How to Wear White Pants

Co-authored by Susan Kim and Amber Crain

Last Updated: August 4, 2021 References

White pants look very stylish, especially in the summer, but their color makes them a little tricky to pull off. White fabrics tend to be see-through, so choose thicker materials like cotton or denim. Err on the side of caution and wear flesh-colored underwear beneath them! Choose styles and fits that complement your body shape and be choosy when it comes to selecting tops and shoes to create a flattering silhouette.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Selecting a Style

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Choose a thicker material. When it comes to white pants, go with a thicker material like cotton or denim. Thin material, like linen, tends to show every little bump and crinkle. Transparency can also be an issue. Avoid pant pocket linings from showing through (or worse!) by opting for white pants made of thicker fabrics.^{[1]
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- If you find a pair you adore but they’re more see-through than you’d like, consider taking them to a tailor to have them lined.
- This isn't a cheap option, although cost will vary depending on what material you choose to line the pants with. Go with something very lightweight, like thin cotton.^{[2]
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2
Choose capris with minimal detail for a sleek look. White capris are a great summer look, but avoid the ones with large cuffs, big side pockets, drawstrings and elastic waistbands. These can unfortunately make you look frumpy or create the illusion of extra weight. Avoid heavy cargo styles for the same reason.^{[3]
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- Try a slim-fit denim pair with minimal detail and hardware for a sleek look.
- Choose a pair that zips and buttons in the front to maintain a sleek silhouette.
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Go with a wide-legged pair for a breezy look. Skinny jeans aren’t for everyone, and a pair of wide-legged white pants can look fabulous! Choose a flowy material to create a summery, casual vibe perfect for a beach party. Wear a white button-down in a similar fabric to complete this look.^{[4]
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- Opt for a wide-legged pair made of chiffon, lightweight knit, or a thin cotton-linen blend.
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Create curves with a tuxedo or trouser style. If you’re on the slim side, a loose-fitting pair of trouser cut pants can create the illusion of curves without swallowing up your small frame. Look for a simple design, with two pleats in front, and a flowy fabric. Add a bright-colored blazer to complete the look.^{[5]
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- Go for materials like soft knits, poplin and jersey.
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Avoid busy patterns for a slimmer look. Patterns can make white pants appear even less slimming, so try to avoid them. Look for plain white pants with a flat front and no additional detail around your problem areas. Avoid drawstring waists, pleats, large belt loops and big pockets; opt for sleek and minimal.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Choosing a Fit

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Go with a slim-fit pair if you’re petite. White pants tend to swallow small frames; if you’re petite, avoid baggy fits and choose a slim-fit or skinny pair. These will show off your fit physique, rather than obscure it.^{[7]
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Research source} With slim-fit and skinny styles, definitely make sure you choose a thicker fabric. The closer fit raises the risk of things showing through.^{[8]
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- Go for thicker fabrics like twill, tweed and cotton piqué.
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Wear flares or a boot cut style to balance curvy hips. If you have curves, slim-fit and skinny styles tend to emphasize problem areas. Balance out your curves by choosing a pair with a boot cut or flare legs.^{[9]
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Research source} Go for a fabric that has some stretch to it, like polyester and spandex blends, which will further disguise any imperfections.^{[10]
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- Look for small pockets and detailed stitching, as well. Both features can help create a more proportionate look.
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Go up a size. White pants can be tricky, since the color tends to emphasize flaws and makes everything appear larger (as opposed to black, which is known for its slimming effect). To combat this, choose one size up from your usual fit. Crinkles and imperfections will be concealed better, and your curves won’t look crammed into too-tight white pants.^{[11]
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- Make sure the pants still fit you well; they shouldn't be baggy.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Wearing Complementary Clothing

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Wear flesh-colored underwear under your white pants. White underwear might show through even the thicker materials, but flesh-toned undies will provide coverage and invisibility. It’s still a good idea to check out your backside in a full-length mirror before you head out the door, though. Confirm there aren’t any panty lines, bulges, or other unflattering issues.^{[12]
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Wear white on white for a slimming effect. If done right, white on white can actually create a long and lean look.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 4 May 2021.} Go with a pair of skinny jeans in white and pair them with a fitted white tank top and white blazer for a super crisp look. Finish the look off with white shoes, or silver metallic shoes and matching silver jewelry.^{[14]
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Wear a top with a fun pattern or bright color. Try wearing a classic pattern, like polka dots, with your white jeans. A blue chiffon polka dot top and matching polka dot shoes can create a fun, summery look. Add a pop of color and texture by adding a red leather handbag and red sunglasses.^{[15]
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- Stripes also look great with white pants. Try a navy and white striped top with a pair of fitted capris. Add a cropped denim jacket for a versatile look.
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Elongate your legs with nude, metallic or white shoes. If you’re on the short side, try heels or flats in white, nude, or metallic shades.^{[16]
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Expert Source

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 4 May 2021.} A bright-colored shoe with white pants breaks up the illusion of a long, lean line, making your legs look shorter. Light or metallic shoes have the opposite effect. Opt for a pointed toe, which creates more length than a rounded toe.^{[17]
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- Nude flats will elongate the leg, but heels will make them look even longer.

Expert Q&A

Question

What color shirts go with white pants?

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Susan Kim

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

You can wear a white shirt with your pants if you want an overall slimming look.
Question

I bought an expensive pair of off-white wide leg trousers, but you can see through them. What underwear would you suggest to minimize this?

Community Answer

Probably a nude underwear, but make sure you get the right color to match your skin tone.