Popular Group Under Fire For Selling “Durags” As Official Merch
XG have come under fire for some of their new merch items.
On March 15, XG’s social media accounts announced a special collaboration between the group and brands DIDU & YUEQI QI. The collaboration was to consist of several items, including T-shirts, beanies, and baseball caps all designed by the brands.
The initial announcement was met with excitement; however, once the visuals of the merch were revealed, many expressed outrage.
The merchandise was as first listed, but the baseball cap attracted attention because of an extra detail added to the design.
The ball cap, described as a “Scarf Camo Cap,” included an extra piece of fabric instead of the typical back of a cap that divided into two points.
Many online found this “scarf” to be reminiscent of a durag, a protective hair garment typically worn by Black people. Durags have also evolved to be part of Black fashion culture despite the criticism individuals face when wearing them.
Thus, when non-black individuals attempt to claim these items as anything but what they are and are praised for doing so, they are accused of cultural appropriation.
The brand behind the design, DIDU, has similar items listed on its site for around 146 USD. Durags can commonly be found for sale for under five dollars, an extra detail that has infuriated many.
Netizens have criticized XG, who have been accused of cultural appropriation on multiple occasions, for the merch item and demanded its removal.
the way xg constantly does cultural appropriation to the highest degree but some of their fans are hellbent on acting like it does not exist is actually crazy.. like what do you mean you are selling a chopped up durag and calling it a “scarf”? pic.twitter.com/JDMAqjHsBn
— cae ꕤ 🥀 (@ablume_me) March 19, 2025
I cannot and will not speak on behalf of all Alphaz but as the admin of this US based account and as a Black Alphaz, I will not be supporting this merchandise and I think it’s damaging towards the Black community and to those girl’s reputation: please reconsider. https://t.co/OgoBfQiUdB
— XG USA (@XGALXUSA) March 20, 2025
Their creative team have always walked a fine line when it comes to stuff like this. They do just enough so it’s not blatant which makes it easier for ppl to defend them, and just enough that you get the idea of what they were going for and that in of itself is a problem. https://t.co/iaKqz4DqRY
— N♡︎⁷ misses 127 💚🪽 (@cloudyyjun) March 20, 2025
