While there is no clear timeline on when men and women started wearing “white” pants, natural canvas dates back centuries. For many rural workers who knit their own clothes or purchased goods wholesale, buying dyed fabric was simply out of reach, so natural canvas formed the base of their wardrobe. As they wore their clothes, the natural canvas developed a patina and adopted the various substances and materials they came into contact with. This aged workwear was not historically considered stylish, but these same garments—some of which are well over a century old at this point–continue to influence designers to this day.

In the same way that vintage French indigo workwear only exists because historically indigo was the cheapest and most convenient method to dye clothes, natural canvas was simply practical, and ever since bleached and white pants have inadvertently been trendy (though, naturally, fluctuated in popularity).

As for white jeans, there is a well known history for their rise to prominence. Between the late-1950s and early-1960s, many schools throughout the Western world—particularly private and Catholic schools where uniforms were standard practice—prohibited men to wear blue jeans to school, as they had a strong blue collar (and sometimes rebellious) association. So, in order to circumvent school rules, students began to bleach their jeans white so they could wear them without retribution. Shortly thereafter, Levi’s introduced its first pair of white jeans and the rest was history.

Both white workpants and white jeans fell under the “no white after Labor Day” rule, but over the past decade or so, those rules became essentially moot.

For those unfamiliar, the “no white after Labor Day” adage dates back to the mid-19th Century. Although there are a number of theories as to why this expression rose to prominence, the most popular is that historically, the wealthy only wore white clothing between May Day (the “first” day of summer) and Labor Day (the “last” day or summer). These rules were taken particularly seriously by the Hamptons and Martha’s Vineyard types, who pride themselves on “summering” outside the major metropolis which they call home for the majority of the year. For the elite, wearing whites and linens after summer was not just uncouth, it was a sign you lacked the funds to buy a new wardrobe for the upcoming season, and made it visually apparent that—while you were dressing like you had wealth—you lacked the knowledge of the old money in-crowd.

Within a few short years, fashion magazines began stressing the importance of dressing in clothes that were seasonally appropriate, hence the overwhelming popularity of “not wearing white after labor day.” Today, given our global worldview, lack of strict dress codes and an increased reliance on regular travel, these rules are more or less irrelevant. Today, wearing white pants in the middle of winter—while not necessarily the brightest idea because...well, inclement weather—is perfectly acceptable from a sartorial perspective.

For those of you who already own a few pairs of white Dickies or Wrangler jeans, white pants are likely already a wardrobe neutral. If you feel unsure however, or think white pants are a big statement, we’re here to tell you that they are nowhere near as loud as you think. Of course, not all of us are ready to go full on white-on-white head-to-toe like you’re headed to Diddy’s infamous summer "White Party", but tastefully pairing white pants with other neutrals is a simple way to curate an infallible summer look. First, before we discuss potential pairings, some rules are in order.

Though it should go without mentioning, never go too tight. We realize that Gunna wears skintight white Amiris like it’s his day job, but for those of you who are not a rapper, skinny white jeans are precisely the sort of things that left the style in the dog house for so long. Considering the cut and color, slim is better and straight leg is preferable. Remember: This is a summer outfit, meaning it will likely be hot; take comfort into consideration. Additionally, a straight leg jean for the majority of men is simply easier to pull off. If you’re committed to going skinny, consider some slim-straight options with a taper, such as RRL or Tom Ford. Also, when it comes to white pants or jeans, we recommend avoiding a crop. Yes, we are of the firm belief that white jeans are relatively neutral, however they do make at least somewhat of a statement, so maybe hold off on flashing more than an ankle as well. It feels a bit overboard.

Now as for styling, we recommend pairing white pants with grayscale pieces. Black or grey T-shirts, short sleeve button ups or loose long sleeves for summer nights are ideal. Linen pieces, whether they be shirts or even a blazer work exceptionally well. Even still, keep fit in mind, as an ill-fitting summer blazer with too tight white jeans is the sort of "St. Tropez special" we want to avoid at all costs. This is not Miami Vice, so neon colors are most likely out. If color is your game, consider neutrals or faded pastel colors alongside white pants—wünderkind designer Jacquemus does this exceptionally well. This sort of raffish Mediterranean sailor aesthetic is particularly on trend. With a nice tan and some stubble this outfit epitomizes a stylish vacation, even if you currently can’t leave the house for more than a couple hours.

