How to Wear White As A Menswear Color

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For many men, the only white articles of clothing they wear are white dress shirts, undershirts, and underwear. They may avoid white either because it seems to be too bold a statement, they are concerned about keeping it clean, or it’s simply nowhere to be found. White can be taken for granted. However, a full range of white clothes has much to recommend for the contemporary gent, and the arrival of summer is the perfect opportunity to add more white to your wardrobe. Today we will explore the different ways to wear it as a menswear color.

A Brief History of White Clothes

White was originally associated with the garb of the wealthy for a variety of reasons, first of all, because keeping white clothing clean was expensive in the age before dry cleaning and washing machines, requiring regular care and maintenance that was beyond the reach of many.

Beau Brummell in 1805
Beau Brummell in 1805 wearing a white shirt and stock

By extension, wearing white was an outward sign that you had enough money to afford the luxury of its care. More than this, it showed you were rich enough that you didn’t even need to engage in any manual labor where you had a chance of getting dirty.

Tennis-Cable-Knit-V-neck-Sweater-Apparel-Arts-1936
Two gentlemen, one wearing a classic tennis sweater and shorts ensemble, which the other sports white pants, a gray blazer, and a red carnation boutonniere in an Apparel Arts illustration from 1936

White was also the color worn by those people–again, the wealthy elite–who went to resorts and country destinations in the summer, both because white helps reflect hot sunlight and because it enforced the idea of leisure. They would participate in sporting activities on holiday, which is how tennis became associated with white uniforms. When the well-heeled returned to the city in the autumn, they switched back to more drab gear, hence the supposed “no white after Labor Day” rule.

Leonardo DiCaprio as the great Jay Gatsby in a white suit
Leonardo DiCaprio as the great Jay Gatsby in a white suit. Does he look sullen because he has to keep it clean? [Image Credit: Warner Bros.]

The good news is that today, we have the luxury of washing machines and fairly inexpensive dry cleaning, so wearing white is not limited to the rich. There may still be some situations where wearing the color can evoke class associations, which will be discussed below, but for the most part, it can be worn by anyone on a variety of different occasions.

When Can You Wear White?

The short answer is summer; the long answer is that it’s possible any time of the year if done properly.

White Looks Best in Warm, Sunny Weather

In hot weather, white keeps you cool as it reflects sunlight, something you can see from the prevalence of white clothes in hot climates, including the Middle East and India. The very brilliance of white itself makes it look its best in the sunshine. For this reason, it’s especially at home in resort-like settings. Think the Greek islands, the Amalfi Coast, and the French or Italian Riviera in July. This includes cruises, which also are warm-weather ventures.

A vintage illustration showing two men on a cruise ship in ivory dinner jackets
These two men have the right idea, wearing white (truly, ivory) dinner jackets on a tropical cruise.

To be honest, white also looks best with tanned skin because of the contrast, so if you’re fair or pale as a sheet, you should consider other light colors that will give you better contrast. Those who have olive, tanned, or brown complexions have it made when it comes to wearing white.

In Cooler or Cloudy Weather

In cloudy weather, white clothes can look out of place. The false “no-white-after-Labor-Day” rule notwithstanding, predominantly white outfits are usually avoided after summer because what looks great in August looks glaring when days are not as bright. White demands sunlight to tame it and tone it down. In fall and winter, muted hues like olive green, gray, and brown are prevalent both in nature and as attire. Follow the seasonal trend. This is also good wisdom to follow because cold weather usually brings rain and thus mud, snow, and slush, all of which can wreak havoc on white garments.

Raphael wearing white flannel trousers with a blue sweater, white shirt, and orange tie
White trousers in heavier flannel are great for winter wear

However, you can wear winter white, which is an off-white rather than a pure white, on sunny December days, few they may be, usually in the form of flannel pants. When January comes along, you may be longing for something to remind you of summer, so if there’s a sunny blue-sky day, try putting on winter-white trousers. With global climate change, there is bound to be a 50-degree mid-winter day when you can do it. Of course, if you are fortunate to live in a climate where sunshine and warmth are in abundance year-round (Florida comes to mind), you can wear regular white nearly anytime you, please.

