Empyre Clothing has carved out a distinct identity within the fashion world, particularly in the realm of skate and streetwear. With its roots grounded in youth culture, Empyre has become synonymous with edgy designs, affordability, and a lifestyle-driven approach to apparel. Although not as widely known as giants like Supreme or Vans, Empyre has built a loyal following through its accessible style and consistent presence in skate shops and youth fashion retailers, particularly Zumiez. From jeans and hoodies to graphic tees and outerwear, Empyre's clothing speaks the language of the streets—rebellious, casual, and effortlessly cool.
Origins and Brand Philosophy
Empyre was founded in the early 2000s and is closely associated with the retailer Zumiez, where its products are most prominently sold. While Empyre is often considered an in-house brand of Zumiez, it has developed its own identity and aesthetic. The brand was designed to cater to skaters, snowboarders, and streetwear enthusiasts, reflecting the vibe of American youth subcultures.
Empyre’s philosophy is rooted in individuality and self-expression. The brand doesn’t chase high fashion trends—instead, it offers timeless yet trendy pieces that blend function with style. Whether it’s a flannel shirt that works both on and off a board or jeans built to withstand the wear and tear of street skating, Empyre makes gear that supports the lifestyles of its wearers.
Target Audience
Empyre's core audience includes teens and young adults aged 15 to 25 who identify with skate, snow, and urban cultures. These are individuals who look for style without paying premium prices. They are often adventurous, expressive, and value comfort, function, and authenticity in their clothing choices.
In an age where social media influences fashion more than ever, Empyre offers an affordable yet stylish alternative for those who want to stay on trend without breaking the bank. The brand’s appeal also lies in its gender-inclusive designs. With collections for both men and women, Empyre supports a diverse and evolving youth demographic.
Product Lines and Key Offerings
Empyre’s catalog spans several categories, each tailored to reflect the casual yet edgy vibe the brand is known for:
1. Jeans and Pants
Empyre jeans are among the brand's most popular products. They offer a range of fits including skinny, straight, relaxed, and tapered. Known for durability and comfort, Empyre jeans are designed for active lifestyles, featuring reinforced stitching and stretch materials. Washes range from classic blue and black to more stylized faded and distressed looks.
2. Hoodies and Sweatshirts
These staples are designed with comfort and style in mind. Often adorned with minimalist logos, bold graphics, or tie-dye patterns, Empyre hoodies are a favorite among skaters and casual dressers alike. They're suitable for layering or as statement pieces.
3. Graphic Tees
Empyre jeans graphic T-shirts are bold, playful, and expressive—frequently featuring skulls, flames, retro fonts, or irreverent slogans. These pieces reflect street culture's influence, often drawing inspiration from punk, goth, and grunge aesthetics.
4. Jackets and Outerwear
From bomber jackets to puffer coats and windbreakers, Empyre’s outerwear is functional yet fashionable. Many pieces incorporate technical features like water resistance and insulation while maintaining a streetwear-friendly appearance.
5. Flannels and Button-Ups
Another key offering, Empyre flannels are a nod to both grunge fashion and skate culture. Available in a variety of colorways, they’re versatile enough to be worn buttoned up, layered, or tied around the waist.
6. Accessories
Empyre also sells beanies, hats, backpacks, and socks. These accessories complement the clothing line and offer additional branding opportunities.
Style and Aesthetic
Empyre’s style is best described as casual, rebellious, and street-smart. The designs often feature a mix of urban grit and skate park functionality. There's a deliberate rawness to the clothing—distressed denim, frayed hems, oversized silhouettes—that appeals to youth subcultures.
The brand doesn’t cater to minimalists; instead, it leans into bold graphics, tie-dye treatments, checkerboard patterns, and vintage-inspired washes. Yet, it manages to stay on the pulse of modern fashion, ensuring wearers look current without appearing overproduced or overly commercial.
Cultural Influence and Relevance
Empyre Pants thrives within the niche of mall-based skate fashion—a space once dominated by brands like Element, Volcom, and DC Shoes. While not as prominent in the high fashion conversation, Empyre maintains a strong presence where it matters: skate parks, high schools, college campuses, and social media.
The brand’s accessibility has played a crucial role in democratizing streetwear. For young consumers who can’t afford luxury fashion, Empyre offers an alternative that’s cool, reliable, and readily available. Its popularity is bolstered by its affiliation with Zumiez, a retailer that has long championed alternative youth fashion and subcultures.
Moreover, Empyre has embraced influencer marketing and online visibility. By tapping into skate vloggers, TikTok creators, and streetwear influencers, the brand remains relevant to Gen Z shoppers who discover trends online before anywhere else.
Sustainability and Criticisms
Like many affordable clothing brands, Empyre faces scrutiny over its sustainability practices. Its fast fashion pricing model raises questions about manufacturing ethics and environmental impact. While the brand has yet to make major public commitments to eco-friendly production, the increasing demand for transparency in fashion could push Empyre toward more sustainable practices in the future.
Another criticism is that Empyre’s identity is closely tied to Zumiez, which can limit its perception as an independent label. Some purists in the skate community view it as more of a "mall brand" than a core skate company. However, for many consumers, accessibility and affordability outweigh such distinctions.
Conclusion
Empyre Clothing occupies a unique place in the fashion landscape. It isn’t trying to be the next big luxury streetwear brand, nor is it bound to outdated trends. Instead, Empyre delivers dependable, stylish, and affordable apparel to a generation that values comfort, identity, and authenticity. Whether you’re hitting the skate park, walking the campus, or simply expressing your style on the streets, Empyre provides the wardrobe essentials to do it with attitude.