In the ever-changing landscape of fashion, few brands have remained as consistent in their appeal as Empyre. Known for its strong roots in skateboard and streetwear culture, Empyre has carved out a niche for itself with a combination of functional style, durability, and affordability. Among its most celebrated offerings, Empyre jeans have become synonymous with youth fashion, urban expression, and everyday comfort.
Origins of Empyre
Empyre is a house brand of Zumiez, a retail chain specializing in apparel, footwear, and accessories for skateboarders, snowboarders, and young streetwear enthusiasts. Founded in the late 1990s, Empyre was created to deliver on-trend, affordable clothing that resonated with the lifestyle of the average skater and street-style aficionado. The brand quickly gained traction by offering casual staples with an edge—graphic tees, hoodies, outerwear, and of course, jeans.
While Empyre’s clothing line encompasses a wide range of apparel, it’s their denim offerings—particularly their jeans—that have maintained a solid fan base for years.
Design and Aesthetic
Empyre jeans are known for their versatile styling and comfortable fit, blending urban edge with everyday wearability. They’re designed to function well in high-movement situations like skating while still looking good enough for casual outings or school.
Here are a few key design elements that define Empyre jeans:
Fit Variety: Empyre jeans come in a broad range of fits, including skinny, slim, straight, relaxed, and tapered. This allows wearers to choose jeans that complement their style or meet specific functional needs, such as tighter fits for urban streetwear looks or relaxed fits for skating mobility.
Material and Construction: Most Empyre jeans are made from a blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane. This gives them the perfect amount of stretch for flexibility without compromising durability. Reinforced seams and riveted pockets are standard, helping them stand up to frequent use and active wear.
Washed and Distressed Finishes: Empyre incorporates a wide range of washes—light, medium, dark, acid-washed—as well as distressed or ripped finishes. This adds to their fashion-forward appeal while maintaining a rugged look that appeals to skaters and streetwear fans.
Utility Features: Many styles of Empyre jeans include extra pockets or zippered compartments, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to function over pure fashion. Some models even feature cargo-style pockets or reinforced knee patches, emphasizing durability and practicality.
Popular Styles
Empyre Jeans consistently releases collections that include core styles as well as limited-edition drops, keeping their catalog fresh and in line with current trends. Some popular jeans styles from Empyre include:
Empyre Skeletor Skinny Jeans: Known for their snug fit and often offered in distressed or washed denim, the Skeletor line appeals to fans of punk, emo, and grunge aesthetics.
Empyre Loose Fit Jeans: Ideal for skateboarders, these jeans offer unrestricted movement and a throwback to 90s and early 2000s baggy trends, which have seen a resurgence in recent years.
Empyre Tapered and Slim Fit Jeans: These are a go-to for streetwear enthusiasts who want a modern silhouette that pairs well with sneakers and oversized hoodies.
Empyre Flex Jeans: Designed with stretch fabric for maximum movement, these jeans are popular among active wearers who need comfort and flexibility, whether they're skating or just on the move.
The Cultural Impact
Empyre jeans have become more than just denim—they’re a statement of identity for many young people, particularly within the skateboarding and alternative style communities. Because Empyre is tied so closely with Zumiez, a retailer that champions independent culture and underground fashion, the brand enjoys a strong following among youth who value both individuality and accessibility.
Empyre’s popularity has also been boosted by its association with music and subcultures, particularly punk, emo, and hip-hop. The brand has long catered to fans of bands and artists who push against the mainstream, offering apparel that complements those lifestyles.
Accessibility and Pricing
One of the most appealing aspects of Empyre jeans is their affordable pricing. While many streetwear brands price their jeans well above $100, Empyre typically offers its denim between $40 to $70, making it accessible to teenagers and young adults who want quality without breaking the bank.
This balance of price and quality has helped Empyre maintain a loyal customer base over the years, especially among younger demographics and students who are budget-conscious but still style-savvy.
Sustainability and Brand Evolution
In recent years, fashion consumers have become more concerned with sustainability, and while Empyre is not primarily known as an eco-conscious brand, there have been increasing calls for it to explore greener manufacturing practices. Currently, the brand focuses more on durability and long-term wear, which inherently reduces waste, but further sustainability efforts would likely be well received by the customer base.
Empyre has also evolved in response to changing fashion trends. As Y2K styles return, the brand has embraced baggy jeans, cargo-inspired denim, and vintage washes, making it a go-to for nostalgic yet modern fashion.
Final Thoughts
Empyre jeans represent a convergence of form, function, and affordability, making them a standout in the crowded world of youth fashion. Whether you're looking for a pair of durable jeans to skate in, or a stylish silhouette to complete your streetwear outfit, Empyre offers a solid choice.