Rules are made to be broken, and that applies to the old adage that white jeans are only for the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
We personally think that white, cream and beige denim can be worn year round, adding a pop of crisp and clean color to your wardrobe. However, they do make a great spring and summer statement, which is why we wanted to give you all the details on the denim trend right before Memorial Day weekend so you can stock up now.
Buying jeans online can be stressful as is, but for the white version it can be even more complicated. Not only does the light hue show up differently in different lighting vs. on your computer screen, but getting a new pair only to realize they are see-through can be an embarrassing nightmare.
That is why we ordered a whole closet-full of white jeans and denim shorts, testing them on ourselves in different cuts, styles and sizes to be sure that your Memorial Day investment isn’t too much of a labor.
For reference, Sophie Cannon is a size 31 in most jeans (or between a 12 and 14) and Ruby McAullife is a size 26 in most jeans (or between a 1 and 2)
Read on for the best jeans in every style, or use these links below to jump to a specific section.
- Best white high waisted jeans
- Best white flare or bell bottom jeans
- Best white skinny jeans
- Best white ripped or distressed jeans
- Best white straight leg jeans
- Best white wide leg jeans
- Best white plus-sized and curvy jeans
- Best white mom jeans
- Best white dad jeans
- Best white denim shorts
- Best white patterned jeans
Best white high waisted jeans
1. Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise Skinny Jeans, $67, original price: $90
Pros:
- Perfect thickness and weight to the fabric
- Offers size-inclusive range from 23 to 37 and height-inclusive as well (I ordered a size 12R)
- The pockets and waist are slimming, but move with your body
Cons:
- None to mention!
We love Curve Love.
So much so, that you may see a few more styles of the Abercrombie collection pop up throughout this article. The first thing to note is the material itself, as it feels substantial and thick to the touch, hard to come by especially in white washes.
Once on, they were proven to be the right thickness, not showing the color of my underwear nor any lines. This wash is made from their A&F Vintage Stretch Denim, which is the most rigid of the fabrics in the line. This works super well for white, as it holds up in any lighting, not letting any unmentionables peek through.
Lastly, the length is perfect on my 5’3-ish frame, hitting right at the ankle. However, they also sell extra short, short and long lengths in this style, for any woman of any height.
Note: This style is currently sold out. For the style in a very light wash, click here. For a very similar white wash, click here.
Best white flare or bell bottom jeans
1. NYDJ Waist-Match Relaxed Flared Jeans, $119
Pros:
- Relaxed and comfortable
- Wasitband technology
- Exaggerated flare
- Sizes range from XXS to XL (I ordered a size XXS)
- Passed the squat test
Cons:
- None
I’ve worn these around town countless times, and each time I do, I get many compliments.
Maybe it’s because of the perfect relaxed fit or perhaps it’s due to the satin elastic that molds to your waist. Perhaps it’s the silhouette that’s loose in the the thigh and knee area though wide at the ankle. Whatever it is, these are at the top of my list.
Note: These are now only available in extended sizes at time of update, found here.
2. Hollister High-Rise White Flare Jeans, $55
Pros:
- Slim throughout waist and thighs
- Dramatic flare at bottom
- Unique vintage zipper
- Sizes range from 00 to 21 (I ordered a size 1)
- Passed the squat test
Cons:
- May be too long for short women
I was surprisingly impressed with these bad boys.
Featuring a groovy 70s look, these Hollister high-rise flare jeans are slim throughout the waist and thighs but lead way to a dramatic flare opening. I also can’t get enough of the vintage hardware.
Note, I’m on the shorter side and had to pair these flares with four-inch heels to make them work.
3. Jeanerica FW007 Natural White, $230
Pros:
- Perfectly hugs curves
- Ideal high waist
- Classic jean material
- Sizes range from 25/32 to 31/34 (I ordered a size 26/32)
- Passed the squat test
Cons:
- Too long for short women
- Steep price point
While these Jeanerica jeans didn’t fit me as perfectly as I wish they did, I wouldn’t write them off.
The upper fit me perfectly, hugging all of my curves in just the right places. Though, they were way too long for my 5’0-foot frame. So, if you’re on the taller side, you absolutely need these in your closet, but if you’re on the short side, I suggest opting for the NYDJ bottoms.
Best white skinny jeans
1. American Eagle Ne(x)t Level High-Waisted Jegging, $50
Pros:
- Ideal length
- Hugs curves in the best way
- Perfectly sits at the wasitline
- Sizes range from 000 to 24 and offer long and short options (I ordered a size 2)
- Passed the squat test
Cons:
- A bit more snug than typical American Eagle jeans
- Fake front pockets
Yes, yes, yes!
