • Kim Appelt is a celebrity fashion stylist, founder of Styles by KimXO and author of Style for Everybody. She is one of Canada’s top fashion stylists and is a go-to expert in all fashion-related things. Along with dressing hip personal clients, both men and women, she also dresses television personalities and A-list celebrities for red carpet appearances.
  • Jennifer Kim is Women’s Senior Design Director at premium denim brand AG Jeans. Founded in Los Angeles in 2000, AG Jeans manufactures all of its products in-house—including cutting, sewing and distressing, and it’s at the forefront of industry sustainability, including using a water-filtration system that allows it to operate almost entirely on recycled water.

Are White Jeans on Trend?

Instead of a trend, our experts deem white jeans as a new wardrobe essential. Stylist Kim Appelt says, “White jeans have become much more of a wardrobe staple in the last few years than a trend…. the old skinny white denim has grown up into a classy option [to wear] with blazers, jean jackets and cute tanks and blouses.” But lest you think all white jeans are created equal, AG Jeans designer Jennifer Kim points out that details matter. “The fit, wash and shade (ecru, bone, cream, optic white) can determine whether a style is on trend,” she says.

What to Wear with White Jeans

A great place to start is to look at how brands style their offerings. For example, Madewell shows their wide-leg patch pocket jeans with a low-heeled sandal and a girly-cool puff-sleeved crop top, while Buck Mason styles their natural wash twill pant with a white jacket to make summer’s go-to monochromatic look. Appelt suggests pairing your white jeans with a neutral blazer (black, tan or navy), a white tank or tee and a pair of leather mules or loafers. For a look that sings summer 2023, she recommends rocking a pair of wide-leg white jeans with a linen shirt tied at the waist, platform sandals and a raffia bag.

For her part, Kim recommends wearing a crisp, striped poplin shirt with straight-leg white jeans (like AG’s Saige style) with a chic sandal or loafer for a classic look. She also shares, “For a more on-trend look, we love the Kora, a wide-leg fit, with our Sadie Crew, a ‘90s fit vintage crop T-shirt.” Finally, the designer allows that the tried-and-true way of avoiding VPL is best: “The best way to ensure that a pair of white jeans isn’t too sheer is to try it on! The fabric weight is the main factor in determining whether a white jean is see-through.” Since most denim jeans are mid-weight (that is, between 12 and 16 ounces), you’ll want to note which weights give you acceptable coverage…yes, by trying on.

How We Chose the Best White Jeans

We polled more than a dozen editors across the country to find out what white jeans they wore, and why. We also consulted a fashion stylist, as well as jeans brand representatives, to find out what styles were most in demand, and looked at top retailers’ ratings and reviewer comments, always searching for that magic combination of flattering fit, comfortable feel and value. (Pro tip: Anthropologie is really leaning in to trending white jeans.)  A word about price: We understand that luxury denim weaves are more costly than those used by major outlets, and respect that…along with also needing affordable everyday white jeans that we can wear to a family picnic without over-worrying about grass stains. So, we searched it all out, and have 19 recommendations.

The 7 Rules of Dressing for Summer ‘23 (Plus One Look to Officially Retire)


Top All-Cotton

1. Agolde 90s Pinch Waist

Agolde

  • What We Like: all organic cotton, button fly
  • What We Don't Like: non-stretch cotton requires some breaking in
  • Size Range: 23 to 34

“I love the trendy ‘90s straight leg high-rise jeans,” says stylist Appelt. “These have a really clean look and are a bit more fashion-forward for my clients that like to be on trend. My favorites are the AGOLDE ‘90s pinch waist style.” The bright white marshmallow wash looks crisp and pairs well with everything in your closet.

Top Crop Jeans

2. AG Farrah Boot Crop

AG

  • What We Like: super-soft stretch fabric, 11-inch rise, 27.5-inch inseam
  • What We Don't Like: pricey
  • Size Range: 23 to 34

"The cut is super flattering for a curvy figure and they feel thicker and higher quality than most white pants (you can't see through them)," writes one reviewer. "They're very soft and stretchy and look great with sandals." Made with the brand's bright white 9.7 oz. Hyper-Soft Stretch Denim, a left-hand twill fabric that allows the yarns to untwist for a supple, velvety-soft feel, these high-rise cropped bootcuts practically shout "summer fun." The skinny fit through the leg and subtly flared raw hem look right with everything from a T-shirt and flip-flops to a dress shirt and heels.

