Ask Angie & others: how to choose white jeans?

Sorry for double posting about these jeans - thanks so much to Aliona, El Cee, RL, rabbit and krishnidoux for your kind comments.

But I'm so confused and in doubt (and self-conscious) when it comes to picking white bottoms. The cheaper ones I've really don't love me back at all (clingy, baggy or transparent). And if I'm putting some money into white bottoms, I want them to look right. Often when in store I think they might be ok (might be convinced by the SA ;-)), but then looking at the pics at home, I'm not so sure. Buying online is not an option since return is expensive.

These are the exact same white jeans (not at all cream) in two sizes. Brand is Pieszak. 90 % cotton, 8% polyester, 2% elastan.

The smaller one feels ok, but may be too unforgiving. The larger ones might ease too much and get baggy.
Left: size 29
Right: size 30

Are any of these ok or would it be better to keep looking? Or try another style of white bottoms, like suit pants? Or give it up?

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8 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Harmonica, the smaller size is definitely too snug. The larger size looks better.

May I suggest that you try a more relaxed fit too.

harmonica

Veteran

Thank you, Angie! Finding the right white bottoms is really hard. I think I'll look for a more relaxed fit that's more forgiving. There are skinnies all the way here, not even the classic wide leg linen trousers are around.

Do you think any of the finds added could work? And in which size?

Nordstrom

KUT from the Kloth 'Catherine' Boyfriend Jeans (White) (Regular & Petite)

$79.50 $47.70

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

KUT from the Kloth 'Reese' Stretch Ankle Jeans (White)

$89.00

NYDJ 'Clarissa' Colored Stretch Ankle Skinny Jeans (Regular & Petite)

$114.00 $68.40

There are plenty online if you're prepared to purchase that way.

I have to add return costs and taxes if I buy online. Norwegian online stores don't usually have free returns and that makes mistakes expensive. But might try if the reviews were very excellent.

AG 'The Prima' Mid Rise Cigarette Jeans (White)

$178.00

gradfashionista

If your only option is online, and returns are expensive, I would probably opt out of the white jean search. I live in the US, have access to all of these online retailers, with free or cheap returns, and *still* haven't found a pair that doesn't look unflattering.I'm also searching for anything in the 29-31 range. The jeans from AG that you posted above fitted like leggings on me, even when I sized up. The problem with white jeans isn't ultimately the size, but the thickness of the material and stretchiness of the fabric. Your best bet is a relaxed fit. Good luck with your search!

rabbit

On considering it more, I think that if you want to wear shorter or more fitted tops, like the two you show in your photos, that probably a looser fit (maybe girlfriend? or maybe your larger size example if they stretch out a little will do the trick) is a better bet.

If you want to wear longer, looser, untucked, or more tunic length tops, I've found white jeans that aren't very close to the body tend to look quite rumpled on me (more than other colors of denim) under those kinds of tops, and my personal preference is closer to a legging fit.

I agree with all that the white jeans hunt is a bear. I wouldn't order anything that you have to pay shipping because you just can't tell from size or reviews how it will work on your body.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

Can you get Boden in Norway? I just bought a pair of their wide leg jeans and the fabric is nicely thick and the pocket bags are nude, which makes them show less than if they were white. I can't remember if I've had any other white pants from them, but they do tend to do well with fabrics being not too thin.

(I have had good luck with Kut brand white jeans in the past; they've always been thick enough and I'm pretty picky about that sort of thing. But I'm sure it depends on the style, and may not be worth risking it with the cost/bother of international shipping.)

Thank you so much for the input! Why aren't SA's honest about the fit - or maybe they have adjusted their perception?!

Anyway, your comments are really helpful! I love the look of white bottoms, preferably without bootcut leg, but a looser style than skinnies. I think a flattering white denim skirt would be easier to find. I think I'll keep an eye open, but skip the hunt.

grandfashionista: You are so right about the thickness of the material. That's why I want to try before paying. It is comforting to know that others have a hard time finding white jeans, too. I wish you good luck on your white jeans hunt!

rabbit: good idea about looking for a girlfriend fit! The tops would be shorter types, not tunics or the like.

Laura: I can get Boden, but still have to pay taxes and return. I'll take a look.

Astrid

How badly do you want white jeans? I know they're praised to the heavens here on the forum, but I never wanted a pair so much that the whole search seemed worth it. And in the meantime I've come to the realisation that they aren't really 'me' in any case. I think keeping them in the back of your mind in case you see a pair to try on without putting a lot of money into the search and returns is a good idea. And if a white denim skirt is easier, why not look for that?

Thanks Astrid! I follow your thinking. I love the crisp look of white jeans or slacks, but will not actively hunt it down but keep my eyes open.

Thanks Astrid! I follow your thinking. I love the crisp look of white jeans or slacks, but will not actively hunt it down but keep my eyes open. H&M had a cream denim skirt last spring, so might look in that direction.

Staysfit

I agree with Astrid. I also have a hard time with white jeans. I typically purchase a size larger than my norm because they tend to be more sheer and I still am unhappy with the look. Why do tight white jeans make you look like you have fat when you don't? They make muscular legs like mine look like they are full of cellulite. When they pull and wrinkle, they seem to show things that maybe wouldn't show in regular blue jeans. They trick the eye. (I'm speaking in general here, not a comment on your pictures because I think they do this to everybody). I stumbled on a pair of crops this year, but it remains to be seen if I wear them frequently. Somehow, I rarely reach for white jeans. I think I use my white skirt more often. It seems more versatile and forgiving. I also think they are easier to find.

Anonymous

I agree with everyone--white jeans are hard. Staysfit's comments are right on target for how I feel too. I do have better luck with a looser girlfriend or boyfriend fit, and there's also less worry over perfect fit, stretch out, etc with that style because it looks intentional. But even then, in some brands the fabric is thin enough that the back pockets grin through. (Pocket show through is why I never buy fitted white pants). Laura mentions Boden, which I believe does a good job of using heavier fabrics. Might be worth a try.

Beth Ann

I love my white jeans, and, while I still have a pair of boyfriends in white, my bootcuts bit the dust last winter. I've found fewer good options and fits this season. Most of them are skinnies, and the fabric is super stretchy. I'll let you know if I find a good replacement, and I'll keep watch to see if you find the best pair for you!

I have a pair of soft white jeans that I really like. My suggestion is to find your best white, and make sure the fabric is thick.

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