How to Wear White: White Shirts

One might imagine that the basic white dress shirt doesn’t require much discussion since it’s the one white item most men own (not including white unmentionables); a white shirt is standard. However, some lesser known information about white shirts can be useful to help you maintain classic style. Originally, the long-sleeved white shirt with buttons and a collar that we know today was seen as an undershirt, meant to be hidden: hence the requirement to wear waistcoats and vests and ties–anything to hide as much of the white as possible. Nowadays, we wear white button-down shirts uncovered with just a pair of pants, which our forbears would see as us going about in our undergarments.

Napoleaon's Shirt which was only worn as an undershirt with extremely fine hand stitching
Napoleon’s shirt, which was only worn as an undershirt despite its extremely fine hand-stitching

Although we may applaud the more relaxed standards of the present when it’s 90 degrees out, and we can wear only a white polo and jeans without getting looks of disgust, some of the associations of white shirts with underwear still apply today, particularly when you’re wearing tailoring or are dressed formally. When you put on a tuxedo, for example, you’re supposed to wear a black cummerbund or a waistcoat to prevent the white of your shirt from showing beneath the bottom button of your jacket.

When you wear a vest, either as part of a three-piece suit or in a different color or pattern with the bottom button open, your trousers are supposed to have a high enough rise to avoid showing the white of your shirt under your vest. It goes without saying that if you are actually wearing a white undershirt, it should never be exposed at your neck. To remember these style rules, it’s useful to think of the white t-shirt as underwear, and by traditional standards of propriety at least, you shouldn’t show your underwear.

A definite style don't: a visible undershirt
A definite style don’t: a visible undershirt

Another consideration that may alter your thinking about white shirts is the fact that white can be stark and cold because of its brightness, so while it works like a charm with suits or sport coats in cool colors (gray, blue) if you’re wearing warmer hues like a green linen sport coat or brown flannel suit, you might choose a shirt in ivory or ecru (white with a warm yellow undertone) or light blue instead to soften the contrast.

White Trousers

After a white shirt, white trousers are probably the next most common clothing item in menswear, though the drop off is steep in terms of how many men wear them. Pants may also be the most difficult white item to wear in terms of keeping them clean, which could account for their rarity. On sunny summer weekends, the Southern European vibe created by wearing white cotton pants, especially when paired with bright linen sports coats, is a winner.

White pants are more difficult for the workplace because they do present a strong statement in their own right; however, you can make them fade back, so they almost become the equivalent of a white shirt, if you pair them with softer or more muted jacket colors like olive, brown or navy.

White Ring Jacket trousers
White trousers can look fairly subdued when paired with more muted colors.

Of course, a navy blazer, especially double-breasted with gold buttons and white trousers, make for a classic nautical-themed outfit. Now you’re off work again and on a boat, whether it be a city cruise, two-week cruise to the Caribbean, or your own private yacht. This is the one place where white (in combination with other garments, admittedly) still can evoke class consciousness and accusations of snobbery.

As if to ruin all the fun, white pants do present the particular hazard of getting dirty fast; the hems will readily accumulate street grime and the seat can become sullied at a moment’s notice if you sit on a subway or park bench. We have a number of solutions, however!

Ralph Lauren in a Navy Double Breasted Blazer and White Pants
Ralph Lauren in a navy double-breasted blazer and wide white pants, a look that screams upper class; the car doesn’t hurt either. [Image Credit: Ralph Lauren]

First, buy cotton that can be washed. Then spot treat and wash any individual stains at the end of the day or shortly thereafter. For the rare situations when more extensive marking occurs, even if the item says “dry clean only,” you can hand-wash white cotton chinos or put them in the washing machine with cold water on the gentle cycle. Of course, you can just dry clean.

Secondly, spend less on white pants. It is easier to enjoy wearing a $189 pair of white pants from SuitSupply and wash it occasionally than worrying about damaging an $800 pair from Salvatore Ambrosi, bespoke quality notwithstanding.

Beyond that, exercise precautions when wearing white trousers. For instance, avoid sitting directly on the half-wall at Pitti Uomo before making sure it isn’t covered with cigarette ash. When on vacation and wearing white pants, you might also be carrying a pamphlet, map, site guide or other fold-out document, which can be used to sweep away debris before you sit (or, itself, sat upon). Better to look a bit fastidious than ruin one’s pants!

