By That Girl Whitney Team
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White jeans have a reputation. Plenty of plus size women skip them entirely because they worry about see-through fabric or a stain at the first barbecue of the season. That’s a shame, because white jeans brighten up almost any outfit and pair with nearly every color in your closet.
The good news is that the problems with white jeans are fixable. Most of them come down to fabric weight and fit. A thin, stretchy white jean will show every seam and pocket lining. A thicker denim with the right cut looks crisp and polished from spring through the end of summer.
Once you find the right pair, styling them gets easy. White jeans act like a neutral, so they work with bright tops and classic stripes. They can look casual with sneakers or dressy with sandals and a silky blouse.
This guide covers how to pick a pair that won’t let you down, then gives you four easy outfit formulas you can put together this weekend.
Picking a Pair That Isn’t See-Through
The most common complaint about white jeans is that they’re too thin. Before you buy, check the product details for fabric weight or composition. Denim with a higher cotton content tends to be more opaque. Jeans with a lot of stretch often thin out over the hips and thighs, which is right where you want coverage.
Reviews help here too. Search the reviews for “see-through” or “sheer.” Shoppers are quick to mention when a pair shows too much.
Look at the pocket construction as well. Some white jeans use white or tan pocket lining, which disappears under the fabric. Others use printed or dark linings that show right through. Product photos taken from the back or the side usually reveal this.
Fit matters for opacity too. If white jeans are tight across your thighs, the fabric stretches and gets thinner. Sizing up or choosing a straight-leg or wide-leg cut keeps the fabric smooth and opaque.
Shop it: Eytino wide leg jeans (comes in white)
What to Wear Underneath
Your underwear choice makes or breaks white jeans. White underwear shows up more than you’d think, so pick a shade close to your skin tone instead. Seam-free styles keep lines from showing through.
If you want a smoother look, a light shaping brief or short works well under white denim. Choose a nude tone and a style with flat edges. Our plus size shapewear guide breaks down which styles work under fitted pants.
Do a quick test before you leave the house. Stand in front of a mirror in natural light, then turn around and check the back. If you can see lines or color, swap your underwear or choose a longer top that covers your seat.
Shop it: seam-free plus size briefs
Four Outfit Formulas to Try
White jeans pair with almost anything, but these four combinations work every time.
White jeans and a striped top. A navy and white striped tee or button-down gives you a classic, beachy look. Add canvas sneakers for a weekend errand outfit or espadrilles for brunch.
White jeans and a bright blouse. Coral or cobalt pops against white denim. A flowy blouse that hits at the hip balances the look and covers your seat.
White jeans and a chambray shirt. Denim on denim works when the shades contrast. Leave the chambray open over a tank, or tie it at the waist for a casual summer outfit.
White jeans and a long cardigan. For cooler spring evenings, layer a lightweight cardigan in a soft neutral over a tank. The long vertical line looks polished and keeps you warm.
Shoes change the mood of each outfit. Sneakers keep things casual, while wedges or block heel sandals dress the same look up for dinner.
Shop it: Eytino striped tee
Keeping Them Clean All Season
White jeans need a little extra care, but it’s easier than you think.
Wash them with other whites only, and skip fabric softener, which can leave a dingy film over time. Turn them inside out before washing to protect the surface. Air drying keeps them from shrinking and helps the color stay bright.
Treat stains right away. Keep a stain remover pen in your bag for spills at restaurants and cookouts. Blot the stain instead of rubbing it, since rubbing pushes it deeper into the fabric.
Store them folded or hung away from darker clothes. Dye can transfer from dark denim stored right next to white jeans in a humid closet.
Shop it: Tide To Go stain pen
Making White Jeans a Wardrobe Staple
White jeans earn their spot in your closet once you find a pair that fits well and stays opaque. Choose a thicker fabric, size for a smooth fit, and wear skin-tone underwear, and you’ll reach for them all season. From there, the styling takes care of itself, since white pairs with nearly every color you own.
Pick one of the four outfit formulas above and wear it this weekend. You might find white jeans become your favorite pants of the summer.
Shop Whitney’s favorite plus size finds on her Amazon storefront. Follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more plus size outfit ideas.