The 12 Best White Jeans

Worn by both Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy, white jeans are a timeless staple that suit all personalities. The crisp denim is more elevated than your basic blues, making them a great option for vacation getaways or dressing for the office in the summer. And as people forget the “can’t wear white past Labor Day rule,” white jeans are a key player in your closet year-round.

Yet as with shopping for any jeans, finding the right pair isn’t a breeze. So we interviewed different celebrity stylists, influencers, and fellow editors to learn their tricks on how to shop for and style white jeans. The light fabric is slightly less forgiving, so we looked for pairs in flattering silhouettes and materials that wouldn’t stretch out or show everything underneath. Our hunt led us to all the best white jeans available on the market right now, including cropped cuties and flared finds.

Best Overall

Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans

Everyone from celebrities like Hailey Bieber to InStyle editors is obsessed with these Levi’s, and it’s easy to see why. Like the name suggests, the jeans literally hit your ribcage, snatching your waistline, lifting your booty, and creating the illusion of endless legs. The style comes in more than 10 different shades, including the perfect white. “I bought around 20 different white jeans over the last few months and returned all of them except for these,” says Caitlyn Martyn, commerce writer. “The pair fits perfectly and feels comfortable even sitting in an office all day.” Made from a blend of cotton and polyester, the denim has just the right amount of stretch. The straight leg hits you at the ankle and features some light distressing at the hem for that lived-in, coastal look. Coming in two different lengths, these jeans are ideal for both tall and short folks alike.

Size: 23-33 | Rise: High | Materials: Cotton, polyester

Best Budget

Zara Loose Fit Low Rise Jeans

For writer Bianca Kratky, there’s nothing Zara jeans can’t do that a high-end one can (except maybe last as long). While it’s typically difficult to find trendy pieces that fit her just right, the Zara jeans somehow always sit perfectly — the fact that she doesn’t need to empty out her wallet for a pair is just icing on the cake. These white loose-fit jeans are the latest items on her radar, thanks to their relaxed, slouchy look. The color, midrise, and wide leg make them ideal summer jeans and have that certain je ne sais quoi to them. Take heed of the warning on the label, however, that they run a little large. Size down if you’re unsure what size to get. 

Size: 25–32 | Rise: Mid | Materials: Cotton, recycled cotton

Best Splurge

Closed Pedal Pusher White Jeans

What do you get when you combine German manufacturing with Italian craftsmanship? An expertly designed, perfectly crafted pair of jeans from Closed. This pair is equal parts stretchy and rigid, making it have both comfort and structure. The straight cut is neither too baggy nor too skin-tight, allowing you to wear it to formal and casual occasions. In other words, there’s nothing these jeans aren’t good for. Even the slightly cropped hem makes them good for winter (with booties) and summer (with sandals). You’re basically guaranteed to get tons of wear out of these, which makes them worth the slightly higher price. Just make sure to follow the size guide carefully, as the listed sizes are either following the German or Italian measurements, and you’ll need to find the corresponding American sizes on their chart. 

Size: XXS–XXL | Rise: High | Materials: Cotton, elastomultiester, elastane

Best Wide Leg

Lee High Rise A Line Jeans

When in doubt, leaning on the expertise of brands that have been crafting jeans for centuries — like Lee or Levi — will serve you right. Wide-leg pants run the risk of looking like they’re swallowing you alive, so make sure to get a pair from a brand that knows what they’re doing. These ones have the classic oversized look of wide-leg jeans, combined with a high-rise cinching the waist in for a more structured look. The inseam is 32 inches, which could be a little too long for women five foot seven and under, and unfortunately the brand doesn’t offer petite lengths. 

Size: 24–35 | Rise: High | Materials: Cotton, lyocell, elastane

Best Plus Size

Universal Standard High Rise Skinny Jeans

• You can choose between a mid rise, high rise, regular, tall, and petite lengths.

Leave all the fuss and the frills aside, these standard skinny jeans are a great everyday piece to own. Offered in mid-rise, high-rise, regular, tall, and petite lengths, a wide size range, and ten different colors, Universal Standard really said, “No one shall be left behind”. Well, at least they tried — certain colors are only available in certain lengths, but we’re still impressed with the wide variety they are offering. Made of soft four-way stretch denim, these should glide on with ease, and stretch along with your movements. 

