Empyre Clothing has long been a staple in the world of youth streetwear, blending skate culture, casual fashion, and counterculture attitude into one distinct brand. Founded with the spirit of rebellion and self-expression at its core, Empyre has become a go-to label for skaters, trendsetters, and those seeking fashion that reflects individuality and urban edge. From hoodies to jeans to accessories, Empyre’s collections speak to a lifestyle that values authenticity, comfort, and creative freedom.
Origins and Background
Empyre was launched in the early 2000s as an in-house brand under Zumiez, a popular retail chain focused on skateboarding, snowboarding, and streetwear culture. Zumiez, which started in Seattle, Washington, in the late 1970s, saw an opportunity to create its own brand that could offer affordable yet stylish clothing tailored to its core demographic: young people inspired by skate, surf, and punk subcultures.
Empyre quickly carved out its place in the streetwear landscape by delivering on-trend items at accessible price points. The brand didn’t just follow fashion—it interpreted it through the lens of skate parks, graffiti-covered alleys, and suburban basements blasting punk rock and hip-hop. Over time, Empyre evolved from a house label into a recognizable name in its own right, with its pieces commonly worn by skaters, college students, and style-conscious teens across North America.
Brand Identity
Empyre Clothing represents more than just what you wear—it’s about a lifestyle. The brand's ethos emphasizes individualism, creativity, and rebellion, aligning itself with the DIY nature of skateboarding and street culture. Empyre does not chase high fashion or luxury aesthetics; instead, it embraces raw, everyday style with an edge.
Its identity is reflected in the kind of visuals and messages the brand puts out—often centered on street photography, skate videos, and designs that mix grunge, punk, and contemporary urban trends. Empyre appeals to wearers who value comfort but still want to stand out. It’s the brand of the kid who rides a board to school, creates their own art on weekends, and doesn’t care about fitting into traditional molds.
Product Range
Empyre offers a full range of apparel, including:
T-Shirts and Graphic Tees: These are among the brand’s bestsellers. Often featuring bold prints, vintage motifs, and edgy graphics, Empyre’s tees cater to those who want to make a visual statement with minimal effort.
Jeans and Pants: Known for their durability and fit, Empyre Jeans are a staple for skaters. The brand offers various cuts—from slim and straight to relaxed and baggy—allowing customers to choose according to personal style and function.
Hoodies and Sweatshirts: Soft, comfortable, and stylish, Empyre’s hoodies are perfect for layering and everyday wear. Many designs include eye-catching graphics or embroidered logos that reflect skate culture and alternative fashion trends.
Jackets and Outerwear: From classic windbreakers to flannel-lined utility jackets, Empyre outerwear keeps wearers warm without sacrificing style. These pieces are especially popular in colder climates and among snowboarders.
Shorts, Flannels, and Shirts: For warmer months, Empyre offers a wide range of shorts and button-up shirts. Their flannel shirts, in particular, are a fan favorite—often layered over tees or worn open for a laid-back look.
Accessories: Empyre also features a variety of accessories like beanies, hats, belts, and socks, allowing fans of the brand to fully embrace the lifestyle from head to toe.
Quality and Affordability
One of Empyre’s greatest strengths lies in its affordability without compromising quality. As a house brand of Zumiez, Empyre can produce stylish, durable apparel at a lower cost than many independent or designer streetwear brands. This accessibility makes it especially appealing to high school and college-aged consumers who want to look good without spending hundreds of dollars on a single outfit.
Many skaters and streetwear fans report that Empyre clothing holds up well under frequent use—a key point when you consider the physical nature of skateboarding. While it’s not meant to rival premium brands in terms of materials or manufacturing, Empyre balances price and performance better than most.
Cultural Relevance
Empyre Pants thrives in subcultural environments. Skateboarders, in particular, form a large part of the brand’s fanbase, as Empyre pieces are built to withstand the wear and tear of skating sessions. The brand’s appeal also extends into punk and hip-hop communities, where streetwear is a vital form of identity and self-expression.
The rise of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok has also benefited Empyre. Young influencers and skateboarders frequently showcase Empyre outfits in their content, further popularizing the brand among Gen Z audiences. Unlike luxury streetwear brands, Empyre offers instant access—making it easier for fans to replicate the looks they see online.
Sustainability and Ethical Practices
Like many fast-fashion and youth-focused brands, Empyre has faced increasing scrutiny regarding sustainability and ethical manufacturing. While it does not market itself as an eco-conscious brand, Zumiez (its parent company) has made some moves toward improving its environmental footprint, including sustainability initiatives and corporate responsibility statements. Still, Empyre has room to grow when it comes to adopting sustainable materials and transparent supply chain practices.
The Future of Empyre
Empyre continues to evolve, experimenting with new silhouettes, prints, and materials while staying true to its core identity. As trends shift toward baggier fits and 90s revival fashion, Empyre is well-positioned to capitalize on its history of embracing alternative styles.
The brand’s continued collaboration with Zumiez ensures steady retail support and visibility, while its loyal customer base guarantees a stable market for future collections. Empyre may not be a luxury label or a hyped limited-release brand, but its authenticity and accessibility keep it relevant in a rapidly changing fashion world.
Conclusion
Empyre Clothing is more than just a label—it's a representation of youth culture in motion. With its roots in skateboarding, streetwear, and self-expression, Empyre delivers stylish, practical, and affordable clothing for those who walk (or skate) to the beat of their own drum. For anyone looking to blend comfort with attitude, and function with flair, Empyre remains a solid choice in the world of casual fashion.