White trousers at Pitti Uomo
Men sitting on the Pitti Uomo half wall while wearing white pants in cool weather

So, yes, white trousers (and jackets) do require a certain degree of added caution and care as well as extra fastidiousness. But, if you’re already the sort of guy who spends time getting your tie dimple exactly right or who polishes his shoes to a mirror shine, this will be nothing new to you.

If anything, it’s a chance to slow down and be mindful, which we need in our accelerated world. If you aren’t the cautious sort, then you’re also likely from the school of thought that says white clothes are meant to show some character marks, so you too can wear them and just not give a damn.

The penchant of Gazette readers for tailored clothes also makes wearing white pants easier: even if you sit on something, you can rest assured in the fact that your rear end will be obscured by the vent flap of your jacket when you’re walking around.

Visible pocket liners with white trousers
Pocket liners are often visible with white cotton pants

The second issue with white pants is their relative transparency: the bare skin of your thighs where they touch the cloth will generally be somewhat visible through your trousers. You can solve the issue by purchasing (or commissioning) white pants that are lined to the knee, but an added heat-inducing layer sort of defeats the purpose of reflecting sunlight by wearing white. Try wearing gray underwear that covers the thighs and again rely on your sport coat to (literally) cover your rear end.

Pocket liners are another story though, as it is common for these to be visible through the fabric on the front of white pants. One option is to cut the liners out and stitch closed the remnant, professionally or otherwise. You’ll lose the use of the front pockets, but those who privilege style over functionality are reluctant to load the front pockets of trousers anyway to preserve clean lines.

A possible solution for visible pocket liners include lining your trousers to the knee or simply having the pocket liners removed.
A possible solution for visible pocket liners include lining your trousers to the knee or simply having the pocket liners removed.

Another is to find a pair of white pants with no pocket liners, to begin with. Bonobos used to sell chinos with this option. The last possibility is to just go with it–visible pocket liners are part of a casual “I don’t care” summer look, like wrinkled linen. Then again, the quarters of your wrinkled linen sports coat may hide the liners anyway.

White Suits and Sport Coats

There’s a certain man or type of man who can pull off a white suit. You might think, for instance, of Don Johnson, but nowadays, you don’t necessarily want to remind people of Miami Vice circa 1984. The other option is to go for more of a “Southern Gentleman” look a la Tom Wolfe, whose trademark white suit has been in the news more since his passing; the effect can be similar to wearing seersucker.

It should be noted, however, that Wolfe has said he wore white initially to get attention as a reporter. People would notice him in a crowd of other journalists and answer his questions. Rest assured, you too will be noticed too in a white suit. Furthermore, you want to avoid being labeled the guy who imitates Tom Wolfe. Safer and a bit easier to pull off is an off-white or cream suit, in some warm weather fabric like cotton or linen, but safer yet is hedging your bets and halving the risk by wearing just the top half.

Journalist Tom Wolfe, in his signature white suit, receives the Arts and Humanities Medal from President George W. Bush
Journalist Tom Wolfe, in his signature white suit, receives the Arts and Humanities Medal from President George W. Bush

White sports coats present the perfect opportunity to break out the colored shirts, such as light blue or perhaps a navy and white gingham plaid shirt. Avoid dark colored shirts because the contrast will be too strong, and you’ll end up evoking John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.

White Jacket At Sea 4
White jacket worn at sea with a blue shirt

Yes, you can wear a pure white shirt with a white jacket, whether a linen sports coat for summer or a dinner jacket, but to do this successfully, you want to create a bit of contrast or differentiation between your two layers. To some extent, this will be natural since no two whites are exactly alike; the difference in the material will present different gradients of white. Furthermore, most white jackets are in reality off-white since linen and wool cannot be dyed to a pure white because of natural oils and the overall nature of the fibers.

So, your white shirt will always be whiter than your jacket. However, you can emphasize the distinction further by wearing a white shirt with some sheen (like a royal Oxford) or a subtle pattern, like end-on-end, twill, or herringbone.

A white herringbone shirt
A white shirt with a subtle pattern can help distinguish it if you wear a white jacket along with it.

