Empyre Jeans The Everyday Staple of Skate and Streetwear
Empyre Jeans The Everyday Staple of Skate and Streetwear
Blog Article
In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, few garments manage to maintain both relevance and authenticity. Jeans have done just that — remaining a timeless piece of style across generations, subcultures, and fashion movements. Within this denim dynasty, Empyre jeans have carved out their own identity, blending utility, skate-inspired style, and affordability in a way that resonates with both skaters and everyday streetwear fans alike.
Origins and Identity
Empyre is a private-label brand developed and sold by Zumiez, the retail chain known for its focus on skateboarding, snowboarding, and youth-oriented streetwear. Launched in the early 2000s, Empyre was designed to be the in-house alternative to more expensive, high-profile skate and lifestyle brands. By offering trend-forward designs at accessible prices, Empyre quickly established itself as a favorite among teens and young adults who craved style without the premium price tag.
The brand’s ethos is rooted in function, individuality, and the laid-back confidence that defines skate culture. Empyre jeans, in particular, exemplify these values. Whether slim, skinny, straight, or baggy, their denim is engineered to move with the wearer while making a visual statement — sometimes loud, sometimes understated, but always on-point with current trends.
A Look at the Styles
One of the strengths of Empyre jeans lies in their stylistic versatility. While many skatewear brands stick to a few signature fits or aesthetics, Empyre covers a broad range. This is strategic: their jeans need to appeal not just to core skaters, but to fans of skate fashion, streetwear enthusiasts, and mall-goers browsing at Zumiez for the first time.
Here are some of the most popular Empyre fits:
Slim and Skinny Fits: These are staples for younger wearers who lean toward streetwear silhouettes. Often paired with graphic tees, flannels, or oversized hoodies, slim-fit Empyre jeans complement the long-over-lean layering that’s dominated men’s and unisex fashion for the past decade.
Baggy and Relaxed Fits: With the resurgence of '90s fashion and the Y2K aesthetic, loose-fitting jeans have made a comeback. Empyre’s baggy and skate-cut jeans play directly into this trend. Their relaxed fits offer more room in the thighs and calves — ideal for skaters who value freedom of movement and durability.
Distressed and Washed Looks: Empyre often releases denim with intentional distressing, rips, and washed effects. These design elements speak to a worn-in, authentic vibe — a look that says you’ve been skating curbs and handrails, even if you just threw them on for class or a concert.
Utility and Cargo Hybrids: Some Empyre jeans incorporate features from workwear — cargo pockets, reinforced stitching, or even hammer loops. These styles nod to the workwear influence that’s long been a staple of skate fashion, blending form and function seamlessly.
Designed for the Skate Lifestyle
Empyre jeans aren’t just about looks; they’re designed to handle real-life wear and tear. While they might not boast the premium selvedge denim of high-end fashion brands, they are intentionally built to be rugged and reliable. Reinforced seams, flexible fabric blends (especially those with a touch of elastane), and slightly longer inseams accommodate the kinds of movement skaters demand. Grinding a rail, bailing on a trick, or kneeling on grip tape — Empyre jeans are built to survive all that and still look good.
In a culture where authenticity is everything, Empyre’s commitment to skateability is critical. The jeans may be sold at a mall retailer, but they have street cred among kids who actually ride. They're worn by skaters who prioritize price and function over brand elitism, and by those who just want to look like they ride.
The Price Point Advantage
One of Empyre Jeans biggest strengths is accessibility. Where other denim brands might price their jeans well over $100, Empyre consistently lands in the $40–$60 range. Sales and promotions often drop that even further. This makes them particularly appealing to teenagers and college students — the demographic at the heart of both skate and streetwear culture.
At that price, shoppers can experiment with different washes and fits without the anxiety of a major investment. It’s easier to explore personal style when trying something new doesn’t break the bank. That sense of freedom and play is crucial to fashion at the street level, where trends move quickly and individuality reigns supreme.
Streetwear Crossovers
While Empyre began firmly rooted in skate culture, the growing overlap between skatewear and streetwear has helped the brand evolve. Loose denim, bold washes, and utilitarian accents have all become streetwear staples, and Empyre’s catalog keeps up with those shifts.
It’s not uncommon to see Empyre jeans paired with Nike Dunks, Carhartt jackets, or oversized vintage tees. Influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram are giving new visibility to budget-friendly brands like Empyre, mixing high and low fashion in ways that blur traditional lines of style hierarchy.
Representation and Diversity
Empyre’s product photography and marketing reflect the diversity of its customer base. While the brand is clearly male-targeted in many ways, especially in its skate roots, recent campaigns have leaned more inclusive. The gender-fluid fashion movement has made traditionally “men’s” denim — like baggy and loose-fit jeans — a unisex staple. Empyre has responded by marketing some styles without heavy gender coding, allowing wearers to define their own look.
The brand’s sizing options, while not exhaustive, are generally more inclusive than some competitors. This gives a wider range of people access to the skater/streetwear aesthetic that Empyre embodies.
The Zumiez Connection
Of course, Empyre doesn’t exist in a vacuum. As a house brand of Zumiez, its visibility and retail availability are strongly tied to the retailer's footprint. Zumiez’s mall presence, especially in North America, has allowed Empyre to dominate a specific niche — budget-conscious youth with an eye for style. For many teens in suburban areas, Empyre jeans are their first foray into skate style and an introduction to the wider world of streetwear.
Zumiez's business model also allows Empyre to stay current with trends. Because the retailer controls production, design cycles can move faster than independent labels. When wide-leg jeans made their resurgence, Empyre had updated styles in stores within the season.
Criticisms and Challenges
Like any brand, Empyre isn’t immune to critique. Some denim purists knock the jeans for lacking long-term durability compared to premium denim brands. Others point out that being a “mall brand” can carry stigma among hardcore skaters who prefer smaller, independent labels.
Still, those criticisms often overlook what Empyre represents: a democratization of style. Not everyone can afford or even wants to wear $150 jeans made in small batches. Empyre fills a different need — one that prioritizes accessibility and trend relevance.
Sustainability and Future Direction
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in fashion, especially among Gen Z consumers. While Empyre hasn’t positioned itself as an eco-conscious brand, there is growing pressure for even mall retailers to adopt more ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly production practices. If Empyre wants to stay competitive with emerging ethical brands, investing in sustainable denim — perhaps a recycled line or organic cotton offering — could be the next smart move.
Additionally, continuing to spotlight diversity, real-world skaters, and creative collaborations could help the brand level up its cultural relevance beyond Zumiez shelves.
Final Thoughts
Empyre jeans might not be the most hyped or exclusive brand on the market, but they hit a sweet spot that few others do: style, function, and affordability. In a world where trends are fleeting and budgets are tight, Empyre offers something that feels both cool and accessible.
Whether you’re hitting a handrail, skating a park, or just walking through your local mall, Empyre jeans are made to move with you. They’re not just clothes — they’re a canvas for self-expression, built from the grit of skate culture and the creativity of streetwear.
For the price of a concert ticket, you can get a pair of jeans that look right, feel good, and last longer than the trend they were born into. That’s the kind of value that keeps Empyre relevant — not just as a brand, but as a real part of youth fashion culture.
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