In 2025, XPLR gear is hotter than ever — bold graphics, limited drops, and an unshakable fanbase fueled by Sam and Colby’s ever-growing presence. But with all that hype comes a serious problem: fakes, scams, and shady sellers. If you're not careful, you could end up spending real money on counterfeit merch or cheap knockoffs that look nothing like the real thing.
So how do you make sure you’re getting authentic XPLR gear? Here’s your guide to shopping smart and avoiding scams while repping your favorite creators.
Start with the Only Source That Matters: XPLR.com
Let’s get this straight — the only 100% official place to buy authentic XPLR merch is XPLR.com. This is the brand’s official site, run by Sam and Colby and their trusted merch team.
Every collection, whether it’s a mystery drop, seasonal release, or collab, will launch here first. If you're not buying from XPLR.com or a link directly posted by sam and colby merch themselves, you're taking a risk.
Bookmark it. Create an account. Enable drop alerts. This site is your safest bet.
Follow Official Socials for Verified Drop Links
Before every drop, Sam and Colby typically post official links on their verified social media accounts — especially Instagram (@samgolbach, @colbybrock) and Twitter/X. These are the only profiles you should trust when it comes to links, previews, and merch announcements.
They also post limited vault access and password drops, so staying connected gives you exclusive access and keeps you away from sketchy sellers pretending to be part of the official team.
Avoid Sketchy Lookalike Sites
Scammers are getting clever in 2025. They copy the fonts, the logos, and even use Sam and Colby’s photos to make their fake sites look real. But don’t fall for it — here’s how to spot the fakes:
Check the URL: If it's anything other than xplr.com, it's not legit. Scam sites will use names like xplrstore.co, xplr-gear.shop, or officialxplroutlet.com.
Look for poor grammar and weird layout: Real XPLR drops are clean, sleek, and professional. Fake sites often look off, with clunky text and broken links.
No SSL? No sale. Make sure the site begins with “https://” — that “s” means it’s secure. Most fake sites don’t even bother with encryption.
When in doubt, don’t click.
Watch Out for Fake Instagram Shops and TikTok Ads
In 2025, scammers are swarming TikTok and IG, pushing fake XPLR gear through sponsored posts or DM promotions. You’ll see phrases like:
“LIMITED XPLR HOODIES — 70% OFF!”
“Sam & Colby merch restock! Tap now!”
“Official XPLR gear at wholesale prices!”
Don’t trust these. Even if they use legit-looking photos, they’re often just dropshipping cheap, low-quality imitations that fall apart after one wash — or worse, steal your money without delivering anything at all.
Remember: Sam and Colby never sell through Instagram DMs or personal TikTok sellers.
Be Careful with Resale Platforms (But Not All Are Bad)
Sometimes, you might miss a drop and want to grab a hoodie or shirt secondhand. That’s totally fine — if you’re smart about where and how you shop. The safest platforms for resale include:
Depop
Grailed
eBay (with buyer protection)
But even on these sites, always look for signs of authenticity:
Ask for proof of purchase (like a screenshot of the order confirmation from XPLR.com).
Check tags and packaging. Real items often come with branded tags, sticker sets, or specific packaging details.
Compare the item to official product photos from XPLR.com or Sam and Colby’s socials. If anything seems off — slightly wrong logo, wrong color, or misspelled tag — skip it.
Never pay through Cash App, Venmo, or direct bank transfer when buying from a stranger. Stick with platforms that offer buyer protection and dispute resolution.
Check Reddit and Fan Groups Before Buying
Still unsure if a site is real? The fan community has your back. Subreddits like r/SamandColby and Discord servers dedicated to XPLR gear often share scam alerts, legit seller recommendations, and even help verify listings.
Before you buy from an unknown source, drop the link in one of these groups and ask, “Is this legit?” You’ll usually get a quick answer — and save yourself from a scam.
How to Tell if Your Hoodie Is Fake
Let’s say you already bought a hoodie — how do you know if it’s legit? Watch for these red flags:
Low-quality print that cracks or fades after one wash
No interior tags or random, generic tags with no XPLR branding
Loose stitching, crooked seams, or off-centered graphics
No branded packaging, stickers, or inserts (many real XPLR pieces include extras)
Wrong sizing (fakes often run way too small or way too big)
If it feels cheap or looks off, it probably is. Sadly, many fake hoodies are just mass-produced blanks with low-resolution art stolen from official XPLR photos.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you ordered from a fake site or got ripped off:
Report the site immediately to Google and your local cybercrime authority
Dispute the charge with your bank or card provider — you may be able to get a refund
Leave reviews on scam-check sites to warn others
Let the XPLR fan community know so they can avoid the same trap
It sucks, but you’re not alone — and raising awareness helps others steer clear.
Final Word: Stick with the Source
In 2025, the XPLR brand is only getting bigger — which means fakes are getting sneakier. But if you stay smart, verify links, and stick with XPLR.com or safe resale platforms, you can keep your closet full of authentic, high-quality gear that reps Sam and Colby the way it was meant to.
Don’t risk it for a discount. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Stay official. Stay protected. And wear your XPLR hoodie with pride.