Whether you get an off-white suit or a white jacket, it’s paramount that your choice fits you well. If it’s already too big it will look even bigger on you because white clothes reflect back a lot of light to the viewer; it’s a matter of optics.

8 Secrets Of A Great Summer Sport Coat

White for Formal Wear

Though evening wear is usually associated with Black Tie, the dinner jacket worn by Sean Connery’s James Bond in Goldfinger has become an inspiration for those looking to inject “white”–well, ivory, actually–into formal wear. Most commonly the white dinner jacket makes an appearance in tropical weddings or cruises near the equator.

Sean Connery as James Bond wearing a white dinner jacket with a red carnation boutonniere
Sean Connery as James Bond wearing a white dinner jacket with a red carnation boutonniere

In the Bond films, it is worn variously in the Bahamas, Morocco, India, and Latin America; a hot climate is essential. Even though a white dinner jacket may be worn by some in hot weather anywhere, like an outdoor summer opera in the UK, it is usually seen by purists as out of place.

Preston wearing an ivory dinner jacket à la James Bond.
Preston wearing an ivory dinner jacket à la James Bond.

If you do wear it, a shawl collar is preferred rather than a peak lapel, as the shawl is more in line with the relaxed nature of the white jacket; pockets should still be jetted rather than flap. Your choice of material should be a light wool even though cotton or linen versions can be found, as these will rumple and wrinkle. Check out our guide to dinner jackets for more specifics on the white version.

Dinner Jacket Black Tie Guide

White Menswear Accessories

After the white dress shirt, the other essential white item most men own is a white linen pocket square, whose presence is intended to coordinate with said white shirt under all conditions: with a tux, a suit, or a sport coat. For an added accent of white, go beyond the idea of the pocket square and use a white boutonniere flower, like a white carnation, rose or edelweiss (for something different), all available from Fort Belvedere.

White boutonnieres Fort Belvedere
Just a few of the many boutonniere styles offered in the Fort Belvedere Shop.
Edelweiss Boutonniere on a white background

Fort Belvedere

Edelweiss Boutonniere Buttonhole Flower Fort Belvedere

White Carnation Silk Boutonniere Buttonhole Flower Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

White Carnation Silk Boutonniere Buttonhole Flower Fort Belvedere

Ivory Spray Rose Boutonniere Buttonhole Flower Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Ivory Spray Rose Boutonniere Buttonhole Flower Fort Belvedere

White neckties are rarer but can stand out as something different, again, mainly in warm, sunny weather. They aren’t the easiest to find but are generally white silks printed with a small geometric motif in other colors. These are sharp enough to be “ceremonial” or wedding ties but can also be dressed down, perhaps with a blue linen sports coat. As with all light-colored ties, the prime consideration is making sure it stands out visually from your shirt, so a white tie can suggest wearing a light blue shirt instead of another white. Or, you can cheat and go with an ivory tie. Just remember not to go too dark with your shirt to avoid making the outfit look inelegant.

A white silk tie with geometric motif
A white silk tie will still stand out against a white cotton shirt.

Just as every man is advised to own a white linen pocket square, he is also warned never to wear white socks. This should not be a strict rule, as it is presented as a way to keep people from wearing white gym socks outside of athletic settings. White dress socks are different. In those situations where you can’t wear low-cut invisible socks with white trousers, what else would you wear? This is even more true for winter white flannel pants. White dress socks are even more difficult to find than white neckties but a pair or two in cotton or linen should be part of your wardrobe if you own white pants.

White Shoes

Continuing with footwear, white shoes are an underappreciated choice for summer shoes. Interestingly, more men will wear white sneakers (with the aforementioned white gym socks) than white dress shoes. The classic American choice is white bucks. Readers of a certain age will remember “The White Buck Kid,” singer Pat Boone, who was known for these shoes, but they are associated more broadly with trad style. As the name implies, they are made of white deer leather or buckskin, and the good thing about them is that if they get scuffed or distressed, it’s an expected part of their character.

white buckskin shoe

If you want to mix white with another hue, you can try spectators instead. Defined simply as two-toned shoes, usually Oxfords or derbies with a wingtip and broguing, spectators are a showy choice with vintage appeal that can pair with other classic menswear like tab collar shirts and collar pins. As such they are also more formal than bucks.

