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 Everlane, Nordstrom , and Shopbop to find the best white jeans. Read on to shop them all.
Rating: 5 stars. Number of Reviews: 2. “These are the best color, a really soft white. The rise is really high which is good for me as my waistline sits higher up on my torso. They’re so soft and comfortable. Definitely softer than my other Slvrlake jeans. I’m obsessed with these! ordered a 25 (5’8″ 120lbs) and they fit like a glove.” — Shopbop customer
Rating: 4.3 stars. Number of reviews: 41. “I own the 10inch high waist dark jean in size 24 but was worried the white would be too tight and see through so I sized up (25). And they fit perfect! It’s hard to find good white jeans so I’m very happy with my buy. Comfy too! 5’8 120lbs.” — Nordstrom customer
Rating: 4.48 Stars. Number of Reviews: 5574. “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: 1. “I love this one. It’s too comfortable. I’m little curvy in my bottom, it makes me slimmer than I really am . It fits well with a loose feel. I’m 5’3 tall and I need to cut it a little for ankle length, but the fit wasn’t damaged at all. I like them because it feels loose and chic for daily, especially perfect for resort wear as well.” — Shopbop customer
Rating: 3 stars. Number of reviews: 4.7 “I love these jeans. They are comfortable and the fit is wonderful. I wear them all the time – preferably with a little bit of a heel given their length (I’m 5’9”).” — Nordstrom customer
Rating: 5 Stars. Number of Reviews: 50. “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: 4.1 stars. Number of reviews: 70. “Finding a pair of white jeans to love is a challenge! These are a keeper for me. I am normally a size 26 in jeans and had to size down to a 25. There is some stretch to these jeans and after a few minutes of wearing, the jeans fit perfectly! I would recommend sizing down.” — Nordstrom customer
Rating: 4.7 stars. Number of reviews: 13. “This pair is my third purchase of the “Zuma” style skinny jeans, the only stretch denim product I’ve found that does not stretch out with wear. Still fit like the day I bought them! Fit is true to size; similar to other products that size down such as NYDJ. These pants are cut a little wide in the waist (28″ for a size 2).” — Nordstrom customer
Rating: 5 Stars. Number of Reviews: 3. “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: 4.3 stars. Number of reviews: 19. “For me these fit true to size. I am 5’7” 165 with curvy hips. I bought a size 31 and they fit perfect. The length was perfect hitting right above the ankle. The jeans hold there shape and don’t stretch out for several wears. Also they were not see through like most white pants.” — Nordstrom customer
Rating: 4.4 stars. Number of reviews: 5. “So hard to find white skinny jeans that are extra long. These are perfect! Love the high waist too.” — Nordstrom customer
Rating: 4.3 stars. Number of reviews: 11. “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: 4.5 stars. Number of Reviews: 3. “The fit on these is amazing! They sit pretty high up which I love. They’re true to size but do run on the smaller side of that so if you feel like you’re in-between sizes, I’d suggest going up.” — Shopbop 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: 4.4 stars. Number of reviews: 539. “I initially bought one pair and they fitted perfectly. The waist band helps to shape your body smoothly and the length is also just right. I’m 5.4, 140 pounds and the 6 fits like a glove. I have them it in every color and absolutely love them!” — Nordstrom customer
Rating: 4.5 stars. Number of Reviews: 2. “Everyone needs these jeans – the ONLY white jeans that are actually flattering!” — Shopbop customer
Rating: 15 stars. Number of reviews: 4.9 “I’m obsessed with my new Otto jeans!! Great fit, easy to wear. In a sea of jeans, I go for them every time!! 10/10” — Nordstrom 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: 4.3 stars. Number of Reviews: 176. “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: 3 stars. Number of reviews: 5. “My quest for classic white jeans is over! Perfect fit, just adjusted length to work with heels. Nice long rise on my 5’7” frame. Tall and lean looking!” — Nordstrom customer
Rating: 4.2 stars. Number of Reviews: 53
Rating: 3.9 stars. Number of Reviews: 55. “I have finally found my favorite white jeans. Great fit and is not see-through. Only wish they had longer lengths” — Nordstrom customer
Rating: 4 stars. Number of reviews: 5. “Excellent quality and fit. I looooooove the fact that there are no front pockets, it makes them even more chic, and you can dress them up or down.” — Nordstrom customer
Rating: 4.5 stars. Number of reviews: 59. “These were nicer than I thought they would be. The material is very soft. It is not heavy but not see through. The denim looks good and there is a lot of stretch. So far they have washed up nicely and hold their shape through the day. I like that they are high waisted.” — Nordstrom customer
Next: Three colors to wear if you want to look trendy right now.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.