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Introduction
With spring just around the corner and summer not being too far behind, it’s closing in on the period where we get to pack away the heavy winter gear and prepare our wardrobe for a warmer climate.
On the list of essentials that make your yearly spring/summer rotation should be a pair of crisp, slim white trousers.
They may well bring to mind thoughts of the French Riviera rather than the sunny streets of Manchester, but white trousers are a great versatile piece for spring and summer; besides, what’s wrong with bringing a bit of the Côte d’Azur to Salford?
White Trousers
White trousers not only look great against the backdrop of a clear, bright day but also represent a practical option for those days when the mercury hits the heights. I know – practicality and white – not two words you often hear in the same sentence. However, for those that missed GCSE science, the white will be much cooler in the sun, as the light colour will reflect heat and not retain it like a darker hue would.
White trousers within the realm of men’s fashion and style are nothing new, you could even go as far as labelling them timeless. JFK certainly gave them the Presidential stamp, as did the Prince of Wales when he put his royal seal of approval on white legwear.
Men’s White Trousers Lookbook
How to Wear: Example Looks
Look One
Bring some continental flair to your hometown by utilising white trousers alongside a navy double-breasted blazer. The navy/white, dark/light contrast will create a really sharp look, whilst simultaneously producing an underlying nautical influence – a major trend each and every spring/summer.
A grey t-shirt is the perfect nuetral that will work alongside both colours, not against them. Black penny loafers add another touch of timelessness to the whole ensemble and again create a light/dark contrast between the trousers and shoes. Accessorise with an on-trend neckerchief and classic pocket square.
- Asos T Shirt With Rolled Sleeves
- Beams Plus Double-breasted Cotton-twill Blazer
- Hilfiger Denim Fallon Slim Fit Chino
- Drakes Spotted Cotton-blend Pocket Square
- Topman Cream Paisley Necker
- Bass Weejuns Black Leather Larson Loafers
Look Two
Work your trousers in a more casual sense with another spring essential; the chambray shirt.
A light blue chambray shirt pulls in the clean aesthetic of the trousers with a tactile worker-wear effect. Roll the sleeves and trouser hems to add to the off-duty look and finish off with some dark suede desert boots.
- Levis Chambray Shirt
- Ralph Lauren Black Label James Straight-leg Cotton-blend Chinos
- Allsaints Ridge Boot
Look Three
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article on the big print trend currently sweeping men’s fashion. If you have read it, you will know that anchoring with neutrals is the key to pulling off prints – and there are few better neutrals than white.
A print shirt in the mould of the Prada spring/summer 2012 advertising campaign is a great way to adopt the print trend, and using white trousers is the ticket to pulling it off.
Stay stylish with one of Matt Allinson’s top footwear picks, the buck shoe. Opt for a coloured number in a complimentary tone to the shirt in order to give the outfit coherrence and really show off your sartorial skills.
- Topman Blue Tennis Printed Shirt
- Maison Kitsune White New Chino Trousers
- Sanders Navy Suede Crepe Archie Gibson Shoes
Look Four
Our fourth and final look is a simple, easy smart-casual outfit that will work just as well for a lunch date as it would a day out in the city.
A shirt and waistcoat shouldn’t be confined to the office; take them with you on the day off. However, this time pair alongside your white trousers for a revitalised effect.
Fold up the sleeves of your shirt, leave the tie at home, and leave a button or two undone for a relaxed but put-together appearance.
Suede loafers bring a textured element and leave your ensemble looking nothing like office-wear.
- Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Stripe Poplin Slim Shirt
- Topman Black 5 Button Waistcoat
- Dr.denim Donk Chino
- Paul Smith Shoes Chocolate Burnished Suede Mancini Loafers
Top tip: The reoccurring pattern of a dark contrast against the white trousers is no coincidence. By creating the contrast you can guarantee your white trousers look will err on the right side of style. While pastels and lighter colours also work well alongside white, it’s always important to consider your skin tone to avoid the ‘washed out’ look.
Essential reading: Our article on how to wear the right colours for your skin tone.
Men’s White Trouser Picks
- New Look Slim Chinos
- French Connection Machine Gun Stretch Trousers
- Polo Ralph Lauren Plain Custom Fit Chinos
- American Apparel Cotton Edam Canvas Travel Pant
- Hentsch Man Joe Slim-fit Cotton Chinos
- Apc Chino Trousers
- Reiss Senator Slim Casual Trousers Putty
- Incotex Slim-fit Washed-cotton Trousers
- Alexander Mcqueen Gabardine Cotton Trousers
- Cotton Trousers ´shire6-w By Boss Orange
- Apc New Army Chino Gris Clair Trousers
- Oochin – Slim Fit Chino
- Diesel Percy 00bnq White Trousers
- Topman Tmd Off White Skinny Chino
- American Apparel Oxford Welt Pocket Pant
Conclusion
While white trousers may conjure thoughts of painters, sailors and yacht clubs, that should not discredit their style credentials. A good pair of white trousers are a vital spring/summer buy, especially if shorts are not really to your taste.
