I have a theory about white jeans.

When they’re crisp and clean, I believe that white denim instantly makes the woman wearing them look polished and, well, rich.

They might be the perfect summer pants. White denim brightens the look of any outfit across multiple styles – preppy, modern, elegant, even bohemian. They also transition surprisingly well into fall. I love the look of white bottoms paired with navy, brown, grey, or black tops, sweaters, and blazers. And don’t even get me started on mixing white denim with made-for-autumn tan suede accessories… Perfection!

No matter the season, many women are afraid to wear white jeans. They worry that white jeans will make their butts look big, but what they don’t realize is that they’ll actually appear slimmer in white denim (provided the jeans fit properly).

Other women worry that white jeans attract dirt and stains more so than blue jeans, and I can’t argue with them on that point. As the mom of toddler son, I know firsthand that the risk of grass, chocolate, grease, and – eww! – bloodstains seems to double when you wear white around your kids.

For a long time I thought that only wealthy women could afford to wear white denim. Got a grass stain from sitting in Central Park on a glorious summer day? Toss ‘em! Found a grease stain from riding bicycles on the beach? Time to go shopping! Have a chocolate-colored stain where your child’s ice cream cone landed? Credit card, please!

Turns out you can make people think you’re constantly replacing your white jeans by learning how to properly care for them. By following these steps, you’ll not only keep your jeans looking white and bright, but you’ll ensure their use well after Labor Day!

1. Pick the right detergent. I love the new easy-to-use Tide Pods because each pac does the job of three products: detergent, stain remover, and brightener. They’re designed to work in top or front loaders and regular or high efficiency machines, and they dissolve quickly in hot or cold water. Tide Pods also keep the top of my washing machine clean—no more spills or drips—and they eliminate that icky detergent buildup that occurs in measuring cups. (Yes, I’m the lazy laundress who doesn’t wash out those clear caps after every use.) I’ve loved dish washing detergent pods for years, so it only makes sense that I love laundry pods, too!
2. Read clothing labels. Laundry time takes me longer than most because I’m diligent about reading (and rereading) the care instruction tags on everything. Manufacturers will instruct you whether to wash something inside out (most dark denim, for example) or to lay flat to dry. Follow their guidelines.
3. Separate by color and by fabric. Not only do I have dark and light piles, but I also sort my clothing from heavy to delicate. Jeans, shorts, and sweats get washed together in cold water, while t-shirts and undergarments spin in warm water. However, most of our shirts and sweaters take a turn in cold water on gentle.
4. Avoid the dryer. After an unfortunate incident in high school during which my dad mistakenly faded and shrunk my new black jeans by putting them in the dryer, I let nearly all of my clothing air dry. Basics like pajamas, underwear, socks, and sweats spin on low heat; only towels dry on medium. And I always, always hang my jeans to dry!

Tell me: Do you wear white jeans now? Will you wear them this fall? What’s your secret to keeping summer whites white?

(top image via J.Crew Style Guide Sneak Peek)

This post first appeared on Lifetime Moms and was sponsored by Tide. As always, opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that help me keep Bunny & Dolly up and running. Please visit tide.com for more information on Tide Pods.