Empyre Clothing: A Deep Dive Into the Streetwear Legacy of Jeans, Pants, and More
Introduction to Empyre: A Skate & Streetwear Legacy
Empyre Clothing is a brand that has carved out a strong presence in the world of streetwear and skate culture. Established in the early 2000s and popularized through platforms like Zumiez, Empyre has consistently delivered urban style with attitude, blending comfort, function, and rebellion. From graphic tees and jackets to hoodies and cargo pants, Empyre’s range is vast—but it’s their jeans and pants that remain some of the most iconic staples in modern skate fashion.
Unlike brands that aim for mass appeal or high-fashion recognition, Empyre remains deeply rooted in the ethos of skateboarding: authenticity, movement, and personal style. Empyre is not just a label—it’s a culture that blends grit, rebellion, and comfort into every stitch. Their jeans and pants, in particular, tell the story of a generation that skates, creates, and dares to stand out.
Chapter 1: The Origins of Empyre Clothing
Empyre’s rise is closely tied to skateboarding’s influence on youth culture in the early 2000s. During this era, skate parks were more than places to ride—they were cultural hubs. Brands like Empyre, which catered directly to skaters’ needs for durability, flexibility, and style, became go-to labels.
Empyre’s first collections revolved around basics that stood out: oversized hoodies, rugged jeans, and bold graphic tees. But what set them apart wasn’t just their designs—it was their affordability and their accessibility through stores like Zumiez. For young skaters, Empyre wasn’t just another clothing brand; it was a badge of identity.
Chapter 2: Empyre Jeans – The Backbone of the Brand
2.1 The Design Philosophy
Empyre jeans are built around two primary pillars: durability and style. They’re made for the grind—literally. Whether you’re hitting the rails, the pavement, or just cruising the streets, Empyre jeans are made to withstand impact, stretching, and wear.
Their fabrics often feature stretch-infused denim for mobility, triple stitching in stress points, and unique washes that give each pair a street-worn authenticity.
2.2 Fit Styles
Empyre offers various fits to cater to different style preferences and skating needs:
- Slim Fit: Tapered for a sleeker silhouette, often preferred for its modern aesthetic.
- Straight Fit: A classic look that offers mobility without being too tight or too loose.
- Relaxed Fit: Popular among skaters who prioritize comfort and range of motion.
- Baggy Fit: A nod to ’90s skate style, with wide legs and dropped crotches, making a huge comeback.
2.3 Material & Construction
Empyre uses high-quality denim blends—usually cotton with 1-2% spandex for stretch. Reinforced belt loops, bar-tacked seams, and thick-thread stitching add to their jeans’ durability. The goal? Survive the pavement and still look fresh after a hard day’s skate.
Their washes range from light acid to deep indigo, and often include distressed elements, rips, paint splatters, and even embroidery—a raw, DIY aesthetic that skaters and streetwear fans love.
Chapter 3: Empyre Pants – Cargo, Workwear, and Beyond
3.1 Cargo & Utility Pants
Empyre’s cargo pants have become essential pieces in modern streetwear, combining function with fashion. These are often made of heavy-duty cotton twill or canvas, built with large pockets, hammer loops, and reinforced knees.
Skaters appreciate them for their practicality—stashing tools, wax, phones, or snacks—and their style versatility. You can pair them with graphic tees, hoodies, or even skate shoes and a flannel.
3.2 Chino Pants
For those who want a more streamlined aesthetic, Empyre’s chinos provide the perfect mix. Clean lines, subtle branding, and flexible fabric make them ideal for both skating and casual wear. Chinos like the Empyre “Loose Fit” or “Slim Chino” offer street-smart silhouettes while maintaining skater-friendly function.
3.3 Workwear-Inspired Pants
The rise of workwear in streetwear (inspired by brands like Carhartt or Dickies) hasn’t gone unnoticed by Empyre. Their collections often feature pants with utility pockets, heavy-duty canvas materials, and reinforced stitching—designed to take a beating both on and off the board.
