Although we may have warm-weather wardrobes currently on the brain, the best white jeans for women are a timeless denim staple that work regardless of season. They’ve prevailed over the old-set rules advising on the months they can and cannot be worn; these days, anything goes when it comes to white jeans, and no shade—écru! ivory! bone!—is off limits.
Vogue Editors’ Favorite White Jeans:
- The Straight-Leg: Khaite Shalbi high-rise straight ankle jean, $480
- The Wide-Leg: Frame Le Slim palazzo, $268
- The Low-Rise: Levi’s low loose jeans, $108
- The Slim Fit: Everlane The Way High slim jean, $98
- The Bootcut: Polo Ralph Lauren bootcut jean, $248
- The Baggy: Citizens of Humanity Ayla baggy wide-leg jeans, $248
- The Cropped: AG Jeans Farrah crop bootcut jeans, $215
- The Pleated: Slvrlake Taylor wide leg jeans, $319
- The Tapered: Re/Done Engineered wide leg jeans, $350
- The Distressed: Madewell The ‘90s Straight jean, $138
- The Cargo: Mother The Undercover Cargo Sneak jeans, $268
White denim might have risen to popularity in the 1960s, through the mod crowd that regularly wore them—think Francoise Hardy and Jane Birkin for inspiration—but we’ve seen an increase in styles with varying fits and even hues across the runways and peppered throughout our favorite denim brands’ offerings. From tried-and-true, slim-fits, to effortless baggy jeans, white jeans have come a long way in terms of fit, construction, and even fabrication. Today’s white jeans truly run the gamut.
Relaxed styles at Proenza Schouler and low-rise cargos at Schiaparelli, in varying shades of ecru to bright optic, may have solidified our need for white jeans this season, but we know that we will be wearing these long into the fall and winter months ahead. And since it’s hard to pinpoint just one best white jean, as fit and style can be quite specific based upon individual preferences, we have categorized all of our favorites by cut, style, and detailing. Below, you will find the Vogue editor-approved list of the 44 best white jeans available currently.
The Straight-Leg
Simplicity is not dead. Think of the straightforward, straight-leg as your go-to; in shades of white, it feels fresher than your everyday blues. We prefer ours to have a relaxed fit, high-waist, and less stretch for a vintage-inspired feel that pairs perfectly with everything from T-shirts and bikinis, to chunky knits in the colder months.
The Wide-Leg
Easy and breezy, wide-legs just might be the perfect summer jean, based on their super-loose fit and softer fabrications. We can’t help but imagine wearing these with a lace-up, espadrille wedge or flat, leather sandal all summer long. However, throw on a turtleneck, belt the waist, and finish with an ankle boot underneath, and they are totally ready for fall.
The Low-Rise
If you’ve been bitten by the Y2K denim bug, low-rise styles might be your current obsession. Trendy or not, these low-slung styles aren’t going to be falling out of fashion anytime soon. They are all classic fits that have a forever feel—from the loose, weekend-worthy silhouettes to a perfect flare, reminiscent of Jane Birkin’s own.
The Slim Fit
Bridging the gap between skinny and straight, a slim-fit jean gives off a distinctively clean look that feels a bit more polished. Whether styled with a button-down and ballet flat, or a blazer and boots, these can easily be taken from the office to afterhours drinks in a heartbeat.
The Bootcut
The bootcut is a style with plenty of retro references, but right now we can’t help but gravitate towards this micro-flare shape. Call it the Bella Hadid effect, but there is something so flattering about the silhouette. Whether you prefer something with stretch or on the stiffer side, our edit has both.
The Baggy
Pump up the volume. These silhouettes might be borrowed from the boys, but there is no argument that baggy jeans are the most comfortable fit on our list. Featuring a loose waist and even looser leg—choose from design details such as oversized cuffs, extra-long hemlines, or even a self-belt, to make yours standout.
The Crop
For the petites out there, or anyone who loves a slightly shorter hemline, this grouping of cropped jeans doesn’t disappoint. Take your pick from kick-flares to straight-leg silhouettes, all with a shortened hem length. Any shade preference works—below you will find varieties from a cream colored to optic white, all feeling totally right.
The Pleated
The pleat-front jean has risen in popularity the past few seasons, and when done in a bleached white or an écru tone, it really has a fresh spin. Think of these as your slightly dressier fit, that can be worn to the office (not just summer Fridays!) and beyond. Just be sure to try on with your preferred, everyday shoe styles, to find the winning hem length.
The Tapered
A tapered jean is recognizable by its relaxed fit and distinct, curved leg. When going the white denim route, be sure to choose a pair made from 100% cotton and look for utilitarian details that will set yours apart, such as unique, seam construction. They should have a rugged feel.
The Distressed
No matter the denim category, distressing is a design notion that is forever in the conversation. We recommend trying anything from a few slashes here and there, to a leg full of rips, or even a simple, frayed hem for the minimalists out there.
The Cargo Pant
The ‘90s are calling. These pocketed jeans get the modern-day treatment in shades of white. Offered in relaxed silhouettes that will serve you well day to day, here you will find cargo pants in both cropped shapes and longer hemlines that truly capture the effortless, cool girl-approved vibe.