Empyre jeans have carved a unique place for themselves in the world of streetwear and skate-inspired fashion. As a staple brand available primarily through the popular skate and lifestyle retailer Zumiez, Empyre is recognized for blending affordability, edgy style, and functional comfort. Designed with youth culture in mind, Empyre jeans appeal to skaters, creatives, and fashion-forward individuals who seek stylish fits without the high-end price tag.

Brand Background and Identity

Empyre is a private label brand owned by Zumiez, a leading specialty retailer of action sports-related apparel and accessories. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Lynnwood, Washington, Zumiez built its reputation by supporting skateboarding, snowboarding, and music culture. Empyre emerged from that ecosystem as one of its key in-house brands, offering not only jeans but also jackets, shirts, hoodies, and accessories.

Empyre’s identity revolves around its connection to the skate scene. It’s not a high-fashion label—it’s grounded in everyday wearability, durability, and youth-led trends. The brand’s voice is unapologetically urban and alternative, often drawing from the raw aesthetics of DIY punk, grunge, and 90s skate fashion.

Fit and Style Variations

Empyre jeans come in a wide range of fits and cuts, designed to reflect evolving trends in streetwear while accommodating the practical needs of skaters. Here are the primary fits available:

• Skinny Fit: One of the brand’s most popular options, the skinny fit hugs close to the body without sacrificing stretch or mobility. This style suits those who prefer a streamlined silhouette and often pairs well with oversized tops or flannel shirts.

• Slim Fit: Slightly looser than skinny jeans, slim fit Empyre jeans offer a tailored appearance while providing more comfort. This cut is versatile and works well for both casual and slightly dressed-up occasions.

• Straight Fit: A classic cut that runs straight through the hip and leg. It’s ideal for skaters who need room to move without the bagginess of relaxed-fit jeans. The straight fit is also great for those who like traditional denim with minimal taper.

• Relaxed & Baggy Fits: Reflecting the resurgence of 90s fashion, Empyre has embraced looser, baggy silhouettes in many of its recent collections. These jeans are roomy through the thigh and calf, ideal for both comfort and retro style. Often paired with graphic tees and skate shoes, this fit speaks to the laid-back, rebellious spirit of the brand.

• Tapered & Cropped Styles: For a modern touch, Empyre also offers tapered and cropped jeans, with a slightly shorter hem or a fit that narrows toward the ankle. These styles often appeal to fashion-conscious wearers who want a streetwear edge.

Materials and Construction

One of the key strengths of Empyre jeans is their ability to offer durability and comfort at a competitive price point. Most pairs are constructed from a blend of cotton and spandex, allowing for both breathability and stretch. The denim is designed to be skate-friendly—resistant to tearing and flexible enough for tricks and movement.

Empyre also pays attention to detailing. Riveted pockets, reinforced stitching, and quality zippers contribute to the jeans' overall longevity. While they’re not luxury jeans, they do offer strong value, especially for younger consumers who want denim that holds up to daily wear.

In terms of washes and finishes, Empyre delivers a wide variety. From light-washed, vintage-inspired denim to dark, clean finishes and distressed styles with rips and abrasions, the brand caters to diverse aesthetic preferences. Faded effects, patchwork, and painted elements are sometimes included to give a DIY or grunge feel.

Affordability and Accessibility

One of the biggest draws of Empyre jeans is their affordable pricing. Most pairs range from $35 to $60, making them accessible to teens and young adults. This affordability doesn’t mean sacrificing style—Empyre keeps up with streetwear trends, often launching seasonal collections that reflect popular color palettes, cuts, and aesthetics.

Because Empyre is sold exclusively at Zumiez, it benefits from the retailer’s national reach, both in-store and online. This availability makes the jeans easy to find and try on, especially for shoppers who want to browse different fits and styles in person.

Cultural Relevance and Influence

While Empyre may not have the prestige of heritage denim brands like Levi’s or Nudie, its cultural influence is strong in skate and streetwear circles. It’s often seen as a starter brand for teens who are developing their fashion sense and looking for gear that reflects their personality without breaking the bank.

Empyre’s popularity is further boosted by its connection to skateboarding culture. Many of Zumiez’s sponsored athletes and influencers are spotted in Empyre gear, helping to position the brand as part of a lifestyle rather than just a clothing label. The jeans are functional for skating, but they also fit in at concerts, school halls, and city streets.

Additionally, the rise of 90s nostalgia in fashion has brought renewed attention to Empyre’s looser fits and distressed looks. As Gen Z gravitates toward Y2K and grunge aesthetics, Empyre jeans—especially the baggy and relaxed varieties—have seen a resurgence in popularity.

Sustainability Considerations

Empyre does not currently market itself as a sustainable or eco-friendly brand in the way that some premium denim labels do. However, its emphasis on durability and timeless styles can be seen as a small step toward slow fashion. Jeans that last longer and don’t fall apart after a few washes are inherently more sustainable than fast-disposable alternatives.

Still, there is room for growth. As consumers become more eco-conscious, Empyre may benefit from incorporating more sustainable materials or ethical production practices into its supply chain in the future.

Conclusion

Empyre jeans are a go-to option for skaters, streetwear fans, and youth culture followers who value style, comfort, and affordability. Rooted in skate culture and distributed through Zumiez, the brand combines practical construction with fashion-forward fits. Whether you prefer a slim silhouette, baggy throwback vibes, or classic straight-leg denim, Empyre has something to offer.