Raphael in a casual outfit with his pair of spectator shoes
Raphael in a casual outfit with his pair of spectator shoes

Conclusion

After reading about the many possibilities for wearing white, hopefully, you will try adding more of this hue to your wardrobe, and not just in the form of another white shirt or pocket square. White embodies the spirit of summer, and in cold weather, you can still wear winter white on sunny days to brighten up the season. You do have to be somewhat outgoing to wear it, especially in our drab casual culture, but if you’re well dressed, you’ll stand out anyway, so add some individual panache and boldly put on white.

How do you wear white? Share your experience in the comments section below.

Outfit Rundown

Today, my outfit incorporates white in various locations; most notable, of course, are my white trousers, which are from Brooks Brothers. They’re made from cotton and their inner linings are in off-white shades, so they’ll be less visible from the outside.

My shirt today is also from Brooks Brothers and it’s a Winchester model; meaning that while its body is light blue, its collar and cuffs are in white. Into those cuffs I’ve inserted our yellow gold-plated, sterling silver monkey’s fist knot cufflinks from Fort Belvedere, which harmonize well with the gold buttons on my navy blazer – a natural complement to my white trousers.

My shoes are in a medium to light brown color and they’re wing-tipped derbies featuring a woven leather design to go for a summery feel.

Preston in an outfit that is formed based on the color white.
Preston in an outfit that is formed based on the color white.
White Initial Pocket Square - Hand-Embroidered in Italy

Fort Belvedere

White Initial Pocket Square – Hand-Embroidered in Italy

Velvet Edelweiss Boutonniere Buttonhole Flower Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Edelweiss Boutonniere Buttonhole Flower

Monkey Fist Knot Cufflinks - Vermeil Sterling Silver Yellow Gold Plated

Fort Belvedere

Monkey Fist Knot Cufflinks – Vermeil Sterling Silver Yellow Gold Plated

Navy Socks with Blue and White Clocks in Cotton - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Navy Socks with Blue and White Clocks in Cotton

My vintage bow tie also happens to be from Brooks Brothers and it’s in a cream-yellow shade featuring very small, paisley-esque micropatterns. And since we had plenty of discussion about undergarments earlier, I can mention both my navy blue suspenders, which harmonize well with my jacket but aren’t really meant to be seen, and my true underthings.

Both my undershirt, which is in gray, and my underwear themselves in light-ish blue are meant to harmonize roughly with my own skin tone and not be easily seen under any of my white garments.

My remaining accessories today are all from Fort Belvedere and they include my socks, which are navy blue with white clock designs to harmonize well with the trousers and the blazer;  my boutonniere, which is an edelweiss in off-white with subtle blue tones; and my pocket square, which is in white linen, featuring a P monogram.

As mentioned, this is a classic summer outfit and one that would go very well with a straw boater, so I’ve brought one along today as well. And of course, for all of the Fort Belvedere accessories I’m wearing today, as well as a wide variety of other classic men’s accessories, you can take a look at the Fort Belvedere shop.

Reader Comments

  1. It is strange that you should mention white today because in my youth there was a popular song with the refrain, if not the title, of We’re All Going to the Zoo Tomorrow which is not much heard since the idea of a zoo became somewhat politically incorrect and I was about to suggest to Sven that he could revive it for a series on sporting events, where white is often worn, such as We’re All Going to Wimbledon Tomorrow or We’re All Going to Henley Regatta Tomorrow or We’re All Going to the World Cup Tomorrow and so on through the sporting calendar

  2. Greetings,

    I remember seeing Robert Redford’s stunning wardrobe in 1974’s “The Great Gatsby.” Later, I discovered that Ralph Lauren was the Costume Designer for that motion picture.

    Redford’s Gatsby strongly influenced my fashion sense as a teenager, and I am still attracted to that look.

    Best regards,

    Andrew Gregg,
    Palm Springs, CA

  3. White in winter? Turtlenecks, Irish sweaters, meerschaum pipes. We need a holiday called “White Day” so we can say “No labor after White Day.” I nominate January 2.