Top Raw Hem

3. The Hustler Ankle Fray

Mother Denim

  • What We Like:
  • What We Don't Like:
  • Size Range:

“I am obsessed with the Hustler Ankle Fray style from MOTHER,” says senior director of special projects and royals, Rachel Bowie  “I find it runs true to size, but you can also size up by one to get a little extra comfort/give. The denim is 94 percnet cotton, 4 percent polyester and 2 percent elastane and buttery soft, but it feels breathable, too. And it seems to hug in all the right places (I've got hips and I love how these mold to my frame). I also think the quality is worth noting: The price is high, but it's a style you'll live in all summer. I also love the look of the fray hem—reflects the chill vibe of the season.”

Top Tummy Smoothing

4. NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jeans

NYDJ

  • What We Like: 9.75-inch front rise and 15.25-inch back rise discourages muffin tops, variable inseam lengths
  • What We Don't Like: 32-inch standard/30-inch petite inseam means heels or hemming for all but the tallest wearers
  • Size Range: 00 to 18, standard, petite, tall and plus sizes

For senior editor Dana Dickey, “These are the Platonic ideal of white jeans, with a little something extra—a gentle proprietary slimming panel that’s worked into the front of the jeans, making me stand up a little straighter when I wear them.” The 88 percent cotton/10 percent polyester/2 percent elastane denim weave feels smooth, soft and lightweight.” These are my go-to jeans for when I need to look polished yet casual—and while these run large, I recommend taking your usual size since the long, lean line of these jeans looks better when it’s just grazing the body,” Dickey says.

Top Butt-Boosting

5. Everlane Original Cheeky Jean

Everlane

  • What We Like: two percent elastane means mild stretch, dependably opaque, 13-ounce denim
  • What We Don't Like: 11.75-inch rise might be too high for some wearers
  • Size Range: 23 to 35, with 26.5-, 28.5- and 30.5-inch inseams

Senior food editor Katherine Gillen says, “These Everlane jeans are ecru, not bright white. I actually prefer that wash because it feels more relaxed and less preppy (and I can get away with wearing them outside of the summer months too). The cheeky fit is very booty-flattering and they come in three inseam lengths.”

Best Straight Leg

6. J.Crew Slim-Straight Jeans

J. Crew

  • What We Like: mid-rise, flattering back pocket size and placement
  • What We Don't Like: super-stretchy fabric might not be figure-smoothing
  • Size Range: 23 to 37, classic, petite and tall

“I’m honestly furious that J.Crew doesn’t make the same style of my most-favorite white jeans any more, but after ten-plus years they’ve finally reached a point of needing to be replaced,” says fashion editor Abby Hepworth. “This pair is the closest I’ve been able to find and I’m so excited to wear them all summer. The leg is just the right cut—not too loose, but not a true skinny jean either—and I love that it comes in petite and tall sizes too. They do have a decent amount of stretch, so I’d say if you’re between sizes you might want to go with the smaller.”

Top Patch Pockets

7.  Madewell Perfect Vintage Wide Leg Jean

Madewell

  • What We Like: lightweight denim, trouser-like fit
  • What We Don't Like: fabric is slightly see-though
  • Size Range: 23 to 33, standard, petite and tall

Dickey appreciates the sleek look of these patch-pocket jeans from Madewell, “since the brand is my go-to brand for well-priced, waist-whittling an high-rise jeans.” This is a new style that looks fresh, ironically because it looks retro—the high-waist, wide legs (17.25-inch leg opening) and front patch pockets are reminiscent of thrift store jeans circa 1974. “The patch pockets don’t bulge the way that inseam pockets tend to, so these are slinky-looking on, and while the lightweight fabric can be a bit see-through, if I wear flesh-tone seamless bikinis, I’m golden.”

Top Low Stretch

8.  Warp & Weft Ase High Rise Straight ($98)

Warp + Weft

  • What We Like: soft fabric, opaque
  • What We Don't Like: may not be figure-hugging enough for some wearers
  • Size Range: 00 to 14

“Cut straight from the hip, I wear these white jeans when I’m kicking around the house, because even though the fabric is low stretch, it has been super soft since I first tried them on,” Dickey says, noting that since these are button-fly and less stretchy, she ensured they’d be comfortable—even post-meal—by ordering them in a size larger than she usually wears.