Size: 00–40 | Rise: High | Materials: Cotton, polyester, elastane

Best Tall

Abercrombie & Fitch Slim Straight Jeans

Add jeans to the long list of items Abercrombie has recently re-perfected since their glory days. These high-rise jeans come in a variety of lengths, sizes, and colors. There’s an extra short, for shorties five foot and under, and an extra long, for ladies five foot eleven and taller. The pants are cut in a slim straight, 90s-inspired fit, which looks universally good on all people. While there are seven different colors offered, they’re not all cut in the same style as these white ones. 

Size: 23–37 | Rise: High | Materials: Cotton, polyester, elastane

Best Petite

Good American Petite 90’s Jeans

Little Miss Skeptical, Kratky recently tried on one of Good American’s jeans to see if they lived up to the hype. The verdict? They’re not hyped up enough. Beyond the fact that the brand caters to women of all body types and heights, the products themselves feel substantial, always having the right amount of stretch, thickness, and structure. Add on the fact that they simply look very flattering, and you’ve got the perfect jeans at your hands (or legs). These ones were specifically crafted for the petite ladies, but designed to elongate their legs in a longer 30-inch inseam. The idea is to wear them with heels or have them bunch up at the foot in a baggy appeal. We wish we could get them in more colors, but alas, white is all they’re made in.

Size: 00–24 | Rise: High | Materials: Cotton, elastane

Best Distressed

Lucky Brand High Rise Drew Mom

Ripped jeans can look amazing when done right, especially in a whitewash that makes the style more beachy-chic than city grunge. With their slouchy fit, these ripped jeans from Lucky Brand seemed like the perfect candidate for wearing on chilly days on the coast, so writer Emily Cieslak requested a pair to test. Unfortunately, her usual size was too large, so she gave it to one of her taller friends and they fit great. “I really like the rips for an edgier, street-style look,” says Melissa Matalon. “Styling them is super, super easy. Thanks to the high-rise, they are a great match for summer crop tops.” The denim feels sturdy according to Matalon, but a little stretch and the overall loose fit keep them comfortable and breezy enough for hot days.

Size: 24–35 | Rise: Mid | Materials: Viscose, elastane

Best Skinny

Frame Le High Skinny

Finding the right skinny jeans can be tricky. Something this skin-tight has to be comfortable. Thanks to Frame’s super stretch and strong recovery denim, these jeans guarantee all-day comfort. The contemporary design also spares you from looking like you’re wearing jeggings, giving you some breathing room between skin and pants. The brand claims that the inseam length is 28 inches, which is on the shorter side, but on the pictured five-foot-eleven model, the pants look to reach her ankles, so we are skeptical of just how long these pants are in real life.

Size: 23–34 | Rise: High | Materials: Cotton, polyester, elastane

Best Rigid Denim

Mother The Ditcher Crop

Rigid denim might sound off-putting, but allow us to break down the benefits of these types of jeans: They’re typically made of 100 percent cotton, which breathes beautifully and is fully biodegradable. They have a longer lifespan. You don’t really have to worry about holes or outstretched jeans (like a saggy bum). After the break-in time, the jeans have wonderfully molded to fit you, specifically, making them the second best thing to tailored pants. When they’re stitched for wide-leg pants like these ones from Mother, there’s really nothing not to love about them. These ones come with some elastane, however, so there’s still a bit of stretch with every step.

Size: 23–34 | Rise: Mid | Materials: Cotton, elastane

Best Flare

Rag & Bone Kinsley Flare

It’s flare-galore once again, with the Y2K style coming back first in flared leggings, and now in jeans as well. Flared jeans are so popular, in fact, you can find them in all sorts of shapes to fit every body type. The low-rise cut of these jeans (which by the way, has a cool distressed detail on it) adds to the nostalgic appeal. With the exception of the wide hem, the jeans cling onto your legs from hip to calf, before flaring out. Be aware, though, that the 34-inch inseam is on the longer side, even for taller people. You definitely want to avoid dragging the hem on the floor considering the white color.

Size: 23–32 | Rise: Low | Materials: Cotton, polyester, elastane

Best Cropped

Madewell Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean

Fashion blogger Valerie Salazar says she struggles to find jeans that fit her right, but she found the perfect white pair from Madewell. “They are the perfect highrise, hit just at the ankle, and have a little elastic, so they hold their shape but don’t pinch anywhere,” says Salazar. Styled after vintage denim, these cropped jeans have a fitted waist and a wide-leg which all the celebrities are currently wearing. The brand’s signature “magic pockets” smooth and shape your middle, so you can wear that crop top with confidence. Salazar also appreciates that there are no holes or distressing, making them appropriate for both her job as a healthcare interpreter and outside the office. Available in regular, petite, and tall inseams, these jeans fit every body type.

