Style Guide: How to Wear White Jeans

Image via Complex Original

You oughta know by now that the old rules for wearing white are way out the window. Still, plenty of us have impulse-copped a pair of white jeans, and are still mystified as to how to rock them. Don’t be.

For starters, they look best when slim or straight. And paired with neutrals like grays, browns, and blues. Just don’t go white-on-white, you’re not Andrew W.K. Unless you happen to be in the Hamptons partying with the gentleman known now as Swag.



White denim fits into any wardrobe. We put together a few looks for some inspiration. And we've got some tips on how to keep them clean. Start clicking to check out our Style Guide: How to Wear White Jeans.

J. Crew 484 Slim-Fit Jean
in Wheat Selvedge, $150

Apolis Activism Standard
Issue Chambray Collar Polo, $88


Clarks Desert Boot in Slate
Blue, $92


Topo Day Pack, $98



Desert boots and white denim are a combination you can’t go wrong with. J. Crew’s wheat selvedge jean is a little bit off-white, so they won’t be blinding in the summer sun.

Levi’s 501s Jeans in Chewy White, $50

Opening Ceremony x Soludos
Espadrille, $35


Stussy Fade Tank, $24


Tantum Linen HBT Boonie, $65



Skinny pants on hot days are just one of summer’s many pains to avoid. The regular cut of these 501s look good cuffed over a pair of espadrilles. On hot days, throw on a bucket hat and tank top.

A.P.C. Petit Standard in
Sky, $210 CAD

CREEP Pin Dot S/S Shirt, $124


Supreme The Alton
Sunglasses in Black, $148


Adidas Summer Deck Sneaker, $75



The ideal weekend look says “hell yeah, I’m not at work” without saying “I rolled out of bed 20 minutes ago.” A short-sleeve button down like this Polka Dot shirt from Creep and some sleek, low-key sneakers usually do the trick. Plus the shades help hide your Saturday morning hangover.

Jean Shop Rocker Jean in
White, $260

Draught Dry Goods Phone
Carry, $120


Stussy Deluxe x
Timberland Loafer, $150

APC 80’s Mac, $415



On those rainy days you don’t want to risk ruining your raw denim, so add some brightness to the gloom with a white pair. They go well with a dark navy Mac jacket and shoes with soles made to withstand the weather.

Here’s the cold hard truth: your white jeans are gonna get dirty. Wear the scuffs with pride, and don’t wash them after every wear, you’ll end up ruining the jeans. If you do decide to stick them in the washer—like every other pair of jeans—you should never put them in the dryer. Let ‘em dry in the air, or hang ‘em in the sun.

There are also a couple of spot cleaning methods to get out stains. Run cold water through the area, and then apply a small amount of white vinegar or lemon juice to the spot. Rinse it out, and you should be good to go.



When all else fails, there’s a product out there called “No More Yellow!” It’s a unique blend of rust removers and detergent specifically made for white fabrics.