White Jeans Are the Travel Pant of the Summer—and We Found the 10 Comfiest and Most Flattering Styles From $25

Travel + Leisure

20 hours ago

White jeans used to feel like more trouble than they were worth—too stiff, too hot, too high-maintenance. But lately, brands have figured out how to make them actually comfortable, with soft, breathable fabrics and relaxed fits that work with summer weather instead of against it. Some even feel more like sweats than denim, making them the ideal travel pants (especially if you're usually anti-jeans on flights, like me). Whether you're heading straight from the airport to dinner or exploring a new city on foot, a great pair of white jeans can quietly anchor your whole outfit.
From wide-leg pants like the Madewell Harlow Jeans to sleek straight-leg staples like the Quince High-rise Pants, these 10 pairs of white jeans prove that comfort and style can actually coexist. You'll find under-$25 picks from Amazon, classics from Levi's and Gap, and elevated takes from J.Crew and Everlane. And no, I don't believe in the 'no white after Labor Day' rule—these are built for year-round wear.
If you want the cool, casual look of denim without the weight, these are it. Made with Gap's signature UltraSoft fabric, this pair is designed to feel like lounge pants while still giving you the structure of jeans. The relaxed leg and adjustable drawstring waist make them a go-to for long flights, road trips, and laid-back sightseeing days. Wear them with a breezy tank, slides, and a woven tote for an Italian Riviera-ready vibe, or swap in a sweatshirt and sneakers for cozy travel days.
These crisp white jeans strike the perfect balance between polished and practical. Made from organic cotton with just the right amount of stretch, they're structured enough to dress up but comfy enough to wear straight through a long-haul flight. One reviewer even wore them hiking post-arrival—and still raved about the fit. Try them with a linen button-down and leather sandals for sightseeing, then swap in a sleek bodysuit and gold hoops for dinner alfresco. $138 $100 at Madewell.com
These Madewell Harlow pants are the jeans I personally reach for on repeat—especially during summer trips when I want to look put together without overheating. The lightweight, canvas-like denim is the perfect combination of trousers and jeans. You can wear them everywhere from office meetings to wine tastings, and they'll look good wherever you are. Just add a tucked-in tee or linen vest and a strappy sandal, and you're set from takeoff to dinner.
With the look of on-trend utility jeans and comfort that rivals sweatpants, these Amazon best-selling pants are a yes all-around. Between the ultra-flattering high waist and tapered cut,, they look way more expensive than $25. Pair them with a ribbed tank and baseball cap for a travel-day uniform that's equal parts functional and cool, or elevate your look with a structured blazer and flats for museum strolls and city dinners. Bonus: they pack down easily.
Don't let the denim look fool you—these 'jeans' feel more like your favorite yoga pants in disguise. Thanks to Halara's four-way stretch Flex fabric, they're breathable, featherlight, and move with you whether you're sprinting through the airport or lounging with a glass of wine in Tuscany. The low-rise cut and wide leg give off a laid-back, Y2K energy, perfect for pairing with a cropped tank and sneakers or a breezy button-up and slides.
Everlane calls these Everlane pants their most comfortable jeans yet—and we believe it. They're pre-softened to perfection with an airy feel that typically takes years of wear to achieve. Translation: no break-in period required. For summer getaways, pair them with a lightweight tee and sandals for exploring local markets or go dressier with a tucked-in blouse and espadrilles for a warm-weather dinner look. Bonus: they're a whopping 70 percent off right now.
This is the kind of white jean that earns a permanent place in your capsule wardrobe. Tailored for curvier silhouettes with a just-right high rise and gently flared leg, these J.Crew pants are sleek enough for rooftop cocktails but comfy enough for a full day of exploring. Wear them with a silk cami and blazer in the city, or style with a tucked-in tank and raffia accessories while vacationing in France. Trust us: you'll reach for them long after summer ends. $98 at Levi.com $98 $69 at Urban Outfitters
A forever favorite, these Levi's 501s deliver effortless '90s vibes with a straight-leg fit that works on practically everyone. They feel sturdy and classic, just like good denim should—but still comfy enough for travel days thanks to their broken-in softness. Pair them with a baby tee and chunky sneakers for airport ease, or with a knit tank and stacked jewelry for gallery hopping or café strolling abroad.
Slouchy, stylish, and effortlessly cool—these low-slung jeans bring a relaxed sophistication to any outfit. They're made from a special 100 percent cotton 'Cone denim' that is made to give structure without stiffness, and the fit feels like the jeans equivalent of a linen pant. Add a tank and Birkenstocks for casual exploring, or style them with a halter top and chunky sandals for sunset dinners. They'll look just as good rolled up and tossed in your weekender as they do in your vacation pics. $70 $35 at Gapfactory.com
These straight-leg jeans from the Gap Factory serve up a laid-back energy—with a high rise that flatters while still feeling roomy. The rolled cuff detail at the ankle gives it that effortlessly styled finish (with zero effort required). Think: a white tee, leather slides, and a straw tote for a casual day of museum wandering—or pair with a blouse and chunky gold hoops for cocktails with a view. At half off, they're an easy yes.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.