I will leave you with one caveat in that if you are going to rock white trousers, be mindful of your underwear. Black could well show through the trousers, so opt for a white or nude pair. We’ll leave discussions of VPLs to your significant other.
- Are you a big fan of white trousers?
- How do you style yours?
- Or have I simply not persuaded you of the essential nature of white legwear?
As usual let us know in the comments below…
Spring/Summer Essential Fabrics – Part 2: Seersucker
Spring/Summer Essential Fabrics – Part 1: Linen
Spring/Summer Footwear: The Suede Derby
Key Accessory: The Colourful Watch
Back To Top
Liking the first look very much. I’d love to have some but I would never be able to sit down, walk near anyone or enter any establishment that looked a bit dirty. too much risk involved.
I’ve purchased some white jeans, which I think should work just as well. In all honesty, I decided not to go for a pricey option however, due to the issues Will mentions above. If all goes well, maybe I’ll invest in a higher quality pair but at the moment It’s a bit of a trial and error thing.
Like Col, I have purachased some white jeans as an experiment. I have to admit to not being too confident at pulling it off though. I am going to trial it abroad somewhere first! Ha.
Dear Alex,
Great article i am wondering if you can tell me what brand are the sunglasses in the picture under the headline
They are from the Linda Farrow x Raf Simons sunglasses collection: spring/summer 2011. They usually keep the designs pretty similar each year so try having a search for Linda Farrow sunglasses.
I like the whole relaxed, French Riviera look, but as others have mentioned, white can become dirty very quickly, and will ruin the whole look.
Also, where I live (Southern Italy), it usually becomes WAY too hot to wear any trousers of some kind (even chinos become uncomfortable in said heat), so I am forced to wear shorts almost all the time. Could a pair of white shorts do the trick as well as the chino/jean/trouser counterparts?
I definitely think so Ed. I feel a white shorts article coming on.
On a similar note, there has also been a big ‘all white outfit’ trend making waves for the coming season, but I just don’t see how that could be practical at all!
the lookbook is definately most persuading and versatile. I have just bought a pair off H&M website with the following code (1304) at checkout for a £5 discount…however, will need to be really careful where i sit…in the past, articles have been written on how to take care of garments, knitwear, leather shoes etc…could you maybe write an article on how to look after whites, as mine always seem to lose their vibrancy even though i don’t wear them often???
White trousers don’t really appeal to me at this moment. If I really wanted something bright I’d probably go for a lighter grey, or something coloured. I might wear white shorts on the other hand, because of the lower profile.
Great article, I bought some white jeans in the winter and I was just thinking it’s time to crack them out. This will give me some good ideas.
I can see them getting dirty quickly, but I suppose the advantage of white is that you can wash it more often. Not like it’s going to fade!
I sense there will be lots of white jeans on eBay this Autumn!
Personally I kept mine – they’ve lasted me at least a year, with some extreme outdoor hide and seek to boot. I think they fairly qualify as “vintage wash” now! Terribly rock and roll.
Hi I was wondering where the khaki/grey tshirt on the first picture was fron ?? thanks love ur site
What do you guys think about white trousers on overweight men? Does that look good? I can’t imagine it does (I’m 19 and overweight)
there is a picture posted of a guy in a blue and white striped t shirt, im looking for the jacket but cannot find it anywhere! great post but could you point me in the right direction pleeeeesee!
That is fro a Zara campaign but it was SS11 I am afraid.
Strict no go for me im afraid on the old white slacks, firstly because of the weather here in Grey Britannia and also the fact this look goes better on western or southern european men with their dark hair, olive skin or girls.
I ‘ve seen all sorts of coloured trousers here in London but white only on a few tourists, or over 55′s ! I’ve cleared out all the plain white things in my wardrobe from all saints polo, crew neck T shirts, work shirts because for us english men with blonde/brown hair and brown eyes the colour simply does not sit well, it makes me look faded, washed out and ill compared to taupe, khaki, camel…
You also mentioned about what coloured underwear to wear underneath these sailing pants which should be lighter, in other articles on underwear you have recommend staying away from white boxers/briefs due to the horriible stains they leave no matter how many times they are washed.
When I purchased a nice pair of slim trousers, I did have my doubts. But after wearing them…I love them. Just have to rock them with confidence