From simple threads of cotton dyed with indigo, the world of denim has evolved into a vast and somewhat intimidating place. Today, you have hundreds, if not thousands, of brands, including your all-time American classics likes Levi's and Wrangler or your Japanese denim veterans likes Edwin and Evisu. Then there's a whole range of brands that touch all ends of the spectrum such as your True Religions on the fancy rapper side and the classier French raw denim of A.P.C. for the rock stars.

However, if you take a minute to step away from all the advertising and celebrity endorsements, you'll find an entirely different plane full of upstart independents making denim just as good, if not better, than all those mentioned above. Whether they are one-man operations in small town America or a team of experts in the Netherlands, there are denim fanatics the world over doing great things. To find out about 10 denim brands that have been making waves over the past few years, head on over to Green Label.