Best Variable Lengths

9. A & F High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean

Abercrombie + Fitch

  • What We Like: five lengths, various shades of white
  • What We Don't Like: one percent elastane means not the stretchiest
  • Size Range: 23 to 37, extra-short to extra-long inseams

Commerce editor Olivia Dubyak  loves that the denim this pair is made from is super comfortable and really sculpts her waist and hips nicely. “Plus, my crop tops hit perfectly against the waist for a cohesive, seamless look.” We appreciate that the wide range of waist sizes are available in inseams that are cut to fit wearers under five feet tall (a 27-inch inseam) and more than 5’11”(a 33-inch inseam). Not only that, but in addition to the standard super-bright white wash, you can snag this pair in cream and oat hues.

Best Baggy Mid-Rise

10. Zara Wide-Leg Baggy Jeans

Zara

  • What We Like: drapey fabric, bright white denim, great price
  • What We Don't Like: may require hemming
  • Size Range: 25 to 32

“I have been really into the baggy look as of late, and this pair from Zara is the crème de la crème,” according to associate fashion commerce editor Stephanie Meraz. “It has a true mid-rise fit that sits right below my belly button, and I find that the denim is slightly stretchy in nature, so it doesn’t dig in at all. With so much fabric and flare because of the wide-leg fit, I was surprised to see how well it hugged my tush in the middle, and they look especially good when paired with heels or a booties. I stuck with my normal size for a comfortable fit that still has some breathing room and give, but if you want a more fitted look that sits a bit higher on the hips, I’d recommend to size down one. To note: I’m 5'7" and this pair pools beautifully at my feet, but for shorter gals, it may need hemming.”

Top Super-Skinny

11. Frame High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans

Frame

  • What We Like: the 10.5-inch front rise and 14-inch back rise is engineered to cover and cradle your curves
  • What We Don't Like: lightweight stretchy fabric hugs every imperfection
  • Size Range: 23 to 32

On days when Dickey is feeling flat of stomach and optimistic in spirit, she puts on these fancy, super-stretchy Frame jeans in bright white. “They are my most figure-revealing garment next to a swimsuit, and can look fantastic with flip-flops or sneakers or even, if I’m brave, a pair of heels and a going-out top.” Since these guys are so clingy, though, and buttery soft, she has to do a close VPL check in the mirror, or just opt for a nude thong from the get-go. “Then, as long as I’m closer to a six-pack ab than a food baby, these jeans are great.”

Top Button-Fly

12. Levi’s 501 Crop Jeans

Levis

  • What We Like: white destruction wash has a touch of distressing, 25.5-inch inseam
  • What We Don't Like: can look comically short on tall women
  • Size Range: 24 to 31

Appelt often pulls this style for her clients, telling us, “I love a good pair of cropped, white, straight-leg jeans. They are easy to throw on with a pair of sneakers or slides and a T-shirt, or dress up with a blazer and chunky loafers or mule.” While not super-stretchy, these jeans mold to fit your figure the more you wear them.

Top Barrel Leg

13. AYR The Beat Drop

AYR

  • What We Like: trending silhouette, warm, near-white Straw Hat color
  • What We Don't Like: 26.5-inch inseam might not hit correctly on very tall or very short wearers
  • Size Range: 24 to 34

“I got this jean in the Straw Hat color and it magically goes with so much of my closet!” says one AYR reviewer. “I love that it's a creamy neutral. The Beat Drop is one of my favorite jeans, so I'm happy it's coming in new fabrics and colors.” Another reviewer agrees: “I like this cream color over a bright white jean. I feel it's more flattering than a bright white.” Note that the coastal grandmothers and hipsters who love this indie, L.A.-based label say these jeans do run big, so considering sizing down one from your usual.

Best contrast stitching

14. Alexa Off White High Straight Jean

Dissh

  • What We Like: non-sheer, cool puddling effect
  • What We Don't Like: rigid denim might not hit the comfort mark on some wearers
  • Size Range: 2 to 12

“I love these from DISSH, with seams that are done with a rusty orange-hued thread, giving some nice definition to these jeans without actually introducing a bright pop of color,” says Hepworth. “So they’ll still go with all your favorite summer tops. They do run small and have no stretch, so you’re likely better off going up one from your usual size.”

