thanks everyone for the kind comments.
i had 1 x cold soak at 3 months, 2 x 60 degree machine wash at 4 months and 6 months. mostly because i couldn't stand the mud and grease at the bottom of the jeans.
i'm trying to wear them everyday. did all sorts of random stuff in them like skating, cycling and gymming in them.
i agree that they're extremely stubborn to fade and i'm very tempted to get a pair of pbjs. but i also really want to see what these will turn out into maybe in another 6 months time. they are good if you like the dark colour to stay though.