Whether white is see-through depends on fabric thickness, weave, fit and what you wear underneath. Underwear in a shade close to your skin is often less noticeable than bright white. Also test the garment in daylight. That way white stays fresh, polished and calm, even in bright summer light.
Why white can be see-through
How see-through white is differs greatly per fabric. The thinner the fabric and the looser the weave, the more light reaches your skin. With thin or openly woven fabrics, underwear can become visible more quickly. The problem is bigger with light colours than with dark ones, because a dark fabric absorbs light. In summer, with bright sunlight, the effect becomes even stronger.
That does not mean you should avoid white. It means you know what to look out for, before and after the purchase.
The test in the fitting room
- Hold the fabric up to the light. If you can clearly see your hand through the fabric, you need underwear or you had better choose something else.
- Put the garment on and look in daylight. The light in a fitting room is often dimmed. Walk to a window or outside.
- Look at it seated. A trouser or skirt stretches over the seat and becomes more see-through there.
- Look at your back. With blouses, ask a second person or a camera to look along.
The right underwear
White underwear can actually stay visible under white clothing. White on white stands out, because the bright contrast with the skin remains visible. A shade close to your own skin is usually less noticeable. Choose the colour closest to your own skin, not to the colour of the clothing.
- Blouses and tops: a seamless top or bra in a skin tone, with a smooth finish without lace.
- Trousers: seamless briefs in a skin tone. Avoid straps and patterns.
- Skirts: a slip or lining in a skin tone is the simplest.
White blouses: what to look out for
The Delphine blouse in white and the Cordelia in white have different fabric constructions. So test per model how the fabric looks in daylight. A matte finish is also calmer in photos than shine.
If you want more options, take a look at our women's blouses. A blouse that you wear tucked in is also less sensitive than a blouse that falls loose, because the fabric lies double at the waist.
White trousers: the most important test
White trousers need more attention than a blouse. The seat, the upper legs and the pockets are the places where it goes wrong. A fabric with more weight, a lining or a denser structure can be less see-through. The Cosette in white is an ultra high-waist slim-straight trouser. The Florence in white is a flared ankle-length trouser. Test both in daylight and choose underwear in a skin tone.
A model that fits less tightly against the skin can also show less. It also makes white easier to wear on warm days, because a wider leg lets more air along your legs.
Tops and polos in white
Knitted pieces such as the Ophelia polo with quarter zip (100% lyocell) lie differently from woven fabrics. With knitwear too, a light test stays handy. A rib structure also gives some shadow in the fabric, so white looks calmer. Read more about the fibre on our page about lyocell.
A white skirt such as the Rosa (95% polyester, 5% elastane) at knee length works well in summer, as long as you choose underwear in a skin tone.
Combining white
| Top | Bottom | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| White | Navy | Fresh and classic |
| White | Beige | Soft and warm |
| White | Black | Sharp and graphic |
| White | White | Total look, pay extra attention to see-through |
A total white look needs extra attention to fabric, underwear and care. Then choose different textures, for example a knitted polo with a woven trouser, so the whole gets depth. If you find an all-white outfit too bold, break it up with a beige belt or a light grey cardigan.
White in the sun: a day outdoors
On a terrace or by the water, the light is bright and low. That is when see-through shows most strongly. For such days, choose white clothing with a bit more structure, such as knitted pieces, a rib or a dense weave, and leave the very thinnest blouses for indoor moments. A cardigan or a jacket over a light blouse doubles the layer and so makes it more opaque, and you need it anyway when it cools down in the evening.
Think also about what your bag and belt do. A dark belt gives more contrast; beige or a light belt keeps the combination calmer. Details like that decide whether white looks luxurious or rather delicate.
Stains and care
White needs a little more care. Wash it separately from coloured clothing, follow the recommended temperature and take a look at our care instructions. Treat stains according to the care label and the type of stain. Avoid bleach, unless the label allows it, because it can damage the fabric or turn it yellow. Dry the garment according to the drying symbol on the care label. Also store white clothing separately from dark pieces in the wardrobe, on a hanger with some space, so no colour transfers from a bag or coat and the fabric does not crease under pressure.
Shop the look
Delphine: fitted blouse, white
Cordelia: blouse with V-neck, white
Cosette: ultra high-waist slim-straight trouser, white
Florence: flared ankle-length trouser, white
Ophelia: ribbed polo with quarter zip, white
Rosa: elegant knee-length skirt, white
Frequently asked questions
Which underwear do I wear under a white blouse?
Choose a seamless top or bra in a skin tone. White underwear actually stands out under white.
How do I test whether a fabric is see-through?
Hold the fabric up to the light and put the garment on in daylight. Also look at it seated and from behind.
Are white trousers too bold?
Not if you test the fabric and wear underwear in a skin tone. A wider leg shows less than a narrow one.
How do I keep white nicely white?
Wash it separately, treat stains straight away and follow the washing instructions on the label.
