Empyre Jeans have carved out a distinct identity in the world of streetwear, blending skate culture roots with modern fashion sensibilities. Known for their durability, comfort, and on-trend designs, Empyre has become a go-to denim brand for skateboarders, trendsetters, and casual wear enthusiasts alike. Whether you're hitting the pavement or just looking for a laid-back, stylish pair of jeans, Empyre delivers quality without breaking the bank.
The Origins of Empyre Jeans
Empyre is a private label brand originally launched by Zumiez, a popular retail chain specializing in skateboarding gear, streetwear, and snowboarding apparel. Founded in 1978, Zumiez grew into a staple destination for youth culture, and Empyre was developed to serve the unique needs of that community.
While Empyre produces everything from hoodies and jackets to T-shirts and accessories, its jeans remain one of the brand’s standout categories. Designed with the active lifestyle of skaters and streetwear fans in mind, Empyre jeans combine function and fashion in a way few other labels do.
Designed for the Streets: Empyre’s Functional Fashion
Empyre jeans are built with skateboarding and everyday wear in mind. They incorporate durable stitching, stretch denim, and thoughtful cuts that provide freedom of movement—crucial whether you're doing a kickflip or just navigating a busy day.
Some key features that set Empyre jeans apart include:
Reinforced seams: Designed to withstand wear and tear from skateboarding.
Stretch fabrics: Blended materials offer comfort and flexibility.
Varied fits: From slim and skinny to relaxed and baggy, there's a fit for every style.
On-trend washes: Empyre stays current with faded, distressed, and clean-wash options.
Affordable pricing: High style at a reasonable price makes them accessible to a wide audience.
Empyre’s strength lies in offering stylish denim that doesn’t compromise on durability. Skaters need jeans that won’t rip after one fall, and Empyre delivers on that front.
Popular Styles and Fits
Empyre offers a range of denim fits to accommodate different preferences and body types. Here are some of the brand’s most popular styles:
1. Empyre Loose Fit Jeans
These are classic baggy jeans that pay homage to '90s skate style. With extra room through the thighs and legs, they’re ideal for those who prioritize comfort and mobility.
2. Empyre Slim Fit Jeans
For a more modern, tapered look, the slim fit offers a closer cut without being too tight. These are perfect for everyday wear and still allow for movement.
3. Empyre Skinny Jeans
These hug the legs from hip to ankle, giving a sleek silhouette. Despite the tight fit, they include enough stretch to be comfortable throughout the day.
4. Empyre Tapered Fit Jeans
This fit combines the roominess of relaxed jeans with a slimmer ankle. It’s a stylish hybrid that's great for those who want something between loose and skinny.
5. Distressed and Ripped Jeans
Empyre also offers a wide selection of pre-distressed jeans. These include strategic tears, frayed hems, and faded washes for that worn-in, lived-in look that's highly popular in streetwear fashion.
The Perfect Pair for Skateboarding
Empyre jeans are designed with active wearers in mind. Skateboarders especially appreciate the brand's thoughtful construction, which includes:
Extra stitching in high-stress areas like the crotch and pockets
Breathable, yet tough fabrics
Slight stretch for trick-friendly movement
A good pair of skate jeans needs to be both flexible and rugged, and Empyre has nailed that balance. Many skaters report that a single pair of Empyre jeans lasts through months of skating—something not all denim brands can claim.
Empyre for Everyday Streetwear
While Empyre is rooted in skateboarding culture, the jeans are also a staple in the wider streetwear scene. They pair easily with everything from oversized graphic tees to cropped hoodies and flannel shirts.
Their jeans are versatile enough to dress up or down. A pair of black slim-fit Empyre jeans can transition from a day at the skatepark to a casual night out without missing a beat.
Popular ways to style Empyre jeans include:
Pairing loose fit jeans with vintage sneakers and a graphic tee
Wearing skinny jeans with high-top skate shoes and a hoodie
Combining tapered jeans with layered flannel and a beanie
This adaptability makes Empyre jeans a solid investment for anyone who wants style with substance.
Sustainability and Materials
While Empyre is not marketed as a sustainable brand, many of its jeans incorporate blended fabrics that aim to reduce waste and improve durability. By using cotton-spandex or cotton-polyester blends, the jeans last longer and require fewer replacements—an indirect contribution to sustainable fashion.
Moreover, their long-lasting construction means consumers can wear the same pair for years, which aligns with the slow fashion philosophy: buy less, choose well, make it last.
Price and Accessibility
One of the biggest draws of Empyre jeans is their affordability. Most pairs retail between $30 and $60, placing them comfortably in the mid-range market. This makes them especially attractive to students, young adults, and anyone looking for quality denim on a budget.
In addition to Zumiez stores and the Zumiez website, Empyre jeans are also available through resellers and online marketplaces like eBay and Depop. This secondhand availability contributes to the circular fashion economy and gives older styles a second life.
Empyre vs. Competing Brands
Empyre sits in a competitive space among other youth-focused denim brands such as:
Dickies: Known for workwear aesthetics and durability.
Volcom: Another skate-inspired brand, often at a slightly higher price point.
Levi’s Skateboarding Collection: Premium materials and heritage branding.
Element: Offers skatewear with an eco-friendly focus.
What sets Empyre apart is its balance of affordability, fashion-forward design, and skate functionality. It occupies the sweet spot for those who want trend-savvy denim without the luxury price tag.
Who Wears Empyre?
Empyre appeals to a wide demographic, but especially resonates with:
Skateboarders and BMX riders
Streetwear enthusiasts
Students and young adults
Fans of 90s/2000s revival styles
Because of its flexible fits and wide size range, the brand is popular with both men and women, although its core collection skews slightly toward menswear aesthetics.
Final Thoughts: Is Empyre Jeans Worth It?
Empyre Jeans offer a winning combination of comfort, durability, and style at a price most can afford. Whether you're a skater looking for jeans that can take a beating or someone who just wants good-looking denim that doesn’t cost a fortune, Empyre delivers.
With diverse fits, stylish washes, and reliable performance, Empyre continues to be a favorite in the skate and streetwear scenes. Their accessibility, trend awareness, and functional construction make them a smart choice for denim shoppers in 2025 and beyond.