Chapter 4: Official Empyre Clothing – More Than Just Bottoms
4.1 Hoodies & Sweatshirts
Empyre’s hoodies are another cornerstone of the brand, known for their oversized fits, bold graphics, and heavyweight fleece. Some popular features include:
- Pullover and zip-up designs
- Drawstring hoods
- Kangaroo pockets
- Graphic prints that align with skate art, graffiti, or counterculture themes
Colors range from muted earth tones to vibrant fluorescents—there’s a hoodie for every kind of expression.
4.2 Jackets & Outerwear
Empyre’s jackets are designed to perform. Whether it’s a waterproof windbreaker or a thick insulated parka, the brand mixes performance tech with urban style. Skate-ready features like hidden stash pockets, durable zippers, and breathable linings are common.
Some favorite types:
- Bomber Jackets
- Denim Trucker Jackets
- Sherpa-lined Flannels
- Windbreakers
4.3 T-Shirts & Flannels
Empyre’s tees often feature rebellious artwork, surreal visuals, and bold typography. They reflect youth angst, humor, or just a laid-back skate vibe. Flannels, on the other hand, are a fall and winter staple—layered with hoodies or worn open with a tee underneath.
Chapter 5: The Empyre Aesthetic
Empyre is visually rooted in grunge, skate punk, and street style. Unlike overly polished fashion labels, Empyre leans into rawness. Their models are often skaters or artists. Their campaigns are shot in urban alleys, rooftop spots, or graffiti-covered skateparks.
Even their logos, patches, and back tags tell a story—minimalistic, sometimes grungy, sometimes ironic. The tone is rebellious, nonconforming, and distinctly unbothered by fashion’s seasonal rules.
Chapter 6: Empyre’s Relationship With Skate Culture
6.1 Skater Approved
From amateur riders to YouTube skate vloggers, Empyre has long been adopted by the core skate community. It’s affordable and stylish—two things young skaters look for. And it doesn’t pretend to be “luxury skate” like some brands that try too hard.
6.2 Sponsorships & Collaborations
While not as high-profile as Nike SB or Supreme, Empyre has quietly supported underground skaters and collaborated with creatives in the skate world. Their low-key sponsorships, collabs, and pop-ups show that their loyalty lies with authenticity over hype.
Chapter 7: Why Empyre Jeans & Pants Stand Out
7.1 Designed for Movement
Empyre jeans and pants are specifically engineered to stretch and move with the body. You can ollie, slide, and fall—without worrying about split seams.
7.2 Affordable Quality
In a world where jeans can cost $200+, Empyre offers pieces that cost $40–$70 while delivering exceptional durability and style.
7.3 Constant Reinvention
Empyre is constantly refreshing its collections with seasonal fits, colors, and silhouettes—staying relevant while holding onto their core identity.
Chapter 8: How to Style Empyre Jeans & Pants
8.1 With Oversized Tees & Skate Shoes
This is the classic skater fit. Go for relaxed or baggy jeans, a bold tee (perhaps tie-dye or logo-heavy), and chunky skate shoes like Vans, DC, or Etnies.
8.2 With Layered Flannels and Hoodies
Perfect for fall or winter, a flannel over a hoodie pairs effortlessly with Empyre straight-leg pants or cargos. Add a beanie and chain for a grunge-punk edge.
8.3 Streetwear Fusion
Empyre pants also work in broader streetwear looks—think cargos with Jordan 1s, a puffer jacket, and a crossbody bag. It blends old-school skate with new-school drip.
Chapter 9: The Future of Empyre
Empyre is not chasing high fashion or mass retail dominance. Its loyalty is to subcultures—skaters, street kids, creators. But its relevance is growing. As baggy jeans return, workwear aesthetics rise, and authenticity becomes more valuable than hype, Empyre stands poised for a quiet revolution.
With continued product innovation, environmental consciousness, and deeper community engagement, the next era of Empyre may be its most powerful yet.
Conclusion
Empyre isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement. Its jeans and pants speak to people who don’t want to follow the mainstream. Whether you’re grinding rails, filming skate edits, or just looking for clothes that express your spirit, Empyre jeans, pants, and official clothing deliver raw style with purpose.
Their history, construction quality, design philosophy, and community focus make Empyre more than just gear—it’s part of who you are.