I'm 5'1” and Never Owned a Pair of White Jeans—Until I Met This Everlane Style

I’ll be wearing ‘em long after Labor Day

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

Everlane White Curve Jeans Review: Original photos of Stephanie Maida
Original photos by Stephanie Maida/Dasha Burobina

I had just returned home from a round of rooftop cocktails in full view of the Empire State Building and I was buzzing—but not because of my espresso martini. My leg-tapping, can’t-stop-smiling, can’t-wait-to-post-pics mood could all be credited to my new white jeans.

You see, as a short girl with less-than-modelesque proportions, I had resigned myself to the idea that the rarely forgiving style just wasn’t made for me. The light color would make my legs look too short and wide, I’d say to myself while shopping, slinking away from any pair I came across without even bothering to try them on. They’ll show every lump and bump I have! But then, this summer, filled with a sudden surge of courage, I took some pants into an Everlane dressing room—and left with them in my shopping bag. Now, at 34, I am the proud owner of my first pair of white denim: the Everlane Way-High Curve jeans ($148), technically, in ecru.

I’ve since been wearing them every chance I get. Like at the aforementioned outing, where I felt as confident as ever rubbing elbows with the snazzily dressed after-work crowd and strutting through the streets of Manhattan. Cue the Bee Gees, baby. 

Now, these pants didn’t just magically add 4 inches to my height, or remove them from my waist. And, in fact, have a wide-leg cut (the very thing I’ve always been so afraid of). So what exactly is it about them that makes me feel so good?

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

The Fit Is *So* Flattering—and Comfortable

Everlane

Well, for starters, they fit like a glove. As soon as I slipped them on in-store, I was shocked by how well they seemed to hug my waist without squeezing, and how perfectly the hem skimmed my feet without dragging on the floor—something I rarely come across in standard-sized bottoms.

Now, while the barrel-leg silhouette may be polarizing, I’ve been a fan since learning how to make it work for my petite frame. And, IMO, it’s a flattering shape for a light jean. It cinches where I want it to, while relaxing at the points I don’t. Thanks to the high waist on these, my legs actually appear to go on longer, and the loose fit through the bottom prevents them from turning into mini sausages. Paired with a fitted (or tucked-in) top, they also appear to give me an hourglass shape I lack naturally.

Plus, they just look cool—and, dare I say, rather French. One of the reasons I was initially drawn to them was that I had just spent some time scrolling through Paris street style photos, and so many chic women were donning similar baggy white styles. I’ll admit, I was truly sold when I paired the jeans with Everlane’s Box-Cut tee ($38) and felt that I had finally nailed the effortless French aesthetic I had long been chasing. 

They Can Be Dressed Up or Down

Everlane

The perfect pair of white jeans is going to be versatile by nature. As I mentioned, I took these for a spin on a dressy night out, paired with a slinky one-shoulder bodysuit and silver slingbacks, topped off with an even more waist-cinching belt for good measure. But I’ve also embraced the relaxed look by donning ‘em with slouchy graphic tees and sneakers for weekend brunches and neighborhood strolls. With a simple swap of footwear and accessories, these beauties can work for any situation. 

The Quality Is Top-Tier

Everlane

To be honest, I wouldn’t usually drop nearly $150 on a pair of jeans, but the fit, combined with the quality, made them worth my while (and my hard-earned cash). They’re constructed of heavy-weight organic cotton with just a touch of elastane, which provides some welcome give at the waist. The denim is thick and sturdy, so any see-through peep-shows are a total nonissue. And after multiple wears and washes, they’ve proven to hold their shape beautifully, remaining fitted up top and curved through the legs. 

Bottom Line: I’m Obsessed

Everlane

In addition to all the reasons I listed above, I love these Everlane jeans for the very fact that I bought them in the first place. Seeing as how I had long banished this article of clothing from my wardrobe before even giving it a try, they now represent a newfound sense of confidence with and acceptance of my body. I did it—I bought the white jeans!  (And, sorry not sorry, I’ll be donning ‘em long after Labor Day.)

Perhaps I’m assigning too much meaning to a pair of pants (then again, fashion is full of it!), but between the way they make me look and feel, I’d recommend these white jeans to anyone, whether or not they’d be your first-ever pair. 

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23 to 33
  • Inseam: 27 inches, 29 inches
  • Materials: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane

stephanie maida

Senior Commerce Editor

  • Oversees PureWow's coverage of sales and deals, celebrity commerce and new launches across categories
  • Has worked as a writer and editor for 10+ years
  • Studied journalism at New York University

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow'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 are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. 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.