  4. I only wear white when I play cricket. Of course I wear white dress shirts too, but other than that I have always been reluctant to include too much white in my everyday wardrobe. Certainly not more than a single item at a time, i. e. I’d wear a white jumper but never a white suit. I consider it not masculine enough or maybe even a tad frivolous. And yes I know, a white dinner jacket looks great on Sean Connery, but if I wore it I wouldn’t be surprised if people signalled me to bring the menu or would order “Due gelati, per favore”…

  5. White in the winter still looks tacky.

    Why did Mark Twain look sharp in a white suit and Tom Wolfe always looked lousy?

    Maybe Wolfe just wasn’t photogenic.

    Ages ago Dean Rusk – Secretary of State under Jimmy Carter – was the only one to show up at an America’s Cup Dinner in a white dinner jacket the day after Labor Day.

    Oooops!

    A good look is to have a white linen suit bought 40 years ago – so old it’s slightly yellow.at the edges – like they wear in St. Petersburg where they sit outside the cafes as soon as its officially summer pretending its warm enough!

    1. It is often confusing to hear Americans talk about the old “no white after labor day” rule when in many countries labor day is at the start of summer.

  6. Great article indeed. As usual!
    I have and proudly use summer white cotton trousers, winter off white ones, white shirts, Irish linen pocket squares… but no white dress socks. I never ever wear them even whith my white trousers… In winter, I match them with my shoes (dark brown, grey work amazingly well!) and in summer… I simply and of course go sockless in my drivers!

    Keep up the good work!

    1. Thanks, Juan Manuel. I’m with you and go with “invisible socks” in the summer. Once white pants come out, it usually justifies the no-socks look, but for those who prefer socks all the time or if wearing white when it’s cooler white dress socks are an option. I did buy a pair of white OTC socks for wear with winter white pants that I plan to try when it gets cold, though socks to match your shoes are definitely a viable option in winter too as you say.

  7. Beautiful, stylish and smart. Great insights for those who think white socks should never be used. They should, in the right context, of course.

  8. David, Shoe Passion has Goodyear-welted Spectators in classic and other color combinations. I have a pair of their navy and cognac spectators. They fit perfectly and the quality is excellent at the price point. Check them out!

  9. White for Gents, what an intriguing piece.

    One would not comment the obvious: shirts and undershirts, or even pants, in summer.

    What I find extremely challenging for a guy who aspires not to be mistaken by a South American Dictator who has fled to southern France, is, in primis, the white suit and, in secundis, the white jacket.

    In my opnion, an average looking guy should avoid the white suits.

    Only chaps of a marked personality (as Tom Wolfe, for instance), or very fit and tall can get away with it. When one does, he looks very cool. In this case, it helps a lot to sport a light tan.

    White jackets and dinner jackets are easier propositions than white suits, however they involve accepting the risk – highest for those who do not carry themselves with natural elegance – to be mistaken for a pizza-waiter.

    Although I avoid it, the informal combination of blue blazer, white pants and tie appears undoubtedly chic, but it has many of the connotations of he who tries too hard, as the picture of Ralph Lauren adequately illustrates.

    The summer look I prefer is white casual pants and white linen shirt that I couple with an old blazer (of top cut) to underscore the relaxed and casual character of the look I seek to create.

    Let me conclude with two pearls of wisdom imparted to me by an elderly (he was ninety in the 80s) Neapolitan Prince whom I then knew. He revealed to me – almost whispering – that in his days a gentleman needed to have always three things of absolute quality on him: shoes, watch and jacket.

    He also elaborated that, in his days, a gentleman’s shirt was white and white only, for – as he put it – “Only the guappi (petty criminals) wore colors or stripes”.

    These advices have become a rule of life for me: even now, when I open my shirt-closet, I find that every 10 shirts I own, 9 are white.

    1. I love the wisdom! Great story! I have known royalty as well and a bit of color once in awhile looked incredibly nice! Even Prince Charles can look elegant in his choice of dress shirts which have color.
      Btw that wisdom given to you, did he say what color jacket?
      I’ve been told roughly the same thing, but I was told a navy blue blazer can get you in everywhere, plus good cufflinks.

