Tips for Buying White Denim
Mar 4, 2014
White jeans are one of my favorite wardrobe staples. I wear them year-round, but for most women, they’re just a summer thing. However, the trick to finding great white jeans is shopping early. Unlike regular blue jeans that are restocked throughout the year, once white jeans sell out they’re gone. Here are some tips for finding a pair that suits your figure.
Tip One: Skinny isn’t for everyone. White denim is not known for being forgiving. So while you may look good in skinny denim, skinny white denim is another matter. I recommend slim cut or bootcut as alternatives.
I wear AG’s slim-bootcut Ballad jeans. They’re figure-flattering without being a 90s throwback. Looking for a cheaper option? Try the Ann Taylor curvy slim jeans ($89, regular and petite).
Tip Two: Size up. If your regular blue jeans are a bit snug, it’s not a big deal. The dark color hides the tightness. But with white denim, even a hair too tight and the snugness is magnified ten-fold.
When you go into the dressing room to try on white jeans, take your normal size, one size up and two sizes up. Try on the jeans that are one size larger first. Then, if they’re too big in just one place, you can have them taken in to fit.
Tip Three: Choose undergarments wisely. It’s important that you choose a material that has some thickness to it. A thicker jean helps conceal imperfections and offers more structure. But the primary reason why thickness is so important is modesty.
Most importantly, when you wear white denim, you need to wear flesh-toned underwear. White undies will just draw attention. Flesh-colored undergarments will ensure that things stay hidden. I recommend the Hanky Panky Bare collection.
So where should you go shopping for white denim?
CJ by Cookie Johnson Faith Jeans ($138) // NYDJ Clarissa Jeans ($104) // NYDJ Hayden Slim Cut Jeans ($120)
When shopping for white jeans, I always send people to Nordstrom. They have a good selection of styles and price points. However, if you need to save money, try 6pm.com to catch last year’s jeans for a fraction of the cost.
Shopping for white jeans can be time-consuming and damaging to your self-esteem. But once you find a great pair, you’ll find yourself wearing them all the time. I like to wear mine with a tunic and sandals or a striped boatneck tee. They also look great with a black cashmere sweater and some flats.
Do you wear white jeans? And if so, do you have a favorite brand?
jbrand! love ’em.
J Brand is pretty much my denim go-to. Still don’t think I’ll be doing white jeans though.
I picked up a pair of J.Crew toothpick jeans in white at the end of last season at a ridiculous discount – I think I paid $30. J.Crew’s denim isn’t my absolute favorite but at the price point I paid, I love them.
I did the exact same thing!
I did the same almost three seasons ago! The jeans are still in great condition. Oddly enough this is the only pair of skinny jeans that work for me.
I have a pair from Martin + Osa (RIP) that I love. I think they’re a straight fit and you’re totally right about a thicker material – these are almost too thick to wear in the summer! Can you share some outfit ideas for the cooler months? I’d love to wear my white jeans in the winter but have difficulty pairing them with winter tops and shoes. Thanks!
For petite ladies–I like the Loft straight leg jeans in petite sizes. you can almost always find a sale and for me no alterations needed. https://www.loft.com/petite-modern-straight-leg-jeans-in-white/327378?colorExplode=false&skuId=15244116&catid=cat500020&productPageType=search&defaultColor=9000
I love my white jeans! In summer, they’re a staple with stripes. They also look great in the winter with grey and taupe. The Classy Cubicle had a great white skirt with taupe sweater that inspired me, and the combination of white bottom and taupe top looks so polished and gorgeous.
I also wear white jeans all year long. Mine are Levi’s Curve ID – great thicker material, straight cut, well made and inexpensive.
I got mine last year at a J Crew outlet and they’re actually the best i’ve seen. Skinny but not skin tight skinny like the rest I’ve seen and not the slightest bit see-through (another problem I’ve had in the past).
I actually prefer skinny or straight white jeans. I saw a photo of myself in my bootcut ones and I looked enormous despite being a small person. It was just a lot of white.
How do you wear white jeans in the winter? Just with boots and sweaters like normal jeans?
I like Joe’s Jeans. I forget the style name, but they have one for petites. It might be called ‘provocateur’?
Ankle length white jeans are my go-to outfit May until September. I tend to be less expensive white jeans, since I’m likely to go through two pairs due to food and drink stains.
My favorite (for both white jeans and regular denim) is James Jeans. Many of their styles have a bit of stretch to them, which makes it easier to buy a pair that lasts several years (and doesn’t look ridiculously unflattering if you happen to gain or lose a few pounds during that time). The best styles are the “Twiggy” for skinny, ankle-length jeans, or the “Reboot” for boot-cut jeans. They’re a bit pricey, but flash sale sites like Gilt and Ruelala frequently stock them, and sites like Revolve and Shopbob will occasionally have them on sale.
Sorry, typo… I meant *Shopbop*
I love white clothing, but white jeans just don’t kill me. They always look great in media but I almost never see anybody pulling them off.
Tried C. Wonder’s skinnies in white last year, and I love them. Good weight, don’t stretch out too much. Fit is similar to Gap Always Skinny, which also work for me, if that helps.
White House Black Market!! I bought mine there last spring and they are still beautiful! I feel slim and well-protected in them–the fabric is so good that even when I accidentally wore light blue underwear last weekend, it wasn’t visible. Highly recommend!
Loft is great for white jeans! I got a petite pair from them last summer and they fit really well. Additionally, the fabric was thick enough that they weren’t see through.
I love Old Navy’s white denim. They run a bit small, but they are super stretchy (for me, a must with white denim) and very inexpensive (another must for me, considering I’m such a mess I go through at least one pair per year).
Love J Crew Matchstick white jeans. Not as skinny as Toothpick, but skinny enough. Own 2 pairs – one for heels, one for flats. They do stretch out a bit, though. But, they’re also dryer friendly.