  • What We Like: trendy hem treatment, comes in three lengths
  • What We Don't Like: flapping hem is annoying to some wearers
  • Size Range: 24 to 35, regular, petite and tall

“These are the best pair of white jeans for athletic legs,” writes one reviewer, even noting that they ordered a second pair as a backup in case this style is ever retired. This full-leg, loose all the way down style has one percent stretch, so it’s comfortable, and the raw-edge hem means you can just take a scissors to them to customize exactly where you want them to fall on your heels or your sneakers. And the split-leg design is one of 2023's top denim trends.

Top Wide Leg

16. AG Kora Jeans

AG

Can denim have the sophistication of a pair of trousers? As evidenced by these AG Kora jeans, yes. All it takes is a wide-leg that falls straight from the high-rise waist, a quality white denim and a 32-inch inseam to fall straight over a pair of heels or wedges. The wide-leg look is super on-trend right now, both worn with flats or heels, so we recommend you nab two pairs so that each length can be ready to go.

best white jeans Buck Mason

Top Pantsuit Jeans

17.  Buck Mason Stretch Ridge Twill Rider Pant

Buck Mason

  • What We Like: natural wash colorway, long-lasting stretch recovery
  • What We Don't Like: only comes in 30-inch inseam
  • Size Range: 24 to 32

The 12-ounce cotton twill fabric is a great all-year choice, as is the refreshing off-white natural colorway of these deceptively slouchy jeans. These regularly sell out, thanks you the flattering fit of the high rise and the medium-wide leg, which shorties can either get hemmed or just roll up, since it comes in only 30-inch lengths. We love that the Buck Mason has added a matching zip-front cropped jacket to their line, so that these two pieces can be worn together for an elevated look.

Top Super-Stretchy Jeans

18. Good American High Rise Straight Leg Jeans

Good American

  • What We Like: contoured waist, contains at least 20 percent recycled fabric
  • What We Don't Like: super-bright white wash can dull over multiple washings
  • Size Range: 00 to 26

There’s no risk of gapping at the waist with these jeans, which are made to hug the leg all the way down to the 14.5-inch leg opening. The waist is contoured so that the 11-inch front rise and 15-inch back rise stay right at the waist where you zipped them. Since these have a trending raw edge, if you need a shorter leg than the 27.5-inch inseam, you can just nip them shorter with a sharp pair of scissors.

19. Top Affordable Jeans

19. Old Navy Curvy High-Waisted Ankle Jeans

Old Navy

  • What We Like: lightweight denim, curvy fit
  • What We Don't Like: can bag in hips on athletic builds
  • Size Range: 00 to 30, regular, tall and petite

The mom jean style is still happening; here, it’s in a pair that’s roomier through the hip and thigh, with a snug, no-gap waist and a straight leg that narrows a little at the ankle, finished by a cute raw hem. The fabric blend is 94 percent cotton, 5 percent recycled cotton and one percent spandex, so it’s comfy. And no need to wear heels—these come in petite sizes, too, that have a 26-inch inseam. All this, plus smoothing front pockets (because moms always need to hold the Littles’s treasures).

Top Low-Rise Jeans

20. Rag & Bone Low Rise Boyfriend Jeans

Rag & Bone

  • What We Like: slouchy fit sits on hips, 26.75-inch inseam works on petites
  • What We Don’t Like: 12.5-inch leg opening might be too skinny for some wearers
  • Size Range: 23 to 34

Low rise jeans haven’t gone away, they have just changed their silhouette; today’s low-rise jeans are still slim, but a bit slouchy on the hips, with a touch of give in the rear end. These mid-weight denim jeans have a traditional five-pocket design, button closure and zip fly.

Why You Should Trust Us

Dana Dickey is a PureWow Senior Editor, and during more than a decade in digital media, she has scoped out and tested top products and services across the lifestyle space. Suitcases to sex toys, she's got an opinion on what's best. Dana is based in Los Angeles; her work has also appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue and The New York Times. Check her out on Instagram and LinkedIn.

PureWow is the best friend you never had when it comes to finding the best, most useful lifestyle products online. Founded in 2010, our company’s editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which ones are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series, which sees each and every item we test being ranked on a 100-point scale of awesomeness, to the painstakingly curated lists our fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family editors create as vertical experts, you can trust that our recommendations include some of the greatest items you’ll find on the internet. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.

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dana dickey

Senior Editor

Dana Dickey is a PureWow Senior Editor, and during more than a decade in digital media, she has scoped out and tested top products and services across the lifestyle space...