You can never go wrong with a pair of white trainers. Whatever the year and whatever the trend, they sharpen a casual outfit and relax a smart one, and they make almost any colour look fresher.
Canvas or leather?
Canvas trainers, from Vans and Converse classics to plain vulcanised plimsolls, are light and summery. They suit cropped trousers, shorts and a bare ankle, and they are cheap enough to replace when they get grubby. Leather trainers, from the adidas Stan Smith to minimalist Italian-made pairs, are smarter and last longer. They work with tailoring, dark denim and even a relaxed suit.
| Style | Wear it with | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| White canvas low-tops | Cropped trousers, shorts, linen | Formal tailoring |
| Minimal white leather | Chinos, denim, unstructured suits | Very baggy trousers that swallow the shoe |
| Retro runners in white | Joggers, track tops, athleisure | Smart office wear |
A modern way to wear them
The obvious outfit is chinos and a shirt. It works, but it can be predictable. For something more current, try a long sleeveless hooded top or a boxy T-shirt over lightweight cropped trousers, with white canvas trainers and no visible socks. The volume of the top and the clean line of the shoe balance each other. Add a pair of bold sunglasses, and the outfit looks designed rather than thrown on.
Keeping them white
- Spray canvas with a water and stain repellent before the first wear.
- Wipe leather pairs with a damp cloth after a dirty day, and clean the midsoles with a soft brush.
- Replace laces; it costs little and makes old trainers look new.
- Rotate pairs so each one has time to dry out.
White trainers after dark
White leather trainers are now accepted in plenty of restaurants and bars, and on most casino floors in Las Vegas. They are still refused at many nightclubs and at the stricter European casinos, where a jacket is required and trainers are frowned upon. If a night might end at the tables, pack a pair of dark leather shoes. Our Vegas packing list and casino dress code guide explain where the line falls.
