There was a list going around with popular and bad brands listed, but I don't even go by that anymore. I posted to try and find a copy, so I'll post the list if I get it.
Here's what I buy at SA, and the ones with the stars I am willing to pay the full price on certain styles:
Abercrombie (men*and women's if it's a current style only*)
Hollister*
American Eagle
some Levi's ( nothing tapered or frumpy)
Lucky ( only newer styles)
Buffalo*
Earnest Sewn
Venezia ( current and diferent styles)
Old Navy plus size
Gap anything larger than 12 in women's
Diesel*
Citizens Of Humanity * (lots of fakes out there)
Seven7
True Religion
Page
Seven for All Mankind ( lots of fakes out)
Rock and Republic ( lots of fakes)
You can post and check for fakes on
AuthenticForum - The leading site for authentic designer jeans!
One big tip that I wish I knew was don't buy it just because of the brand, if it's plain I usually pass it by unless it's hollister or Abercrombie. Plain jeans are a dime a dozen, you want new and different ones that people haven't seen before.
I'm sure there are more that I'm not thinking of, so I hope someone posts the list!