Size: 23–33 | Rise: High | Materials: Cotton, elastane

What to Keep in Mind

Silhouette

Silhouette all comes down to personal preference. If you plan to wear them often (or with different things), we suggest keeping a few different styles on deck to easily rotate between them. Bechtold says cropped and skinny white jeans, like the Closed Pedal Pusher White Jeans, are timeless, though she’s really digging the baggy, wide-leg shape that’s trending now. Think Zara Loose Fit Low Rise Jeans and Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide Leg Crop. For those wanting to accentuate their curves, fashion blogger May Mel recommends a high-rise with a bit of a flare. 

“High-rise is an absolute must in white jeans as they hug and define the waist; the smallest part of the body,” they say. “Bootcut or flares are perfect for us pear shapes as they are slimming on the thighs because of the flare at the knee, helping to balance us out.”

Material

If you like your jeans to feel stiff and rigid, go for jeans made from 100 percent cotton. Over time, they will stretch to your body, giving you that custom-made fit. If you prefer having some stretch, especially in form-fitting styles like skinny jeans, select a pair that has some elastane and/or spandex mixed in. Our favorite rigid pair, Mother Denim The Ditcher Crop, is made of 98 percent cotton, and we find this to be the sweet spot for jeans. 

Length

There’s a reason why so many of the styles on this list are cropped. Not only do they have a classic, preppy look, but the shorter hem keeps your white jeans clean, according to Bechtold. If you want to go for a longer flare or wide-leg style, she stresses wearing shoes that are high enough to ensure the hem won’t be dragging on the ground, like heeled sandals or boots. With options like the Rag & Bone Kinsley Flare or even the Good American Petite 90’s Jeans, you’ll want to pay close attention to what shoes you wear.

Your Questions, Answered

How do I clean white jeans?

I find the hardest part of wearing white jeans is the constant anxiety of getting them dirty. Besides ensuring your hems aren’t mopping up the floor, you can carry a portable spot treatment for any spills. 

“Do yourself a favor and keep a few stain swipes in your bag when you take your white denim out for a spin,” says Bechtold. “I've always got a few Shout Wipes on me at any given time.”

When laundry day rolls around, we’ve found it’s best to wash them alone, per the manufacturer’s instructions for water temperature. You can spot-treat coffee and grass stains with warm water and dish soap but avoid bleach because it will actually cause the fabric to turn yellow. Instead, let your jeans dry outside in the sun, which has a natural bleaching effect. Madewell also recommends hanging your white jeans in the bathroom while showering for an easy, steamy refresh between washes.

How do I style white jeans?

Whenever we want to elevate a summery crop top or lace cami, we throw on a pair of white jeans. There’s something about the hue that makes the outfit more dressy than a regular pair of jeans. Yet there are countless ways to style white jeans year round.

“For the colder months we recommend swapping lightweight knits and sandals for chunky cable knits and Chelsea boots,” says May Mel. “For a French look — particularly during spring — throw on a trench coat.”

Can I only wear white jeans in the summer?

While you’ve probably heard you’re not supposed to wear white after Labor Day, our experts agree it’s a rule meant to be broken. As you bundle up in jewel-toned sweaters and coats, a light bottom adds some brightness to your outfit while still acting as a neutral. “When summer turns to fall, trade in your open-toed sandals for an earth-tone ankle boot or loafers and socks, and toss on a chunky knit,” says Betchold. “When winter hits, go all-in on monochrome or tonal shades from head to toe.” 

For ultra wearability, Betchold recommends owning an off-white or ecru pair, which goes well with winter tones.

Why Shop with Us

Emily Cieslak is an assistant commerce editor at InStyle and has worked on all sides of the fashion industry, from buying to styling. Jeans are really the only pants she wears, and she has written a number of roundups about the staple for InStyle. For this article, she tested four different pairs, including enlisting some friends to try them out as well. She also spoke to stylists Joanna Angeles, Margaret Williamson Bechtold, and Sharon Warten to learn their tricks on how to choose and style white jeans. Fashion bloggers Valerie Salazar, Melissa Abbott, and May Mel also shared their favorite pairs.

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