No, Empyre clothing does NOT run small. Most items run true to size. The confusion comes from Empyre’s loose, baggy fit—people expect tightness and get roomy comfort instead. Order your normal size, and you’ll be fine. For Y2K ultra-wide and oversized hoodies, size is intentional, not sizing issues.
The Confusion: Loose Fit ≠ Running Small
Why People Think Empyre Runs Small:
- They expect slim sizing (modern default)
- Empyre is baggy by design (relaxed fit standard)
- First impression is “too big” (actually perfect)
- They return without trying properly (their mistake, not Empyre’s)
Reality: Empyre doesn’t run small. It runs loose. That’s the brand’s entire aesthetic.
Empyre Sizing by Product Type
Jeans: True to Size
| Style | Size | Fit | Runs Small? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose Fit Baggy Jeans | True to size | Relaxed, roomy through thigh | NO |
| Sk8 Wide Leg Jeans | True to size | Wide and comfortable | NO |
| Dark Indigo Loose Fit | True to size | Refined but baggy | NO |
| Black Shmutz Wash | True to size | Standard baggy | NO |
| Y2K Ultra-Wide | Size up 1 | Dramatically wide (intentional) | NO |
| Cargo Utility Jeans | True to size | Loose with extra space for pockets | NO |
| Distressed Ripped Knee | True to size | Baggy, standard fit | NO |
| Women’s Low Rise Wide Leg | True to size | Female-specific loose fit | NO |
Verdict: All denim is true to size. Y2K goes up 1, but that’s intentional styling, not because it runs small.
Hoodies & Sweatshirts: True to Size (Or Size Down if You Want Fitted)
| Item | Size | Fit | Runs Small? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Hoodies | True to size | Relaxed fit, roomy | NO |
| Oversized Hoodies | True to size (oversized cut built-in) | Very roomy, intentional | NO |
| Boxy Hoodies | True to size | Wide, square cut | NO |
| Fitted Hoodies | True to size | Closer fit (relative to Empyre) | NO |
What to know: Empyre hoodies are naturally baggy. That’s the brand. If you want a fitted hoodie, size down one. But don’t assume they run small—they’re designed to be loose.
Graphic T-Shirts: True to Size
| Item | Size | Fit | Runs Small? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Graphic Tees | True to size | Relaxed fit | NO |
| Oversized Tees | True to size | Intentionally oversized | NO |
| Fitted Tees | True to size | Closer fit, still relaxed | NO |
Real customer feedback: “Perfect true to size, great relaxed fit.”
Jackets & Outerwear: True to Size (Check Specific Product)
| Item | Size | Fit | Runs Small? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puffer Jackets | True to size | Boxy, relaxed fit | NO |
| Bombers | True to size | Relaxed, not tailored | NO |
| Windbreakers | True to size | Standard, slightly loose | NO |
| Overcoats/Parkas | True to size (check chart) | Designed to layer | MAYBE |
Important: Check the individual product’s size chart for outerwear. Some styles are designed to layer (bigger), some are standard.
Shorts: True to Size
| Item | Size | Fit | Runs Small? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baggy Shorts | True to size | Loose, relaxed | NO |
| Utility Shorts | True to size | Roomy with pockets | NO |
| Chino Shorts | True to size (varies by style) | Check product chart | MAYBE |
Related Posts:
Why Empyre Sizing Is Confusing (It’s Not Running Small)
The Comfort Problem:
Modern clothing (Zara, H&M, ASOS) is tight by default. You’re used to snug fits.
Empyre defaults to loose. When you try a true-to-size Empyre, it feels baggy compared to what you expect.
This is not running small. This is just the brand’s aesthetic.
Real Customer Reviews About Sizing
“Too Big”
- “The jeans are huge! Way too loose.”
- Reality: That’s the baggy design. It’s meant to be loose. If you hate loose fits, Empyre isn’t for you.
“Perfect Fit”
- “Ordered my true size and they’re perfect. Baggy but not sloppy.”
- Reality: This is someone who understands the brand aesthetic.
“Need a Belt”
- “True to size but the waist is loose. Need a belt.”
- Reality: That’s normal for baggy jeans. Belt is standard accessory for loose-fit pants.
“Runs True”
- “Despite how they look online, they fit exactly as described. True to size.”
- Reality: No confusion. They understand baggy ≠ too big.