If you’re on the hunt for a classic white skinny jean, these are it. Dress them up with some heels or dress them down with some sneakers. No matter what, they’ll fit you like a glove while hitting all of the right places.
2. Jen7 High-Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans With Scalloped Lace Hem, $109
Pros:
- Subtly sculpts curves
- Gorgeous high waist line
- Uplifts backside
- Delicate lace detailing
- Sizes range from 0 to 18 (I ordered a size 2)
- Passed the squat test
Cons:
- Lace hem sits lower on shorter women
- Slight front scrunching
Oh. My. Goodness. Add these to your cart ASAP.
These white skinny jeans not only provide you with that classic skinny jean look, but they add individuality with delicate lace detailing. These jeans also subtly slim your frame using built-in pocket panels while lifting your backside. But my favorite part of these Jen7 jeans is the perfect high waistline.
Best white ripped or distressed jeans
1. Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise Super Skinny Ankle Jeans, $67, original price: $89
Pros:
- The pre-ripped look is still classy, and the rips don’t tear more with wear
- The material is stretchy and comfortable
- Fabric is thick enough to pass the squat test
- Size and height inclusive, from a 23 to 37 and extra short to long. (I ordered a size 12R)
Cons:
- Since these are tighter, underwear lines may show through
Surprise, another Curve Love pick from Abercrombie.
This time, I tried the ripped skinny jean look, despite Gen Z telling me that skinny jeans are cancelled. However, I think with a loose top and cute sandals, these are the move. I was impressed with the distressed look, as even when I bent and moved throughout the day, the knees didn’t rip or tear more, a problem I have with many pre-ripped pairs. I also liked the amount of rips, only showing my knees and nothing more.
The actual denim is another plus, made from the A&F Signature Stretch Denim, which has the most stretch of the Curve Love line. This makes sense, as they are also the most form-fitting, without being constricting.
Since they are tight, they may show some panty lines, but do not show any color, as the material is still topnotch.
Note: This style is currently sold out. For the style in a very light wash, click here. For a very similar white wash, click here.
Best white straight leg jeans
1. Spanx White Ankle Straight Leg Jeans, $128
Pros:
- Clean and flattering look
- Minimal scrunching
- Ideal for work
- Sizes range from XS to 3X and are available in petite and tall (I ordered a size S)
- Passed the squat test
Cons:
- No zipper or button
- Fake front pockets
When I slipped these jeans on, the first word out of my mouth was, “Wow.”
They fit like a glove, feature a hidden tummy shaping panel, are designed with a sleek look in mind and come in tall and petite sizes, which is perfect for my short frame.
Though, you must note that there isn’t a zipper or button. While that was an intentional design move to minimize bulk, I love some good hardware.
Best white wide leg jeans
1. ética Devon High Rise Wide Leg Crop Vintage White, $158
Pros:
- Comfortable (literally like you’re wearing pajamas)
- Can be effortlessly dresses up with heels and a slim-fitting top
- Sizes range from 24 to 31 (I ordered a size 26)
- Passed the squat test
Cons:
- If you aren’t into the baggy look, these aren’t for you
- Short women, you’re going to need some heels
In the name of being honest, when these arrived, I was immediately skeptical. But to my surprise, they actually fit quite nice.
You can look forward to a loose fit throughout, a released hem and a high waist. Note that if you’re shorter, you’re going to need to snag some heels, and if you aren’t a fan of the baggy look, these may not be the jeans for you.
Best white plus-sized and curvy jeans
1. Good American Good Straight Raw Hem, $99
Pros:
- Wide range of sizes from 00 to 26 (I ordered a size 14)
- Fit curves without gaping at the waist or looking too baggy
- Tons of other styles to shop
- Thick material hides lines and underwear
Cons:
- Good American sizing varies according to each style, so it is advised to order a few sizes to find your perfect fit
If it has the Kardashian name behind it, it has to make your behind look amazing.
Good American is backed by Khloé Kardashian, who champions women of all shapes and sizes in her collection of denim. I was pleased to see that my size, a 12 or 14 was in the middle of the range, spanning a 00 to a 32 in many styles. While finding your size may take a bit of trial and error, the end result is a pair of jeans that hugs your curves in all the right places, while remaining flattering and true-to-style.
