Done right, they look amazing; done wrong, you stick out like a sore thumb. Pulling off white pants can feel intimidating. With some background knowledge and styling tips, it is possible to answer the age-old (and seasonal) question: “How to wear white pants for men?” We’re here to help you choose the right fabric, pick the best fit, or style white pants for different occasions. We’ll take you through everything you need about how to wear them, including materials, pant styles, outfit suggestions, and the best shoes for white pants.
Choosing the Right Fabric for White Pants
- Linen: The most breathable and relaxed option, perfect for summer or resort wear. It is ideal for a casual yet refined aesthetic.
- Cotton: A versatile, structured fabric that works well for white chinos or tailored trousers.
- Denim: How to style white jeans for men starts with confidence—these offer a bold, stylish alternative for casual dressing.
- Lightweight Wool: More polished, this option is one of the best ways to wear white trousers in formal evening outfits and summer weddings.
Understanding the Different Types of White Pants
White pants tend to get lumped together. Maybe that’s because you see them more seasonally, so they’re thought of as warm-weather pants. But there are a lot of styles of white pants, and depending on the occasion or setting, you might want to consider which white pants you wear.
- White Chinos – Chinos are made from “chino” cloth, usually smooth cotton. They’re not dress pants but offer a smart-casual look, making them versatile. Wear them with loafers and a button-down or even a dress shirt and a blazer.
- White Five-Pocket Pants – As the name suggests, these have one more pocket than a chino, sharing the design with jeans, making them a hybrid between the two. They can be worn similarly to chinos for a relaxed yet polished outfit.
- White Jeans – Made from denim, white jeans can be a bold statement piece that looks best when paired with neutral tones and minimalist styling.
- White Trousers – These represent the dress pant category. While traditionally used for formal and semi-formal occasions, you can wear these for a more relaxed look. A t-shirt and white linen pants is a great look. Of course, you can dress them up with a tailored blazer and dress shoes.
How to Wear White Pants for Different Occasions
- Casual Looks: Explore white chinos with a striped T-shirt or polo for a timeless nautical outfit. For footwear, you can go for something casual like sneakers or a sock-less loafer look. White five-pockets can look nice with an untucked linen shirt in a solid and contrasting color. For shoes, try lightweight sneakers or espadrilles for a laid-back weekend look.
- Smart Casual Outfits: Style white chinos with a linen button-down shirt and loafers for a refined yet relaxed aesthetic. Layer with an unstructured blazer for an elevated modern preppy fashion vibe.
- Evening & Formal Looks: – For a classic coastal look, pair white trousers with a navy blazer and interesting loafers (suede, tassels, bit-loafer) for a sophisticated event-ready outfit. White pants look great with sport coats of all colors, ranging from muted blues and greens to black if you know how to pull it off. A full white linen or tropical wool suit can be a strong look if you’re getting married. If someone else is getting married, it’s best to ask the bride and groom before showing up in too much white.
Best Shoes for White Pants
Choosing the best shoes for white pants sets the tone of the look. With confidence and styling, any shoe and any pant can work together, but here are some general guidelines if you want to play it a little more cautiously.
- White Chinos: Summer loafers and a white pair of trousers pair effortlessly. A suede loafer is an especially elegant choice for summer when you wear white pants. That said, minimalist sneakers are a great option too. For something even more summery and relaxed, white pants go well with espadrilles and other slipper-type shoes.
- White Five-Pocket Pants: The best footwear for white five-pockets and jeans is similar to white chinos. Sneakers are even easier to pull off with jeans, but you can always up the look with leather shoes or even desert boots. White jeans and white minimalist sneakers create a great monochromatic look.
- White Trousers: Classic dress shoes for white pants are generally the move. You can pair them with a classic Oxford or derby shoe—especially in suede. For something less formal, you can always go for loafers and other slip-on shoes like espadrilles and slipper-like shoes.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Men’s White Pants Style
Any piece of clothing that is eye-catching and stands out can feel intimidating. Ultimately, you can wear white pants however you want, especially if you wear them confidently and enthusiastically. That said, if you prefer to play it conservatively with very noticeable white pants, you can reference these as a loose rule of thumb and starting point. Whether you prefer white chinos for a versatile look, five-pocket pants for modern appeal, or tailored white trousers for formal occasions, knowing when to wear them, how to pair them, and what shoes to wear with white pants ensures you always look sharp.
For additional advice on wearing white pants, check out our friends over at Real Men Real Style and their blog on the topic. Still wondering how to wear white pants for men? As always, if you want some direct style advice, you can contact our style advisors via chat or phone or visit one of our showrooms.
Ready to upgrade your style? Shop Proper Cloth’s tailored white chinos, linen pants, and dress shirts to find the perfect fit.