  10. We have very hot weather here in England at the moment so my white trousers and striped blazer are seeing more use than is usual thank for the tips on what to wear with them

  11. The only time I ever tried on a white jacket I had quite pale skin and the white made me look an unhealthy yellowish gray colour. This year I have spent more time outdoors and have become a little tanned so maybe it’s time for me to give white another try.

  12. Did anyone else think that the photograph showing pocket lining looked as the the wearer had urinated in his trousers?

    1. Oh yes I did! Or at the very least, thought he suffering a bad case of sweaty balls. One of the pitfalls of lighter colours (and why I usually opt for darker colours on the bottom and lighter on top) is because they show stains more and give the illusion of having wet one’s pants.

  13. Great article!

    I wear a white linen suit (not dazzling, snow wihte, but a slightly off white colour) in summer with, sorry Sven, a dark blue or black open neck shirt and tan shoes. Here it is considered both casual but also very smart.

    I know some Americans wear seersucker suits in summer but I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone wearing one here in Australia. You’d be laughed out of the room if you wore one here. Yes, it’s a cultural thing. Same with white shoes. Nobody wears them here (except for white sneakers). If you wear white dress shoes here people think you’re a shonky con man (some of our less honest politicians wore white shoes in the 1970s and were known as “the white shoe brigade”).

  14. Thank you for this extensive and informative article.

    I have an off-white Brooks Bros. cotton suit that I am looking forward to wearing at a California outdoor wedding. The tips on pairing with shirts and ties are helpful.

  15. “Interestingly, more men will wear white sneakers (with the aforementioned white gym socks) than white dress shoes”

    This is indeed a most interesting observation. What’s more such white sneakers and gym socks are often paired with light blue jeans instead of light blue chinos that most men would also refrain from wearing as being too effeminate or flamboyant.

    I want to add that white or off-white jeans can be a valuable part of summer casual wear, at least in my book. A bit less formal than khakis, but still a lot smarter than aforementioned light blue jeans while maintaining their comfort.

  16. Nice and interesting blog with good and clear information..thanks for sharing such kind of information

  17. White clothing evokes the whole aspirational vibe that Ralph Lauren and the Great Gatsby have continued to uphold so artfully well. It is most strangely, achingly nostalgic in a way … that perhaps never was.
    White cotton pants are the warm weather equivalent to the grey flannel trousers.
    A summers staple for me personally with myriad linen jackets. It works so hard, never to fail you.
    And another of my summers signature is the magnolia white linen suit, white shirt and a pastel coloured tie.
    It’s the high point for my summer wear in all its lovely manifestations.

  18. Please advise me where to purchase a pair of cream casual shoes to match an off – white pair of trousers. Thanks

    1. Coincidentally, this morning I just got out my white bucks for a graduation in Chapel Hill soon. They seldom get worn here in Northern California.

    2. It will largely depend on your budget and the style you’re looking for. You can take a look at our ranking of some ready to wear shoe brands over $500, as well as our rundown of dress shoe brands under $300

  19. Luckily in L.A. and in South Florida , White can work all year round in certain clothing.
    Keeping Bucks as white as you can , can be hard, but is a nice compliment to wearing white for sure.
    Thank you as always for your great insights!

    1. BTW- Banana Republic has a great off white Linen blazer , and matching pants plus a off white double breasted blazer, this season. The quality is very nice with a nice weight linen

  20. I want to get a white seersucker suit by Haspel suit from New Orleans. Can you wear white year-round in tropical areas like Hawai’i?

    1. White is a great colour choice when it comes to hot weather wear. If you find yourself in a tropical climate, indulge in wearing white to help keep you looking and feeling cool!

  21. The white flannel pants with the 2+ inch cuff & brown-white spectators are too much. I can see 1.5 inches, but always prefer 1.25 inches.

  22. Although I don’t posses white trousers I do have several pairs of very pale cream chinos that I often pair with a pink shirt or sweater. As for socks I often pair the chinos with the palest shades of blue, pink or green mercerised cotton. I believe pink is a colour men shy away from for various reasons but it can be most complimentary, especially with a summer tan. My wife always says “Pink to make the girls wink.”

    1. Some lovely pairing ideas there, Howard. If you’ve seen our article about pink in menswear, you’ll know that Preston is a big fan of the colour, too!

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