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The Best White Jeans that Aren’t See Through

Let’s talk white jeans. They’re a classic. Crisp, clean, and perfect for spring and summer—or all year round if you don’t care about old style rules (I don’t).

Something funny happens when we turn 40: white jeans go from a “maybe” , an option, to the pant that takes us just about everywhere in warm weather. Brunch? White jeans. Dinner out? White jeans.

In fact, on every girls trip I’ve been on in the last five years since turning 40, every single one of us packed at least one pair. They’ve become a warm-weather wardrobe essential.

But here’s the thing: finding a pair that isn’t see-through can be downright frustrating. The good news? I’ve done the digging for you.

I pulled together the best white jeans that aren’t see-through, with options in straight, cropped, and bootcut styles. I also made sure there are sizes for everyone—petite, tall, plus—you name it.

Before we dive in, let’s talk fit.

White jeans can be tricky. Because they often have a bit more elastane than traditional blue denim, they tend to stretch out more. So if you’re between sizes, you might want to size down.

That said, premium brands usually run small—so don’t let the number on the tag mess with your head.

Also, sizing can be inconsistent within the same brand. I’ve had pairs of blue jeans from GAP in a size 6, but needed an 8 in the white version of the exact same style. No idea why—it just happens.

And of course, every brand has its own sizing scale. For example, I wear a smaller size in Talbots than I do in Mother. It’s not you—it’s the sizing.

Bottom line? Order a few sizes if you can, try them on, and go with what feels good. The number on the tag doesn’t matter.

Best White Jeans – Straight Leg

Old Navy High-Waisted Vintage Slim Jeans, $30.99 | J.Crew Slim Jean, $128 | NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jeans, $108

A straight leg is my favorite white jean silhouette. It’s modern, polished, and more flattering (and forgiving) than a skinny.

Old Navy High-Waisted Vintage Slim Jeans

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Old Navy High-Waisted Vintage Slim Jeans are a solid find. They’re slim-straight, soft, and come in a great size range.

J.Crew Slim Jean

If you prefer a mid-rise consider the J.Crew Slim Jean. They’re full-length with a clean hem, and I love how polished they look with a heel or flats.

NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jeans

Another reader favorite are the NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jeans. These are structured with a higher rise and NYDJ’s famous smoothing fit.

Best White Jeans – Cropped or Ankle

Cropped and Ankle jeans are a great alternative to capris (which I cannot get behind), and they work across seasons.

High-Waisted Wow Crop Wide-Leg Jeans

The High-Waisted Wow Crop Wide-Leg Jeans are amazing if you’re curvy. They give more room in the waist and hips without gapping.

  • Sizes: Full range, with multiple inseams
  • Tip: Looks great with sandals or sneakers.
  • Price: $34.99

Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans

Madewell always does a great job with denim, and their Kick Out Crop Jean is no exception. The subtle flare at the bottom helps balance proportions.

  • Sizes: Standard, petite, plus, tall, and taller
  • Why I like them: The cut is super flattering, and the quality is solid for the price.
  • Price: $128

Mother The Mid Rise Dazzler Ankle

If you like premium denim, Mother makes some of the best. I got this pair, the Mid Rise Dazzler Ankle in blue first (“Wish on a Star”) and loved them so much I ordered the white. They fit closer to a skinny, but a modern skinny, so they aren’t skin-tight.

  • Fit tip: Sizing is all over the place. Don’t get discouraged—try a few sizes.
  • Style tip: These hit at the ankle and pair beautifully with a low profile sneaker (nothing too chunky) or a lightweight sandal.
  • Price: $218

Best White Jeans – Bootcut

Bootcut jeans are super flattering—hug through the hips and thighs, with a little flare at the calf. A perfect balance.

Gap Factory Mid Rise Baby Boot Jeans

The Mid Rise Baby Boot Jeans from Gap Factory are shockingly good. I have them in a medium wash too, and when I saw they came in white, I ordered them immediately. These are SOLD OUT on their website but I found sizes available on their Amazon page.

  • Sizes: 24–35 with short, regular, and long inseams
  • Tip: I ordered both regular and long so I have options depending on my shoe.
  • Price: $39.99

Talbots High Waisted Barely Boot Jeans

A fantastic plus-size-friendly option, Talbots High Waisted Barely Boot Jeans are a long-time reader favorite, with a clean shape and subtle flare.

  • Sizes: 14–24
  • Why I like them: They create a long line without feeling overly trendy.
  • Price: $109

J.Crew Bootcut Jean

J.Crew’s Boot Cut Jean is structured and flattering with a high rise and stretch for movement. These run long, I am 5,10 and wear the classic fit (I don’t need the extra length in the tall option).

