Thanks to all who contributed for a great, informative thread on my favorite fashion subject!
I have been out of the loop and seem to have completely missed the ascendance of APC jeans.
I have heard a lot of buzz about Blueblood but the ones I saw at the store did not move me.
I am still unable to find Dior Homme in SF.
This thread has inspired me to visit a likely source to see if they have APC or Nudie. I have been curious about Nudie for a while. I am not a person who is comfortable ordering jeans with the knowledge that I may have to send back one or two pairs to find the right size, or that the cut just doesn't fit me. I have to try them on before committing.
I am puzzled at all the controversy about Diesel. They make a wide variety of washes, from quiet to noisy, and while some styles are "over-detailed" and busy-looking, with odd hardware or stitching, there are also some basic 5-pocket ones with classic fits. I have several pairs and have never had any quality issue with tearing fabric, loose hardware etc. They are not my favorite maker but I wonder at the animosity they generate. I would say the worst thing about the brand is that it is overexposed.
Girbaud do not fit me, at all. You need to be wasp-waisted to wear them, at least all the ones I've ever tried on.
I am curious about those of you who are buying the raw denim jeans and wearing them (for months?) without washing them. Quite plainly, don't they ever start to smell? I am not accusing anyone here of poor hygiene!

Maybe I am clumsy. Sometimes I spill food on myself, or someone else spills something on me. Sometimes I perspire. Anyway, how are you managing?