Empyre Clothing is a name that resonates strongly within the world of skateboarding and streetwear. Known for its edgy, rebellious aesthetic and close ties to youth culture, Empyre clothing has built a strong reputation over the years. More than just a clothing label, it represents a lifestyle that merges skating, urban fashion, music, and individual expression.
Origins and Identity
Empyre Clothing was established as a private label for Zumiez, a retail chain that specializes in clothing, footwear, accessories, and gear for skateboarding, snowboarding, and other action sports. While Empyre may not have the same legacy as brands like Vans or Thrasher, it quickly carved out a niche for itself in the skate and streetwear market due to its affordability, trendy styles, and authenticity.
From its inception, Empyre’s goal has been to offer stylish, functional clothing for skaters and youth subcultures without the hefty price tag. This approach earned it a loyal following, particularly among teenagers and young adults looking for clothes that could withstand skate sessions while keeping them fashion-forward.
Style and Aesthetic
Empyre’s aesthetic draws heavily from classic skate and streetwear culture. The brand’s clothing features clean lines, relaxed fits, and a blend of urban-inspired graphics and subtle branding. It strikes a balance between bold and minimal, offering both graphic-heavy statement pieces and neutral-toned staples that can be worn every day.
Signature styles from Empyre include:
Graphic Tees: Often featuring skate, punk, or urban art influences, Empyre’s t-shirts showcase the brand’s identity in bold ways.
Flannel Shirts: A staple in any skater’s wardrobe, Empyre’s flannels offer both comfort and style.
Hoodies and Sweatshirts: Known for soft fabrics and oversized fits, these are perfect for layering and daily wear.
Denim and Chino Pants: Particularly popular are the Empyre jeans and chinos, appreciated for their durability, flexibility, and stylish cuts. The jeans often have skate-friendly features like reinforced stitching and relaxed fits.
Outerwear: Jackets, windbreakers, and insulated coats designed for both city life and winter skating sessions.
The brand stays on-trend while maintaining its core skateboarding roots. Empyre’s designers seem to understand that their customers want more than just performance—they want self-expression through fashion.
Affordability and Accessibility
One of Empyre’s strongest suits is its affordability. While many skate brands can be expensive due to their limited runs or premium materials, Empyre provides style and functionality at a much lower price point. This makes it ideal for students and younger consumers who are style-conscious but budget-minded.
Because Empyre is a Zumiez house brand, it is widely available both online and in physical stores. This wide accessibility contributes to its popularity, allowing it to reach a national and international audience with ease.
Empyre and Skate Culture
Empyre is more than just a fashion brand—it’s a part of skateboarding culture. The brand sponsors skaters, participates in skate events, and tailors its gear to meet the needs of active riders. Empyre Pants apparel is often constructed with movement in mind, using fabrics that allow flexibility and breathability.
While it may not sponsor as many high-profile professional skaters as brands like Element or DC, Empyre supports the grassroots skate scene. It appeals to everyday skaters—those who hit the streets, parking lots, and DIY ramps not for fame, but for the love of skating.
The Role of Zumiez
Being under the Zumiez umbrella has played a crucial role in the success of Empyre. Zumiez offers a direct pipeline to the target demographic—teens and young adults who are immersed in skate, snow, surf, and music cultures. This retail partnership ensures that Empyre always has its finger on the pulse of youth fashion trends.
Zumiez’s marketing machine also helps push Empyre into the spotlight. With seasonal lookbooks, in-store promotions, and influencer collaborations, Empyre stays visible and relevant in a rapidly changing market.
Evolution and Trends
Over the years, Empyre has evolved to keep pace with shifting trends. What started as a strictly skate-centric brand has grown into a versatile streetwear label. Today, you can find Empyre pieces that wouldn’t look out of place at a music festival, in a downtown café, or on a fashion-forward campus.
In recent collections, the brand has embraced gender-neutral styles, looser silhouettes, and retro aesthetics. There’s also a clear influence from 90s grunge, Y2K nostalgia, and minimalist techwear. This ability to adapt while maintaining core values is one of Empyre’s greatest strengths.
Sustainability and Ethical Practices
Like many fashion brands, Empyre has been scrutinized for its environmental impact. As a mass-produced label, it faces challenges in sustainability. However, there have been growing calls from consumers for more transparency and eco-friendly practices in production.
Zumiez, as the parent company, has taken steps to improve corporate responsibility, including ethical sourcing and labor practices. While Empyre itself hasn’t positioned sustainability at the forefront of its brand identity, pressure from consumers may lead to more visible efforts in this direction in the future.
Cultural Relevance
Empyre Clothing reflects the spirit of youth culture—individualism, creativity, rebellion, and resilience. In a time when streetwear is as likely to be found on the runway as on the skatepark, Empyre remains true to its roots while evolving with the times.
Its popularity isn’t just about fashion. It’s about community and identity. When someone wears Empyre, they’re not just putting on clothes—they’re making a statement about who they are and what they value.
Conclusion
Empyre Clothing continues to thrive in the competitive world of youth fashion by offering accessible, stylish, and skate-ready apparel. Its deep connection to street culture, commitment to affordability, and broad appeal have helped it become a staple for skaters and trend-conscious youth alike.