Even before you get to the question of red wine and barbecue sauce, white jeans can be a treacherous proposition. If the denim is too thin, they’re bound to be see-through; too thick, and they’re going to be relegated to the back of your drawer all summer (which, odds are, is exactly when you want to be wearing them).
But given how many of them we start seeing on Instagram come Memorial Day every year, there must be a Goldilocks-style solution to finding a pair that’s just right. And while you could go out and try on a few dozen pairs under unforgiving dressing room fluorescents, we’re partial to the alternative: going off the wisdom and experience of shoppers who have already taken them for a test drive.
In the interest of tracking down the best crisp white jeans to pair with your striped shirts and go-to denim jacket, we trawled the reviews of retailers like Madewell, Nordstrom, and Shopbop to find the best white jeans. Read on to shop them all.
Rating: 4.4 Stars. Number of Reviews: 6627. “I can’t express enough how much I love these jeans. I really hate stretchy jeans, and these are the first rigid pair I found that fit perfectly. I’m just sorry they don’t come in more color options, because I would buy all of them!” — Everlane customer
Rating: 5 Stars. Number of Reviews: 7. “I have the hardest time finding jeans that truly fit me, but THESE ARE IT. I’m short, but I hold my weight in my butt and my thighs. Jeans either fit my waist or my butt but never both. THESE DO. They come up high enough that you don’t feel exposed when you bend over, and they are so soft and stretchy.” — Good American customer
Rating: 4.2 Stars. Number of Reviews: 42. “I’m 5 feet tall 100 pounds and these jeans, normally a size 0 or 2. These fit perfect…you don’t have to worry about it being ‘see-through.’ Would buy the same pair again.” — Nordstrom customer
Rating: 5 Stars. Number of Reviews: 2 “I tried other recommended ones but these were the clear winner for me. Great cut, fabric soft (not a stiff denim) and very true to size. A bit pricey then the others but these make me feel terrific in. Will get lots of wear!” — Shopbop customer
Rating: 4.1 Stars. Number of Reviews: 156 reviews. “The high waist makes this a flattering (and comfortable) pick. Customers advised on sizing down, saying “these jeans are a good fit, but I’m glad I ordered a size up (as per the advice of other reviewers). I’m usually a 25 petite, but I ordered a 26w28L, as they do run small.” — Nordstrom customer
Rating: 5 stars. Number of Reviews: 2 “Great pair of jeans, not see-through at all (a rarity when it comes to white). Would definitely size down 1-2 sizes if looking for a tight fit, but other than that—love them!” — Shopbop customer
Rating: 4 stars. Number of Reviews: 2 “The length is great for shorter women (I’m 5’3) and the material has just enough stretch to make it super comfortable without it looking like a jegging. I also loved the fact that it didn’t have front pockets, which eliminates a lot of creasing in the front. I’m 5’3 and 105lbs and the 24 fit perfectly!” — Shopbop customer
Rating: 4.6 stars. Number of Reviews: 78
Rating: 4.8 stars. Number of reviews: 7 “Nice slim fit and mid-rise. I buy a size up in white jeans and that worked with these. Not too sheer. Classic!” — Nordstrom customer
Rating: 4.1/5 stars. Number of Reviews: 72. “These NYDJ curve style are the absolute best fitting and comfortable jeans I have ever worn. My body feels so good wearing these, they are not tight, nor binding, can sit all day or walk all day in them, almost like having leggings on.” — Nordstrom customer
Rating: 5 stars. Number of Reviews: 1 “I have tried on every brand of white pants you can think of and could never find any that I really liked. These are the first, finally! They’re so cute and very flattering and still thick enough where you can’t see through them but not crazy thick where they’re hot or uncomfortable. Thank you J Brand.” — Shopbop customer
Rating: 4 stars. Number of Reviews: 41. “I have finally found my favorite white jeans. Great fit and is not see-through. Only wish they had longer lengths” — Nordstrom customer
