More premium alternatives to Empyre

Updated August 2026 · 17 ranked picks
A man wearing a Empyre sad boyz by junior h heart black t-shirt

Looking to step up from Empyre? These 17 brands share the aesthetic but bring elevated materials, construction and a higher price tier — ranked by overall similarity.

A man wearing a striped obey t-shirt with a branded bucket hat and denim shorts
#1

Obey

88% match
Streetwear$$ · More premiumIrvine, United States · est. 2001Made in Asia

Shepard Fairey's streetwear label, applying his Obey Giant propaganda graphics and political commentary to military- and workwear-rooted basics.

Why it's similar. Obey shares a streetwear style and colorful palette with Empyre, appealing to a similar youthful audience.

A man wearing a bright blue RVCA t-shirt, blue hat and brown bathing suit
#2

RVCA

87% match
Streetwear$$ · More premiumCosta Mesa, United States · est. 1999Made in Asia

Costa Mesa surf-skate-art label now owned by Authentic Brands Group, known for boardshorts, graphic tees and its "Balance of Opposites" logo.

Why it's similar. RVCA has a similar streetwear vibe and diverse colorful palette, similar to Empyre's offerings.

A man wearing a Frog Skateboards hoodie and blue jeans
#4

Frog Skateboards

83% match
Streetwear$$ · More premiumLos Angeles, United States · est. 2015Made in Asia

Skater-owned board and apparel brand started in 2015 by Chris Milic, known for scrappy, cartoonish graphics and self-made team videos.

Why it's similar. Both brands draw influence from skate culture and offer colorful, playful designs in affordable ranges.

A man wearing a trendy Urban Outfitters pink collared shirt and denim pants
#5

Urban Outfitters

81% match
Contemporary$$ · More premiumPhiladelphia, United States · est. 1970Made in Asia

URBN-owned American retail chain selling vintage-inspired apparel, BDG denim, sneakers and apartment goods to a Gen Z and millennial audience.

Why it's similar. Urban Outfitters shares a colorful aesthetic and youthful appeal that resonates with Empyre's customer base.

An image of MIZIZI ghana sankofa soccer jersey
#6

MIZIZI

80% match
Streetwear$$ · More premiumNairobi, Kenya · est. 2015Made in USA, Africa

Diaspora-focused streetwear label known for country baseball jerseys representing African and Caribbean nations, founded by Paakow Essandoh.

Why it's similar. Both brands create vibrant streetwear with a cultural emphasis, focusing on bold graphics and affordable pricing.

A man wearing a THE Clothing Philippines black t-shirt
#7

THE Clothing Philippines

80% match
Streetwear$$ · More premiumQuezon City, Philippines · est. 2011

THE is a pioneering Filipino streetwear label known for provocative statement T-shirts and collaborations with Vans and Manila barbershop Titan.

Why it's similar. Similar style and budget positioning, with a cultural focus in designs.

A man wearing JNCO vest with wide denim pants
#8

JNCO

$$ · More premiumLos Angeles, United States · est. 1985Made in USA

Los Angeles denim brand founded in 1985, known for ultra-wide-leg jeans with embroidered back pockets that defined 1990s skate, rave and hip-hop style.

A man wearing a Carhartt WIP black graphic button-up with blue pants and branded carhartt belt
#9

Carhartt WIP

75% match
Streetwear$$ · More premiumWeil am Rhein, Germany · est. 1994Made in Europe

European-run fashion offshoot of American workwear brand Carhartt, reworking Detroit jackets and duck canvas staples for skate and streetwear audiences.

Why it's similar. Carhartt WIP captures a streetwear essence and offers relaxed fits akin to Empyre.

A man wearing a navy blue and green Belief fleece and white pants
#12

Belief

$$ · More premiumNew York, United States · est. 2010Made in Asia

Astoria, Queens skate shop and clothing label making New York-referencing graphic tees, hoodies, caps and decks with illustration-led artwork.

A man wearing Bands Clothing black t-shirt
#15

Bands Clothing

$$ · More premiumLos Angeles, United States · est. 2012Made in Asia

Bands Clothing is renowned for its unique fusion of streetwear and high fashion, offering bold designs that make a statement.

A man wearing denim dickies jacket and white workwear pants
#16

Dickies

$$ · More premiumFort Worth, United States · est. 1922Made in USA & Asia

American workwear label behind the 874 work pant, sold by VF Corporation to Bluestar Alliance in a $600 million deal announced September 2025.

A man wearing a brown Kotn sweatshirt with a white cardigan over top of it along with a beanie, black pants and adidas shoes
#17

Kotn

$$ · More premiumToronto, Canada · est. 2015Made in Egypt & Portugal

Toronto brand making minimalist everyday basics and bedding from directly sourced Egyptian cotton, with B Corp certification and traceable supply chain.

A man walking on the street wearing a Zara outfit featuring a brown jacket and beige turtleneck
#18

Zara

$$ · More premiumA Coruña, Spain · est. 1975Made in Europe & Asia

Inditex's flagship Spanish fast-fashion chain, founded in A Coruña in 1975, now chasing design credibility through high-profile designer collaborations.

A man wearing a Olive Everlane overshirt, a white beanie and khaki pants
#19

Everlane

$$ · More premiumSan Francisco, United States · est. 2010Made in China

Direct-to-consumer American basics label known for transparent pricing, minimalist neutral wardrobe staples, denim, and recycled-material outerwear.

A man wearing a OUAT gray work shirt
#20

OUAT

$$$$$ · More premiumTokyo, Japan · est. 2019Made in Asia

Tokyo unisex label by vintage dealer Ryosuke Tamura, reworking Japanese workwear and sportswear archives into pragmatic, premium-fabric staples.

Common questions
What are the best premium alternatives to Empyre?

Obey, RVCA, Frog Skateboards lead our ranking. Looking to step up from Empyre? These 17 brands share the aesthetic but bring elevated materials, construction and a higher price tier — ranked by overall similarity.