Empyre is a brand that has cemented itself as a central figure in the world of skate and streetwear fashion. Known primarily for its casual, edgy aesthetic, the brand has earned a loyal following among skaters, trendsetters, and fashion-forward youth. Among its offerings, Empyre jeans stand out as a versatile, stylish, and affordable option that caters to both function and fashion. This article explores the origins, evolution, design features, popularity, and cultural significance of Empyre jeans.
Origins of Empyre
Empyre was founded in the early 2000s and quickly became a core brand for the Zumiez retail chain, which specializes in skateboarding apparel and accessories. Designed for skateboarders but accessible to the broader youth market, Empyre emerged at a time when skateboarding culture was merging with mainstream streetwear. The brand’s goal was clear: to offer clothing that not only looked good but could withstand the physical demands of skateboarding.
Empyre jeans became a cornerstone of this mission. Unlike many high-fashion denim brands, Empyre focused on combining affordability with quality, making its jeans a go-to option for teens and young adults looking for style without breaking the bank.
Design Philosophy and Style
Empyre jeans are known for their broad variety of fits, washes, and details. The brand’s design philosophy reflects the culture it was born out of: laid-back, experimental, and adaptable. Their jeans appeal to skaters who need mobility and durability, as well as to casual wearers who want a relaxed yet trendy look.
Popular fits include:
Skinny Fit – Tapered and snug, ideal for those wanting a sleek silhouette. Despite the tighter cut, the stretch material allows for a full range of motion.
Slim Straight Fit – A modern classic, offering a clean line from hip to ankle without being too tight or too loose.
Relaxed Fit – A nod to the baggier styles of the late 90s and early 2000s, offering maximum comfort and airflow, popular among retro-style enthusiasts.
Tapered Fit – More room in the thighs and a narrower leg opening, this style strikes a balance between casual and fashionable.
The brand often experiments with different denim washes—from raw indigo and acid wash to distressed, stonewashed, or blacked-out styles—allowing wearers to express a wide range of personal tastes. Empyre jeans also frequently feature details like ripped knees, patchwork, unique stitching, and even added utility elements such as carpenter loops or extra pockets.
Affordability and Accessibility
One of the strongest appeals of Empyre jeans is their price point. Typically priced between $40 and $60, they offer excellent value for money. While luxury denim can cost hundreds of dollars, Empyre focuses on affordability without sacrificing aesthetic or basic durability. This makes them particularly appealing to high school and college students, many of whom shop at Zumiez or online stores.
Empyre jeans are also highly accessible. Available at hundreds of Zumiez stores across the U.S., as well as through their online platforms, the brand has a solid distribution network that ensures its products are never hard to find.
Built for Skateboarding
Though Empyre jeans are worn by many who have never stepped on a skateboard, their designs are rooted in skate culture. This is particularly evident in the jeans' construction quality and functionality. Skateboarding demands flexibility and resilience from clothing—jeans need to stretch, resist tearing, and survive frequent falls and abrasions.
To meet these demands, many Empyre jeans feature:
Spandex or elastane blends to increase flexibility.
Reinforced stitching in high-stress areas like the crotch and knees.
Heavier denim weights for added durability.
This construction ethos helps explain the brand's continued popularity among skaters. While not as premium or technical as brands like Levi’s Skateboarding Collection or Dickies, Empyre strikes a great balance between cost and performance.
Cultural Impact and Popularity
Empyre jeans have grown beyond their niche roots to become a recognizable part of youth street fashion. They are often featured in back-to-school collections, skateboarding videos, influencer posts, and fashion hauls on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Their rise coincides with a resurgence in 90s and Y2K fashion, both of which celebrated denim as a versatile staple.
The relaxed and baggy jeans trend has played particularly well for Empyre. As young people explore retro fits and oversized silhouettes, Empyre’s catalog of loose and relaxed fits has been rediscovered by a new generation of consumers.
Empyre also thrives thanks to its integration with youth subcultures. Collaborations with skaters, urban artists, and musicians help keep the brand connected to its roots and relevant to modern audiences.
Sustainability and Materials
While Empyre has not branded itself explicitly as a sustainable fashion brand, it has taken steps in recent years to incorporate more responsible sourcing and materials. Some product lines now use organic cotton or recycled fibers, and there is a noticeable shift toward more durable clothing designed to last longer, encouraging consumers to buy less often.
That said, there is still room for growth. As sustainability becomes increasingly important to consumers, Empyre may need to double down on transparency, ethical labor practices, and environmentally friendly manufacturing to remain competitive in the years ahead.
Conclusion
Empyre jeans occupy a unique space in the world of fashion—part skatewear, part streetwear, and part mainstream casual. With a strong foundation in affordability, style diversity, and functional design, they appeal to a wide range of wearers. Whether you're looking for something to skate in, head to class in, or post on your Instagram feed, Empyre jeans offer a stylish and accessible solution.