Merz b. Schwanen, iconic for a reason
In the hit TV series The Bear, a particular piece of clothing takes center stage: the seamless white T-shirt worn by Jeremy Allen White. This understated staple comes from Merz B. Schwanen, a small fashion label based in Albstadt, Germany. Known for its old-world craftsmanship, the brand's t-shirts always have a waitlist.
Merz B. Schwanen has designed and crafted original, consciously made clothing since 1911. Driven by steadfast values of heritage, integrity and sustainability, their family-run, German-based business is a quiet antidote to the world’s feverish pace and mercurial trends. Much like a centenarian loopwheeler, Merz b. Schwanen moves with purpose, patience, and a dedication to timeless craftsmanship
Now officially stocked at Ray Rickburn, experience the quality for yourself.
back to basics
Back in 1911, Balthasar Merz took over a textile factory in the Swabian Alb, Germany. This factory is where Merz B. Schwanen built it's iconic heritage, rooted in old practices and history.
Fast forward to 2011, and Berlin-based partners Gitta & Peter Plotnicki brought the brand back to life after the founder’s descendants had shut down production. Driven by their love for authentic clothing and a vision to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability, they returned to the Swabian Alb to make it happen.
The love story began at a Berlin flea market, where the couple stumbled upon a 90-year-old henley from Merz B. Schwanen.
It was unlike anything they’d ever seen—a true worker’s henley with history woven into every stitch. Little did they know, that one find would change their lives.
Gitta & Peter headed to the Swabian Alb to meet with textile manufacturer Rudolf Loder. What they didn’t expect? He had 32 vintage loopwheel machines—authentic, one-of-a-kind relics. Today, those same machines produce the fabric for Merz B. Schwanen, GOOD ORIGINALS, keeping each piece naturally limited and truly unique.
the history behind the loopwheel
The process of the Loopwheel was patented in 1926 by Giuseppe Negra. The Loopwheel is a special method of knitting fabric using a circular machine. It creates a dense, soft, and durable fabric with no side seams.
Here’s how it works: the machine slowly knits cotton yarn around a cylinder, making the fabric denser and softer. As it rotates, the fabric just falls off naturally with no tension, helping it hold its shape.
The result? A fabric that’s built to last, feels great, and conforms to your body. Plus, it’s less likely to stretch, shrink, or twist. Merz B. Schwanen utilizes this process with the machines they've inherited to produce the highest quality basics. Once you slip into a Merz B. Schwanen cotton tee, you'll never go back.
the heritage lives on
With a mix of passion, determination, and hard work, everything came together to bring the brand back to life.
While Gitta & Peter designed the first collection, Loder got the old machines up and running again. The buzz around the Swabian Alb grew, and then something big happened—the original founder’s descendants stepped in and offered the ultimate gift: the brand’s name, Merz b. Schwanen.
“We were thrilled. Suddenly, we held more than a century of company history in our hands. We couldn’t have wished for better support and a more effective motivation”, Peter Plotnicki said.
Merz b. Schwanen launched its new collection, Good Originals, to widespread acclaim. Rooted in simplicity, quality, and understated style, the collection featured loopwheeled designs that reinterpreted classic workwear from the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s for today’s world. In 2016, the Good Originals range was joined by Good Basics—crafted in Portugal and staying true to the same high standards and values. Expanding the brand’s creative vision, Good Basics introduced a forward-thinking approach, incorporating modern colors, organic and recycled materials, and contemporary styles. This collection represents the evolution of Merz b. Schwanen’s rich heritage, blending tradition with innovation.
the iconic 215 t-shirt
This sleek round-neck T-shirt reflects their philosophy—effortlessly timeless and undeniably classic.
With a classic yet effortlessly relaxed fit, this tee complements any Man's wardrobe. Made from pure organic cotton, it offers a luxuriously soft feel while maintaining durability and structure, thanks to its distinctive, authentic 2-count fabric. As part of the GOOD ORIGINALS collection, it is expertly loopwheeled for lasting quality.
This piece runs small, so we recommend sizing up for the perfect fit.
Merz B. Schwanen's quality goes beyond how a fabric feels against your skin—it’s about the journey every piece takes before reaching your hands. It means ensuring fair, safe working conditions for everyone involved and making responsible choices that reduce the environmental impact of the manufacturing at every step.
It’s about sourcing ethical materials and working with farmers and manufacturers who share Merz b. Schwanen’s values. At the core of everything they do is a deep commitment to original design, sustainability, and ethical production—resulting in well-made, everyday essentials you can trust.
At Ray Rickburn, we’re proud to offer Merz B. Schwanen’s timeless designs, crafted with heritage, integrity, and sustainability in mind. These pieces bring together authentic history and modern style. Visit us in store today to fall in love with their classic craftsmanship. Merz B. Schwanen, iconic for a reason.