What started as a haunted adventure has transformed into a cultural movement.
xplr merch—born from the fearless energy of Sam and Colby’s paranormal investigations—has evolved into a dynamic streetwear brand that resonates far beyond the ghost-hunting community. It’s not just fan gear anymore. It’s fashion with a purpose, clothing that tells a story, and a symbol of rebellion, curiosity, and personal expression.
Let’s dive deep into how XPLR merch transformed from a niche fandom apparel into a full-blown fashion statement worn by thousands of fearless explorers around the world.
The Origins: Paranormal Passion Meets Merchandise
The roots of XPLR merch trace back to the YouTube journey of Sam Golbach and Colby Brock, best friends known for their high-stakes explorations of abandoned asylums, haunted prisons, and mysterious landmarks.
Their fanbase—originally drawn in by heart-pounding content and supernatural thrills—began to crave more than just episodes. They wanted a way to feel connected to the duo, to the adventures, and to the ideology behind XPLR: Explore. Learn. Grow.
Early merch drops included:
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Simple logo tees
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Hoodies with “XPLR” text
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Catchphrases like “Stay Fearless”
These pieces functioned as badges of honor. To wear XPLR was to say I’m not afraid to go beyond the ordinary.
Stage One: Basic Fan Gear (2016–2018)
In the early days, the merch followed traditional YouTuber trends. Designs were straightforward—typically screen-printed graphics or text on standard blanks. The focus was community-driven: if you wore sam and colby xplr merch, you were one of the fearless, a digital explorer riding along on ghost hunts from your screen.
Popular features from this era included:
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Minimal XPLR logo tees
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Basic cotton hoodies
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Sam & Colby quotes and video references
The goal was identification. Fans wanted others to know they were part of something. But this was just the beginning.
Stage Two: Building a Brand Identity (2018–2020)
As Sam and Colby grew creatively, so did their merch. XPLR started to break out of the “YouTuber merch” mold and venture into streetwear territory. They began refining the aesthetic—leaning into darker tones, bolder typography, and mysterious visual elements that echoed the themes of their content.
Key shifts during this time:
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Elevated fabric quality
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Introduction of limited drops
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Designs inspired by haunted locations and horror motifs
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Merchandise tied to YouTube series (like “The Origin”)
This was when XPLR merch started becoming collectible. Fans didn’t just want a shirt—they wanted a piece of a story. Each release started to align with content arcs, making the gear feel immersive.
Stage Three: Streetwear Ascension (2020–2022)
By this stage, XPLR had made a full transition into the realm of streetwear. The designs became bolder, the cuts more fashion-forward, and the branding more iconic.
Core elements of this era:
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Oversized hoodies with symbolic graphics
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Embroidered patches
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Washed or distressed fabrics
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Outerwear with custom tags and hidden messages
These pieces blurred the line between fan merch and fashion. You didn’t need to be a fan to appreciate the design—XPLR became wearable art.
The branding matured too. Instead of relying heavily on Sam and Colby’s names, the merch leaned into XPLR as its own entity. The message? This brand stands for anyone who’s curious, fearless, and defiant—just like the content that birthed it.
Stage Four: Thematic Collections and Limited Drops (2022–2024)
XPLR merch began to adopt fashion industry strategies like thematic capsules and limited edition releases. Drops were no longer random; they were crafted like campaigns—complete with trailers, countdowns, and cinematic promo videos.
Notable changes:
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Location-inspired drops (e.g., The Stanley Hotel Collection)
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Series-based merch bundles with exclusive designs
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Preorders and time-sensitive sales
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High-demand sellouts in minutes
These collections deepened the experience for fans and introduced urgency and exclusivity into the mix. The merch wasn’t just clothing—it was cultural currency. Owning a rare drop meant you were in the know, part of an elite subculture within the XPLR universe.
The XPLR Community: More Than Just Clothing
At the heart of this evolution lies one undeniable truth: XPLR merch grew because of the people wearing it.
The brand tapped into something many fans felt: a desire to belong to a tribe of fearless, curious minds who seek truth in the shadows. Wearing XPLR isn’t just about looking cool—it’s about feeling seen.
Over the years, fans have turned XPLR merch into:
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School fits that defy conformity
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Photoshoot staples for Instagram and TikTok
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Concert and festival wear
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Adventure gear for exploring abandoned spots
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Conversation starters among strangers who recognize the logo
The brand has become a way of life, a visual language spoken by those who dare to question, explore, and feel deeply.
Collaborations and Signature Pieces
As the brand matured, it began experimenting with unique pieces and accessories beyond just hoodies and tees.
Examples include:
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Reflective jackets with XPLR symbols
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Glow-in-the-dark prints
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Signature beanies and caps
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Backpacks and crossbody bags with stitched emblems
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Limited sneakers teased on social media
Each piece serves not only a stylistic function but also deepens the lore. From cryptic designs that nod to secret messages to coordinates referencing real haunted sites, XPLR merch became storytelling you can wear.
XPLR Today: A Symbol of Fearless Culture
Today, XPLR merch stands at a fascinating crossroads between fanwear and fashion. It’s no longer confined to the YouTube audience—it’s bleeding into the wider streetwear landscape and being recognized for its design, vision, and originality.
What defines XPLR merch today?
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Authenticity – It’s rooted in real stories and genuine experiences.
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Community – Fans drive the hype and wear it proudly across the globe.
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Mystery – The brand always leaves room for curiosity, whether through visual motifs or hidden drops.
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Boldness – It encourages individuality, fearlessness, and expression.
It’s rare to see a brand evolve so organically—from ghost-hunting hoodies to fashion-forward statements worn by trendsetters. But XPLR pulled it off because it stayed true to its roots while never being afraid to evolve.
The Future: Where Does XPLR Go Next?
As of now, XPLR continues to evolve. With more cinematic series, deeper lore, and a growing fanbase, the merch is expected to reflect these narratives even more richly.
What to watch for:
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Collaborations with streetwear or outdoor brands
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Gender-neutral and size-inclusive designs
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Eco-conscious or sustainable materials
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Augmented reality (AR) integration in merch for interactive storytelling
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Real-world events or pop-up shops tied to merch launches
The future of XPLR merch is as exciting and unpredictable as the haunted places that inspired it. What remains constant is the spirit behind the brand—a commitment to exploration, self-expression, and never backing down from the unknown.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Logo
From t-shirts to tactical jackets, from paranormal tales to fashion-forward designs, XPLR merch has grown into something few YouTube-based brands ever achieve: a lifestyle movement.
It speaks to the restless, the curious, the brave—and those who crave meaning in what they wear.
So the next time you throw on an XPLR hoodie, remember: you’re not just wearing merch. You’re wearing a mindset. You’re carrying the legacy of ghost hunts, night drives, and whispered legends. You’re living the XPLR story—and boldly writing your own.
