Empyre Clothing is a brand that has carved out a unique space in the streetwear and skate apparel world. Known for its laid-back style, affordability, and consistent nod to alternative and action sports cultures, Empyre has long been a staple in youth fashion, especially among skaters, snowboarders, and those drawn to the West Coast aesthetic. The brand’s popularity is largely due to its balance between utility and style, offering pieces that are as functional on a skateboard as they are fashionable on the street.
Origins and Evolution
Empyre emerged in the early 2000s, originally as an in-house brand of Zumiez, a retail chain that specializes in gear and clothing for skateboarders, snowboarders, BMX riders, and others involved in similar subcultures. As Zumiez grew in influence across the U.S. and internationally, Empyre quickly became one of its core private labels.
From the outset, Empyre focused on producing apparel that captured the spirit of skateboarding without alienating those outside of that niche. While many skate brands leaned into hardcore imagery or exclusivity, Empyre aimed to be accessible. It offered clothing that spoke to the broader alternative scene — appealing to everyone from casual mall-goers to die-hard skaters and snowboarders. This strategy helped Empyre gain traction as a mainstream streetwear label with countercultural credibility.
Signature Style and Aesthetic
Empyre’s clothing has always walked the line between rebellious and relaxed. The brand’s aesthetic draws heavily from skate, surf, punk, and grunge influences. This is reflected in the designs and patterns often found in their collections: flannel shirts, distressed jeans, oversized hoodies, beanies, cargo pants, and graphic tees that feature ironic or edgy prints. Empyre doesn’t chase high fashion trends — instead, it builds on enduring styles that resonate with youth culture, particularly those associated with freedom, rebellion, and self-expression.
One of Empyre’s standout features is its ability to create seasonally appropriate collections that maintain their core identity. Winter collections often include insulated flannel-lined jackets, snowboarding pants, and beanies, while summer drops typically feature lightweight button-ups, graphic tanks, and chino shorts. The brand understands its customer base, designing not just for fashion, but for lifestyle functionality.
Clothing Categories
Empyre offers a wide variety of clothing for both men and women, including:
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Tops: From bold, logo-heavy graphic tees to subdued, vintage-wash shirts, Empyre tops cater to a wide range of styles. Their hoodies and sweatshirts are particularly popular, known for soft materials and oversized fits that provide comfort and freedom of movement.
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Bottoms: Empyre jeans are a cornerstone of the brand. Known for their affordability and range of cuts (skinny, slim, straight, and relaxed), they are designed with durability in mind — essential for skateboarding. The brand also offers joggers, cargo pants, and shorts that mirror skate fashion trends.
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Outerwear: The outerwear line includes windbreakers, puffer jackets, and fleece-lined parkas. These pieces are often constructed with both aesthetics and utility in mind, making them suitable for both city environments and outdoor activity.
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Accessories: Empyre completes its look with a selection of accessories, including beanies, hats, belts, socks, and backpacks — all designed with the same youthful, laid-back appeal as their clothing.
Skater-Driven Design
What sets Empyre apart from more generic mall brands is its authentic connection to skateboarding and action sports. Many of the brand’s ambassadors and models are skaters or snowboarders, and their feedback often influences product development. This relationship helps ensure that the clothes aren’t just stylish — they’re also functional for real activity.
Empyre jeans, for example, are made with reinforced stitching and a little stretch to allow flexibility, which is essential for skateboarding. Similarly, their hoodies and jackets are designed to allow full arm mobility without restricting movement. While some might see Empyre as a fashion brand, it remains grounded in performance considerations that are crucial to its core customers.
Price and Accessibility
One of Empyre’s biggest advantages is its pricing. In a market where some skate brands charge premium prices for limited releases or exclusive drops, Empyre remains affordable. Most pieces fall into a price range that’s reasonable for teens and young adults — especially important given that its primary demographic is between the ages of 13 and 25.
This accessibility has also made the brand a go-to for newcomers to the skate world or those looking to adopt the style without spending a fortune. For many young skaters, Empyre is often one of the first brands they wear.
Influence on Youth Fashion
Empyre Pants influence extends beyond just skate parks. Its clothes are frequently worn by young people who might not skate at all but appreciate the aesthetic and cultural associations. The rise of “skater style” in mainstream fashion — fueled by social media, hip-hop, and pop-punk revivals — has further bolstered Empyre’s position.
The brand’s presence in mall culture also contributes to its visibility. It’s easy to find, try on, and purchase, which makes it far more accessible than some underground brands that rely on exclusive drops or niche skate shops.
Challenges and Criticism
While Empyre enjoys broad popularity, it has occasionally faced criticism from core skaters who view it as too commercial or “mall brand.” For some purists, authenticity in skate culture requires supporting smaller, independent companies. However, Empyre’s continued investment in skate-inspired design and practical features has helped maintain its legitimacy, even in the face of such criticism.
Additionally, because Empyre is tied so closely to Zumiez, it sometimes struggles to create an identity entirely independent from its retail parent. Yet, this connection also gives it a powerful distribution platform and constant feedback loop from its target demographic.
The Future of Empyre
Empyre shows no signs of slowing down. With the growing acceptance of skatewear in mainstream fashion and the ongoing popularity of nostalgic Y2K and 90s styles, the brand is well-positioned to continue growing. Its ability to evolve subtly without abandoning its roots is a major reason for its staying power.
As sustainability becomes a bigger focus in fashion, it will be interesting to see how Empyre responds. Affordable fashion often faces scrutiny for its environmental impact, so adopting more eco-conscious materials and practices could be a next step for the brand.
Conclusion
Empyre Clothing stands at the crossroads of skate culture and street fashion. Affordable, stylish, and functional, it continues to be a go-to for young people who want to express themselves through clothing that feels authentic and rooted in a lifestyle of movement, rebellion, and creativity. Whether you’re dropping into a half-pipe or just hanging out at a concert, Empyre offers a look that feels effortless and distinctly youth-driven.