  • Sizes: 23 – 37 in classic, petite and tall.
  • Tip: Wear with a wedge or block heel to lengthen the leg.
  • Price: $158

Final Thoughts

White jeans are a staple in my spring and summer wardrobe (and honestly, I’ll wear them year-round). They’re fresh, versatile, and chic—if you find the right pair.

From $25 budget picks to premium denim, straight to bootcut, there are great non-see-through white jeans out there. Hopefully, this guide helps you find one that makes you feel amazing.

Have a favorite I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments—or tag me on Instagram [@yourhandle] so I can see how you’re styling them!

The Best White Jeans that Aren\'t See Through
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MEET THE AUTHOR

Megan Kristel

Megan Kristel is an entrepreneur, working mom, and former personal stylist. Tired of the one-dimensional portrayal of women online, she founded The Well Dressed Life as a resource for other professional women.

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Leah

Thursday 3rd of April 2025

I love my premium denim, but recently tried Old Navy for denim and was SO happy with the fit and feel. Such a good product for a low price!! Thank you for sharing so many white jeans options; planning to try the ones from ON.

Megan Kristel

Thursday 3rd of April 2025

Thanks! I really can't believe how great Old Navy denim is, especially for the price!

Natalie

Thursday 3rd of April 2025

Hi Megan- Long time, first time ;) One additional place for people to check out if (like me!) they’re wearing extended sizes - Universal Standard. I have a few pairs of their white denim (and several non-white pairs!!) and I’m really happy with them. The general rule with their jeans is to go down a size — with a handful of exceptions I can definitely confirm that— and that is also true for the white denim which does run stretchier. They’re one of the only makers I check anymore because they make some of the only non-frumpy decent quality extended sizes out there.

BJ

Thursday 3rd of April 2025

LOVE white jeans! However I seek out the pull-up variety as post-abdominal surgery has made metal front zippers (especially on jeans) painful for me. My favorite brand is low-priced, doesn't bag, washes & retains its look beautifully. I wore a black pair and blue pair around Europe for 2 weeks and they held up AMAZINGLY. They also come in white -- Trifecta!

Gloria Vanderbilt "Shape Effect" in a High-Rise Straight cut. I buy 2 pairs in each color -- one for wearing with heels/boots and one I hem to ankle length. Black/Blue composition is: 66% Cotton, 28% Polyester, 4% Other and 2% Spandex. White composition is: 61% Cotton, 31% Polyester, 4% Other and 2% Spandex.

Kris

Wednesday 22nd of May 2024

I also wanted to add, and hit the button before I thought of it, that they don't bag out at the rear! I'm going through my closet this season, and if I have "elephant butt" by 11:00, the pants are leaving. These don't bag out, and hold their shape nicely. They have a good bit of stretch to them, so that helps, I'm sure...

Kris

Wednesday 22nd of May 2024

I totally agree! I was so pleasantly surprised by the Old Navy pairs that I ordered extra....White jeans have been my mission this spring.

Julie B.

Tuesday 21st of May 2024

Thanks for including the length/heel information. Very helpful!

Liz

Saturday 9th of March 2024

Hi Megan, I love this post thank you! I wondered whether there are any white jeans with more stretch please? I typically wear 65% cotton with more stretch for comfort in a US size 4. Thanks again, Liz

Trish

Sunday 28th of May 2023

As a professional, you should proof read. Many mistakes.

Megan Kristel

Monday 29th of May 2023

This is a one woman show, I create a ton of content with pure intent to be helpful, and I do proof it, but my eyes are old and tired and I don't always see errors. If I waited for things to perfect, I wouldn't have a business. Keep spreading joy, Trish.

Virginia Flynn

Wednesday 3rd of May 2023

I just got a pair of Old Navy Wow Loose white jeans that are fabulous, not see-through and budget friendly especially when Old Navy runs their common sales. A blend of cotton & polyester with a touch of spandex. Not a pure white but “Calla Lily” that is a soft white. I’m looking forward to wearing them for many occasions this summer.

Kim

Wednesday 3rd of May 2023

So sad. Old Navy is already sold out on all sizes 8 and below.

Alicia

Wednesday 3rd of May 2023

So excited to find high rise straight white jeans- only to click on the buy now button and find 0-12 SOLD OUT!! I know it’s frustrating to you as I well! Any idea if Old Navy will restock? Thanks for all you do for us! I enjoy your posts every day.

Tracy Gray

Tuesday 17th of May 2022

I love white jeans! However whenever I wear them I’m a magnet for every stain available. I want to wear them but for some reason no matter how hard I try I get a smudge or a spot or dirt. It’s frustrating because I do love them!

Cindy D

Tuesday 17th of May 2022

Megan, I love all your posts and look forward to each one! Can you recommend a straw bag for summer that has a closure, is not a large tote and not a cross body bag like the Mango one you recently posted. Thank you!