As we already mentioned, you can’t really beat the original. Although it’s widely contested, Levi’s is by and large credited with popularizing the white jean and, given its ubiquity and continued popularity for the past 70-some odd years, we have to give them due credit. Although essentially every Levi’s model from the 511 to the 646 jean is available in white, our personal favorite is no doubt what we consider the all time greatest: the 501. A shrunk-to-fit straight leg jean with a solid taper and the infamous Levi’s red tag on the rear right pocket, the 501 is more than just the original five pocket jean, it’s the prototype for every high-fashion and streetwear jean cut since.

In white, the 501 is still the same beloved jean, just a tad louder and vibrant. The straight leg cut further compliments the color, and if you opt for a slightly longer inseam—which recommend–the jeans will be all the more flattering. Though you could buy these new, our recommendation is opting for a vintage pair from the '80s and '90s, particularly the vintage-inspired, orange tabbed, made in America version which, thankfully, you can always get your hands on on Grailed.

When designer Helmut Lang launched his Helmut Lang Jeans line in the '90s, many fashion critics and designers were perplexed. Jeans were a mundane sportswear item, at the time almost decried by the fashion world. Yet Lang, who himself was obsessed with workwear and everyday utilitarian clothing, knew the world was ready for a made in Italy premium denim. He was right.

Although Karl Lagerfield introduced the world to the “high fashion jean” through his groundbreaking Diesel collaboration, Helmut Lang transformed the garment into an industry standard. Basing his jeans on his beloved 501s—the designer supposedly wears Levi’s 501s to this day, well into his retirement—the cut is straight leg with a subtle taper, featuring premium hardware and durable Italian denim. In white, with painter details or not, the jeans are one of the most enduring symbols of Lang’s legacy. Though Lang retired in 2005 and the label is now a drastically different business, the original archive jeans still regularly pop up, just search for the stamped white tag.

From interior architects to graphic designers and construction workers, everyone loves Dickies. The de-facto American workwear brand since 1922, Dickies is beloved for its approachable price point, quality construction and its function-forward design. It’s this utilitarian mindset that makes the company so successful—and so inadvertently cool. Though the company makes numerous bottoms in varying shades of white, the Relax Fit Carpenter pant is our personal favorite.

Made from heavyweight duck canvas, the pants include all of typical carpenter features you come to expect from the brand, such as rear dual-entry side pocket, reinforced rivets and signature hammer loop. While there are numerous similar versions in varying shades of white, the natural or “bone” iterations are our personal favorites—particularly if you intend on actually working them in. From skaters to artists, our favorite Dickies are all worn by people who actually use them for their intended purpose, intentionally destroying them. They look all the better for it.

American fashion icon Ralph Lauren’s RRL Ranch in Ridgway, Colorado is his family’s personal oasis, a getaway in the American Southwest that serves as direct inspiration for his ranchwear brand, RRL. While the brand is best known for its Native American-influenced prints and vintage Americana aesthetic, originally, the label was a glorified jean brand, widely recognized as one of the last great American denim manufacturers. With a premium price point and fabric sourced directly from the best mills in Japan and the U.S., the made in America denim was premium in every way. Today, that denim program has arguably taken a backseat to patchwork indigo sweaters and and Victorian-era tailoring, but for those in the know, RRL still makes some of the best denim in the industry.

Given that white jeans are a summertime prep staple, they are naturally in Ralph Lauren’s wheelhouse. Rather than a classic Polo pair, the RRL edition features a slightly wide cut and vintage feel, adding a sense of nostalgia and masculinity to what is normally slim and subdued. For those searching for a slimmer pair—though, remember, not skinny–RRL’s slim straight cut is flattering on everyone. In white, they look even better.