The Good Straight pair in particular has my heart, with small details like the white button closure and hardware and the crossed belt loops in the back making for a wonderful added touch the Kardashians are known for.
Best white mom jeans
1. American Eagle Stretch Mom Jean, $50
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Not too baggy
- Perfect for everyday wear
- Sizes range from 000 to 20 and offer long and short options (I ordered a size 2)
- Passed the squat test
Cons:
- May have to fold to reach desired length
Channel your inner momma with these stretch mom jeans from American Eagle.
They are seriously comfy and can be worn everywhere and anywhere. I cuffed mine at the ankle to achieve my desired length, but can be worn straight down, as they tapper at the bottom. The denim is also mid-weight, so they’re not jeggings but not quite as thick as typical jeans. My final take? You need them now.
Best white dad jeans
1. Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise Dad Jeans, $75, original price: $100
Pros:
- Unique and slimming crossover waistband
- Thick material that passed the underwear test with flying colors (no pun intended)
- Perfect ratio between a snatched waist and baggy leg
- Size and height inclusive, from a 23 to 37 and extra short to long. (I ordered a size 12R)
Cons:
- Easy to wrinkle, so you may need to iron
These ain’t your dad’s jeans… but maybe they should be?
I recently started rocking the baggier look now that skinny jeans are out, and these may be the perfect pair for doing just that. The first thing I noticed was the super cool waist, with a crossover look that is an added style element as well as slimming to the eye. Plus, with a tighter waist, you still have some shape when the rest of the pant is baggy.
Moving on down, I did feel that these were the most casual of the collection, with a more wrinkle-prone fabric than the rest, also a result of the bagginess on my shorter frame. However, with a good ironing and styling with heels and a tighter top, these could be the jeans of the summer.
They are made of Abercrombie’s A&F Vintage Stretch Denim, so they do have a substantial and rigid feel to them, also retaining that ironing session.
Note: This style is currently sold out at time of update. For a similar style, click here.
Best white denim shorts
1. American Eagle Stretch Low-Rise Khaki Midi Short, $40
Pros:
- Classy length (can be great for brunches)
- Sizes range from 000 to 20 (I ordered a size 2)
- Passed the squat test
Cons:
- Runs a bit large
- Fake back pockets
I love a good classy fit, and these are it.
Featuring a slim fit, low rise and a longer inseam, these shorts are ideal for Sunday brunching and walks in the park. Though, note that they do run a bit on the larger side. I’m typically a size two, but could have sized down.
2. Warp + Weft Twill Short, $68
Pros:
- Great length for more coverage or to cover thighs in the heat
- Twill fabric is breathable and cool
Cons:
- Thinner fabric, so please wear nude undergarments just in case!
- Sizing runs a tad small, and from a 24 to a 32 (I ordered a size 31 and could have sized up to a 32)
Who said long shorts were uncool?
Honestly, I was skeptical, as these were a bit longer than I normally wear. However, since I also get that summer thigh chafing that can ruin a day in the sun, I wanted to try these.
The length was indeed perfect, covering my thighs but still showing my knees. I also loved the cool twill fabric, although since it is thinner than a typical jean short, I could see my stomach lines, underwear lines and come bright colors through the fabric.
3. American Eagle Denim Mom Short, $50
Pros:
- Ideal length (doesn’t show your entire backside when you bend down)
- Vintage distressing
- Sizes range from 000 to 20 (I ordered a size 2)
- Passed the squat test
Cons:
- A bit more snug than typical American Eagle offerings
Perfect for festival season and summer months alike, these denim mom shorts are amazing.
I love how they hold my waist, open just a tad at the thighs and featuring laid-back distressing. They’re also the perfect length to give you that flared look without showing your entire backside.
These shorts are a classic denim material, so note that they aren’t as stretchy as other American Eagle offerings.
Best white patterned jeans
1. Hollister Ultra High-Rise Patchwork Vintage Straight Jeans, $20, original price: $65
Pros:
- Unique pattern
- Ideal straight-leg fit
- On-trend
- Sizes range from 0 to 21 and offer long and short options (I ordered a size 1)
- Passed the squat test
Cons:
- None
You may know Hollister as the super dark store you used to walk into with your mom in middle school — well, they’ve come a long way.
These patchwork vintage straight jeans are a must-have. Not only are they super comfortable and roomy, but they’ll have you feeling like a fashionista in no time. The jeans also strategically hug your waist and backside while loosening up at the thighs. This way, you won’t look frumpy but only trendy.
Check out New York Post Shopping for more recommendations.