New York ? Classic clothing labels like Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica are getting some edgy urban competition in department stores from names like Sean John, Phat Pharm, Ecko and Enyce that were once seen as too gritty for the place where your family shops.

Urban clothing brands, which in the past were showcased only in small clothing stores and inner-city chains, are gaining more space and attention at department store companies such as Saks Inc. and Federated Department Stores Inc. Industry analysts say the clothes are re-energizing the stores’ young men’s floors, and as the labels expand into women’s, children’s and accessories areas, they’re expected to give the stores a more modern feel.

“These brands have added more energy, more fashion assortment to the floor,” said Michelle Monigal, vice president and divisional manager of young men’s and boys apparel at Macy’s West division. The division has tripled the square footage for urban brands over the past two years.

“I see this as a big opportunity to reinvent the department store model. Department stores haven’t been on the top of the minds for young men and teen girls,” said George Jones, president and chief executive of Saks Inc.’s traditional department stores.