When you hear the word XPLR, what comes to mind? For millions of fans, it’s more than just a logo — it’s a symbol of adventure, courage, and curiosity. Behind this bold brand are two creators who turned their love for exploring the unknown into a thriving streetwear label: Sam Golbach and Colby Brock. But who are they really? How did they start? And who helps make xplr merch possible today? Let’s dive deep into their story, the brand’s evolution, and the creative force that fuels it.

?️ Meet Sam and Colby: From Small-Town Dreamers to Global Explorers

sam and colby merch grew up in Kansas, where they became best friends in high school. Like many Gen Z creators, their story started with Vine, the now-defunct 6-second video app. Their pranks and funny skits quickly earned them a loyal fanbase.

But instead of fading away when Vine shut down in 2016, they pivoted to YouTube — and that’s where things got interesting. They reinvented themselves as explorers of the paranormal, urban legends, and abandoned places. Their videos, often filmed at night in haunted hospitals, creepy forests, or historic murder houses, struck a chord with millions of viewers craving real adventure and adrenaline.

Today, the Sam and Colby YouTube channel has over 14 million subscribers and billions of views. They’re not just YouTubers anymore — they’re storytellers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and the faces of a movement.

? How XPLR Was Born

In 2017, Sam and Colby realized their fans wanted more than videos. They wanted to feel connected — to wear something that represented the courage it takes to explore the unknown. That’s when XPLR was born.

shop XPLR is short for Explore. The name reflects their mission perfectly: to inspire people to step outside their comfort zones and find adventure in the world around them. At first, they partnered with Fanjoy — a company that helps creators launch merch — but Sam and Colby always had a bigger vision. They didn’t want to just slap their faces on a t-shirt; they wanted to create high-quality streetwear that meant something.

So they did.

? Hands-On Creators: Who Designs the Merch?

Unlike many influencers who let third parties handle everything, Sam and Colby are deeply involved in their brand’s design. From day one, they made sure every piece of Xplr tracksuit reflected their adventures, their fans, and their message.

They brainstorm ideas themselves — often sharing rough sketches and design concepts with fans on Instagram or Twitter. Colby is especially known for teasing new drops, asking followers which graphics they like best, and incorporating fan feedback. This makes the XPLR community feel like insiders who shape the brand alongside them.

But as the brand grew, so did the need for a solid creative and operations team. By 2023, Sam and Colby had built an in-house team of around 16 people, including:

• Creative Directors who oversee design themes for each collection

• Graphic Designers who turn ideas into wearable art

• A Chief Operating Officer to run day-to-day production and distribution

• Marketing Managers to plan launches and promotions

• Customer Service and Logistics specialists to handle global orders

This hands-on, in-house approach is rare for YouTube merch and sets XPLR apart as a real streetwear label — not just influencer swag.

? What Makes XPLR Unique?

So, what makes XPLR and Sam and Colby merch stand out in a sea of YouTuber hoodies and fan tees? Here are a few reasons:

✅ Meaningful Designs: The graphics aren’t random. Many are inspired by actual haunted places they’ve explored, paranormal symbols, or catchphrases from their videos like Face Your Fears and Explore Everything.

✅ Streetwear Quality: From heavy cotton hoodies to embroidered beanies and limited-edition drops, XPLR pieces feel more like edgy streetwear than basic fan merch.

✅ Community Input: Fans are involved in the process. When Colby posts three t-shirt options, the comments decide which one drops. It’s a two-way street.

✅ Mission-Driven: XPLR is more than a brand. It’s a mindset that pushes people to be brave, adventurous, and curious.

? From Online Store to Retail Shelves

At first, XPLR was only sold through their official online store — but in 2023, they made a huge leap. Sam and Colby struck deals with major retail chains like Zumiez and Hot Topic, bringing their merch to physical shelves across the U.S.

This move paid off big time:

• In 2024, they made over $7.7 million in direct online sales.

• An additional $5.3 million came from retail stores — proving XPLR is more than just a YouTube side hustle.

Fans can now find XPLR hoodies and t-shirts alongside well-known streetwear brands, giving them mainstream visibility and attracting new fans who might not even follow their channel (yet).

? How Big Is XPLR Now?

While Sam and Colby haven’t publicly released every detail of their business, multiple sources estimate their merch business earns over $13 million a year — and that’s growing as their brand expands globally.

They’ve hinted at opening pop-up stores, hosting XPLR fan events, and even collaborating with other streetwear brands in the future. Some fans speculate that limited-edition collaborations with other creators, or even haunted location-inspired capsule collections, could be next.

? What’s Next for Sam and Colby Merch?

If one thing’s certain, it’s that Sam and Colby won’t stop exploring — or growing XPLR. They’re always searching for ways to make the brand more than just clothing. From new seasonal collections to immersive fan experiences, they continue to blur the line between creator and entrepreneur.

Their mission stays the same: Face your fears. Explore everything. And for millions of fans wearing that XPLR hoodie or hat, it’s a reminder to live boldly every day.

✅ Quick Recap

? Ready to Join the Adventure?

If you’re ready to rep the XPLR mindset, you can grab your own piece of the adventure at the XPLR Official Shop or check your local Zumiez and Hot Topic stores.