How to Know If Empyre Sizing Is Right for You
Empyre Sizing Works If You:
✅ Like baggy/loose-fitting clothes
✅ Appreciate Y2K or skate fashion
✅ Want comfortable, unrestricted movement
✅ Don’t mind wearing a belt
✅ Like oversized aesthetic
✅ Understand “baggy” is intentional, not a defect
Empyre Sizing Is Wrong If You:
❌ Hate loose-fitting clothes
❌ Want everything fitted and tapered
❌ Prefer modern slim/skinny aesthetics
❌ Find baggy clothes uncomfortable
❌ Expect “M” to mean fitted (Empyre’s M is roomy)
❌ Don’t understand baggy is the brand’s whole point
Sizing Guide: How to Order Empyre Correctly
Step 1: Know Your True Measurements
- Waist: Measure where you wear pants (usually hip bone)
- Inseam: Measure from inside ankle bone to groin (wear your shoes)
- Chest: For hoodies/jackets, measure across chest
- Length: For hoodies/jackets, measure shoulder to desired length
Step 2: Check Empyre’s Size Chart (Not Standard Sizing)
- Every product has a unique size chart
- Amazon product pages show measurements
- Don’t assume your M size is the same everywhere
- Compare your measurements to chart, not just the size
Step 3: Decide on Fit Intention
- Want baggy: Order measured size
- Want relaxed but not super baggy: Order measured size (it’ll feel roomy)
- Want fitted: Size down one (risky, might be tight)
- Want ultra-baggy (Y2K): Order measured waist + 1
Step 4: Check Q&A and Reviews
- Real customers mention if sizing is accurate
- Look for fit-specific feedback
- “Runs small” complaints in Q&A would indicate issue (they’re rare)
Does Empyre Run Small? By Product
| Product | Runs Small? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Denim Jeans | NO | True to size, baggy intentional |
| Hoodies | NO | True to size, roomy intentional |
| T-Shirts | NO | True to size, slightly oversized |
| Jackets | NO | True to size, check chart |
| Shorts | NO | True to size, loose intentional |
| Women’s Items | NO | True to size (different cut) |
| Hats/Beanies | NO | One size fits most |
Overall verdict: Empyre does NOT run small. It runs true to size with intentional loose/baggy fit.
What If Your Empyre Doesn’t Fit?
It’s Too Loose (Most Common Complaint):
Solution: Accept it’s baggy or return it. Sizing down might work but risks being too tight.
It’s Too Tight (Rare):
Solution: You probably ordered too small. Empyre is meant to be loose. Size up next time.
Specific Issue (One Arm Hole Tight, etc.):
Solution: Return it. This is a manufacturing defect, not a sizing issue.
Return Process:
- Amazon: 30-day returns if unworn with tags
- Check seller return policy if not Amazon-sold
- No questions asked for wrong size
Sizing Comparison: Empyre vs. Other Brands
| Brand | Average Fit | Size Accuracy | “Runs Small”? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empyre | Baggy/relaxed | True to size | NO |
| H&M | Slim/fitted | True to size | NO |
| Zara | Fitted/tailored | Sometimes runs small | YES (common complaint) |
| ASOS | Modern loose | Varies by item | SOMETIMES |
| Dickies | Workwear loose | True to size | NO |
| Supreme | Oversized/skate | True to size | NO |
For context: Zara is famous for running small. Empyre is famous for being baggy. Neither “runs small” compared to their own brand standard.
FAQ:
Q: Why do all the photos look huge?
A: Because Empyre models wear their intended size. The baggy fit makes everything look oversized in photos. In person, it’s just relaxed, not massive.
Q: Should I size down to get a tighter fit?
A: Only if you truly hate loose clothing. Sizing down risks being too tight. Better to accept baggy is the brand, or shop elsewhere.
Q: Do women’s Empyre sizes run small?
A: No. Women’s sizes are true to size. They have a different cut than men’s (lower rise, fitted through hips) but don’t run small.
Q: My Empyre hoodie feels huge. Did I order the wrong size?
A: Probably not. Empyre hoodies are intentionally oversized. That’s the style. If you want fitted, size down one or return it.
Q: Are kids’ Empyre sizes true to size?
A: Yes, but size-up if you want room for growth (typical kid’s strategy). The sizing itself is accurate.
Q: Do Japanese/imported Empyre sizes run differently?
A: All Empyre sold on Amazon use the same sizing standard. No regional variations.
Q: Should I wash before wearing to see if sizing adjusts?
A: Cold water + air dry = 2–3% shrinkage. This tightens slightly but doesn’t change the fundamental loose fit.
The Real Answer:
No. Empyre runs true to size with an intentionally loose, baggy fit.
The confusion comes from comparing Empyre to modern slim-fit brands. If you’re used to H&M or Zara, Empyre will feel baggy. That’s not sizing—that’s aesthetic difference.