Empyre Jeans, a staple in youth and streetwear fashion, has carved out a distinct identity in the crowded denim market. Known for combining edgy aesthetics with comfort and affordability, Empyre appeals to a wide audience, especially among skaters, streetwear enthusiasts, and young trendsetters. Whether you're navigating the city or grinding rails at a skatepark, Empyre jeans are designed to be both functional and fashionable. This article explores the evolution, appeal, and key offerings of Empyre jeans, shedding light on what makes them a favorite in modern casualwear.
Brand Origins and Identity
Empyre is a private label brand owned by Zumiez, a leading retailer focused on action sports lifestyle apparel. Since its launch in the early 2000s, Empyre has become one of Zumiez’s flagship in-house brands, sitting alongside others like Dravus and Aperture. While Zumiez carries numerous premium denim labels, Empyre stands out for delivering trend-forward designs at accessible price points.
The Empyre brand is deeply rooted in the skate and streetwear subculture, which shapes its aesthetic. Unlike heritage denim brands like Levi’s or Wrangler that emphasize tradition and rugged Americana, Empyre targets a younger demographic—teens and twenty-somethings who want to look cool without breaking the bank. The brand’s jeans reflect this ethos: casual, versatile, and ready for anything.
Design Philosophy and Fit Options
Empyre’s design philosophy centers on comfort, mobility, and trend-responsiveness. Since the typical Empyre customer is active and style-conscious, the brand pays particular attention to fit, stretch, and finish.
Empyre offers a wide range of fits and cuts to cater to different style preferences:
Skinny Fit: These jeans hug the legs closely from hip to ankle, offering a sleek silhouette perfect for streetwear layering. Popular among fans of urban fashion, skinny Empyre jeans often include added stretch for mobility.
Slim Fit: Slightly more relaxed than skinny, slim fit jeans provide a clean, modern look that flatters most body types without being too tight.
Tapered Fit: A blend of comfort and style, these jeans are roomy at the thigh but narrow at the ankle—ideal for showcasing sneakers.
Relaxed and Loose Fit: For those who prefer a baggier, throwback 90s aesthetic, Empyre’s loose and relaxed fits offer maximum comfort and skate-friendly utility.
In addition to fit, Empyre jeans come in a variety of washes and finishes—from classic indigo and distressed denim to black, grey, and colored denim. This variety ensures that there’s a pair of Empyre jeans for virtually every outfit and occasion.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Despite being affordably priced (typically ranging from $30 to $60), Empyre jeans do not skimp on material quality or durability. Most of their jeans incorporate a blend of cotton with elastane or spandex, ensuring a comfortable stretch that adapts to movement—an essential feature for skaters or those constantly on the go.
Stitching is reinforced in high-wear areas like the seat, knees, and crotch, helping the jeans withstand daily wear and tear. While they might not have the same artisanal construction as premium denim brands, Empyre jeans hold up impressively well for their price range.
Streetwear and Skate Culture Influence
One of Empyre’s biggest selling points is its deep connection to streetwear and skateboarding. The brand is a go-to for young skaters because it meets their unique needs: flexibility for movement, durable fabric, and laid-back style. It’s not uncommon to see Empyre jeans featured in skate videos, street style lookbooks, and social media posts by up-and-coming influencers.
Empyre’s association with Zumiez-sponsored skate events and collaborations with artists and designers further strengthens its position in youth culture. Through these partnerships, the brand stays in tune with the latest trends, whether it's baggy silhouettes making a comeback or distressed finishes gaining popularity.
Affordability and Accessibility
What truly sets Empyre apart in the denim world is its value-for-money proposition. While designer denim can cost upwards of $150, Empyre offers stylish, durable jeans for a fraction of that price. This affordability makes it possible for young people to experiment with different fits and styles without a major financial commitment.
Empyre jeans are readily available online and in over 600 Zumiez retail stores, making them easy to find across the U.S. and copyright. They’re often part of promotions like “buy one, get one half-off,” which makes building a versatile wardrobe more attainable.
Popular Styles and Seasonal Collections
Empyre frequently updates its offerings to reflect seasonal fashion trends. Some of its most popular and recurring styles include:
Empyre Skeletor Jeans: Known for their graphic-heavy detailing and rebellious attitude.
Empyre Loose Fit Utility Jeans: Featuring cargo pockets and workwear-inspired detailing, these are great for those embracing the utilitarian trend.
Empyre Tapered Carpenter Jeans: Combining functionality with a contemporary silhouette, these are perfect for skaters and streetwear fans alike.
By releasing fresh designs each season, Empyre stays relevant in a fashion landscape that’s increasingly driven by fast-changing trends.
Customer Reception and Brand Loyalty
Customer reviews for Empyre jeans are generally very positive. Wearers often cite the comfortable fit, trendy looks, and great pricing as reasons for returning to the brand again and again. Empyre has built a loyal base of followers who appreciate its no-fuss approach to denim and its alignment with street style.
Conclusion: A Denim Brand for the New Generation
Empyre jeans represent a shift in how we think about denim—less about heritage and prestige, and more about accessibility, adaptability, and individual style. With a finger on the pulse of street culture and youth trends, Empyre continues to deliver high-quality, fashion-forward jeans that don’t break the bank.