A goal of creating the perfect pair of jeans was the starting point for friends Molly Spittal, Matt Atkinstall, Morgan Ellis and Ezra Kish when they launched Decade Studio—a challenge they quickly realized would be harder than it had seemed. With the denim industry’s standard fit being based on non-relatable model proportions, the average woman often has to squeeze into stretchy designs that accommodate her curves, meaning 100-percent-cotton jeans are a sought-after rarity. But the Vancouver-based brand has since cracked the code and offers classic pairs for all shapes and sizes.

Taking its name from the side of a music record that features an artist’s more distinct and complex songs, NYC-based brand B Sides applies the same connoisseur concept to each new pair of jeans it puts on the market. Claire Lampert and Stacy Daily started their denim journey by scouring the American West to unearth the most perfectly imperfect vintage pairs, which they then upcycled into more modern styles. The jeans in their main line are cut from weighty yet comfortable new materials in a mix of washes, textures and colours and boast a level of quality that hasn’t been seen in the industry since the 1970s.

The Italian denim giant that dominated our wardrobes in the early 2000s is back in full force thanks to the appointment of disrupter and Y/Project designer Glenn Martens as creative director. Infusing Diesel’s core codes with a much-needed update, Martens puts forward his style signatures—including trompe l’oeil patterns and asymmetrical hems—while adding artisanal touches and military-inspired detailing that stay true to Diesel’s Y2K aesthetic.

Re/Done has caused a bit of havoc in the luxury-denim market, having grown from a small e-commerce brand into the international sensation it is today. (It’s now sold in more than 50 countries.) Committing to circular fashion through mindful production—by using reduced water denim and recycled materials—Re/Done creates timeless designs that are infused with denim’s rich history. Its ongoing collaborations with Levi’s, which offer an upcycled contemporary take on the iconic heritage brand’s styles, are some of the most praised in the fashion industry.