In a digital age where influencer-driven brands thrive and streetwear culture blurs the lines between fandom and fashion, it’s no surprise that xplr merch—the official merchandise line of YouTube duo Sam and Colby—has become a phenomenon of its own. With sleek designs, thematic drops, and limited-edition releases, XPLR gear goes far beyond just being merch; it’s a lifestyle statement. But with great popularity comes the inevitable rise of knock-offs and counterfeit items.
If you’re a die-hard fan or even a casual admirer of Sam and Colby’s paranormal adventures, you want to make sure your XPLR hoodie, tee, or accessory is the real deal. This guide is here to help you confidently navigate the market, spot the signs of authentic XPLR merch, and avoid falling for fakes.
Why Authenticity Matters
Owning authentic merchandise is more than just about quality—it’s about supporting the creators you love. Each sam and colby xplr merch item purchased from an official source directly contributes to Sam and Colby’s ability to keep making the content fans enjoy. Authentic items also offer better quality, exclusive designs, and a closer connection to the duo’s brand vision.
Fake merchandise not only cheats you out of value but also undermines the hard work and creativity that Sam and Colby pour into their content and brand.
1. Shop Directly from the Official XPLR Site
The most reliable way to ensure you’re getting authentic merch is by purchasing it directly from the official XPLR store. The site is typically linked through Sam and Colby’s YouTube videos, Instagram bios, or verified social accounts.
Key features of the official site include:
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Limited-edition drops with set release dates
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Professionally shot product photos
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Countdown timers and clear item descriptions
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Secure checkout and confirmation emails
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Unique collabs with recognizable creators and themes
Bookmark the official site and keep tabs on drop announcements through Sam and Colby’s social channels. They often give sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes content that adds hype to upcoming releases.
2. Look for Branded Tags and Labels
Every authentic XPLR apparel item comes with specific tags that reflect the brand’s identity. These often include:
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The XPLR logo printed or sewn into the neck tag
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High-quality stitching and materials
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Custom labels denoting size, care instructions, or collection name
If your item has a generic tag or shows signs of sloppy stitching, it’s likely a fake. Compare photos from the official site with the product in hand to spot inconsistencies.
3. Beware of Third-Party Marketplaces
Websites like eBay, Amazon, and even social resale apps like Depop or Poshmark can be risky for finding authentic XPLR merch. While some sellers are legitimate fans reselling rare pieces, others may be offering counterfeit goods at marked-up prices.
When buying from these platforms:
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Check the seller’s reviews and ratings
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Ask for multiple photos, especially close-ups of tags and print quality
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Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true
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Avoid listings that use stock images without showing the actual product
When in doubt, skip the deal. Paying a bit more on the official site beats losing your money on a bootleg.
4. Verify Drop Information
Sam and Colby are known for their creative launch strategies. Whether it’s a haunted-themed collection or a drop tied to a new video series, every merch release has a story. Before buying, check:
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Their YouTube channel for launch teasers or official promo videos
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Their Instagram stories or posts for drop dates
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The XPLR site’s blog or product pages for drop history and timelines
If you see an item listed as part of a “limited drop” but that release doesn’t match anything in official timelines, it’s probably fake.
5. Watch for Design Details
XPLR merch isn’t just random logos slapped on tees. The designs are often rich in symbolism and storytelling, featuring:
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Paranormal motifs like skulls, shadows, or abandoned locations
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High-contrast, moody color palettes
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Signature elements from their videos or tours
Counterfeit merch often gets these elements wrong—fonts may be off, colors may be dull, or the layout might feel unbalanced. Authentic XPLR items are thoughtfully designed, so if something feels off, it probably is.
6. Avoid Pop-Up “Fan Shops” and Knockoff Sites
Fake shops often use names like “SamColbyFansMerch” or “XPLRDeals” to trick buyers. These sites may appear in social media ads or Google search results with promises of huge discounts.
Red flags to avoid:
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No clear contact info or customer support
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Grainy product images lifted from Instagram
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Misspellings or awkward language on the site
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No mention of official brand partnerships
Always verify the URL matches what’s shared on Sam and Colby’s official platforms.
7. Use Community Forums for Help
If you’re unsure whether a piece is authentic, try asking the community. Reddit threads, Discord servers, and fan pages dedicated to Sam and Colby often have experienced fans who can help verify items.
Posting a few photos and asking for feedback from longtime collectors can save you from a regretful purchase. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with other fans and possibly trade or sell verified pieces.
8. Check Packaging and Shipping
Official XPLR merchandise usually arrives with professional packaging, including:
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Branded wrapping or bags
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Thank-you notes or printed cards with collection info
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Secure shipping and tracking numbers
If your item arrives in generic or damaged packaging with no brand identity, it’s a red flag. Authentic XPLR orders also come with digital receipts and confirmation emails. Keep those for your records.
9. Be Cautious with “Custom” Designs
Some fan-run stores may claim to offer “inspired by” or “custom XPLR” designs. While these aren’t necessarily scams, they’re not authentic either. Only official designs released by Sam and Colby or their team count as true XPLR merch.
Wearing inspired merch is fine for some fans, but if you’re looking for collector value or official designs, always stick to the source.
10. Join Drop Notifications and Mailing Lists
To never miss a legit drop, sign up for the XPLR mailing list. This ensures you get first dibs on new collections and access to any secret or early-access releases. Some drops sell out within hours, especially limited hoodies, tour gear, or signed items.
Being on the list also helps you avoid resellers and scalpers trying to flip merch at twice the price.
Final Thoughts: Stay Loyal, Stay Smart
Finding authentic XPLR and Sam and Colby merchandise isn’t hard once you know where to look. With their brand continuing to grow and evolve, the value of genuine merch will only increase—both sentimentally and in collector circles. Whether you’re rocking a glow-in-the-dark hoodie from the Overnight series or sporting a tee from their latest haunted road trip, wearing real XPLR gear is a way to proudly show your fandom and support the journey of two creators who’ve turned curiosity into culture.
