346 Sweatshirt
The loopwheeled 346 crewneck is the brand's benchmark sweatshirt, knitted on restored circular machines in its own Albstadt factory.
Explore 346 Sweatshirt →Brand profile
Merz b. Schwanen
German heritage label knitting organic-cotton tees and henleys on restored loopwheel machines in its own Swabian Alps factory.
BerlinOrigin
UnisexFocus
Workwear / HeritageStyle
$$Price
4 brands like Merz b. Schwanen like Velva Sheen, Todd Shelton, Stan Ray →
What to know about Merz b. Schwanen
Merz b. Schwanen is a German heritage knitwear label founded in 1911 by Balthasar Merz in the Swabian Alps and relaunched in 2011 by designers Gitta and Peter Plotnicki after they found a vintage Merz henley at a Berlin flea market. The brand's ORIGINALS line is knitted on restored loopwheel circular machines in its own Albstadt factory, using organic cotton. Signature pieces include the 215 two-thread heavyweight tee, henleys, sweatshirts and knit polos. Berlin-headquartered, with flagship stores in Berlin Mitte, New York and Los Angeles.
The pieces that define Merz b. Schwanen
Shop Merz b. Schwanen →Iconic Ribbed Cotton Tank Top
The ribbed cotton tank is pure Merz heritage underwear knitwear, the kind of vintage piece that inspired the label's 2011 relaunch.
Explore ribbed tanks →Ribbed Knit Shirts & Polos
Fine ribbed knit shirts and polos show off the brand's loopwheel knitting expertise beyond the plain tee.
Explore knit shirts →Shop Merz b. Schwanen
Shop all Merz b. Schwanen ↗How Merz b. Schwanen fits
Overall fit
slightly small
Shoppers generally find Merz b. Schwanen pieces fit close to the body with a somewhat trim cut, and the heavyweight loopwheeled cotton can shrink a bit after washing.
Tip: Consider sizing up if you want a relaxed fit or plan to layer, as the loopwheeled cotton fits close and shrinks slightly.
Medium confidence · based on 12 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirts & graphic tees | slightly small | slim to regular | Size up if you prefer a looser drape, especially with the heavyweight 215 tee. |
| Shirts & overshirts | slightly small | regular, close through the chest | Consider your usual or one size up for the henleys if you want room to layer. |
| Hoodies & sweatshirts | true to size | regular | Sweatshirts tend to fit as expected; account for minor shrinkage. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Merz b. Schwanen
89% matchVelva Sheen
Tubular-knit vintage tees from 1930s US sportswear archive
What changes: US-made cotton, no organic-certified or loopwheel focus
75% matchTodd Shelton
Own-factory basics with obsessive fit and fabric control
What changes: Broader wardrobe incl. denim and shirting, sized by body type
71% matchStan Ray
Single-factory heritage workwear at honest prices
What changes: Cotton sateen pants and jackets rather than knitwear
69% matchMerz b. Schwanen fit questions
Does Merz b. Schwanen run big or small?
Merz b. Schwanen fits slightly small. Consider sizing up if you want a relaxed fit or plan to layer, as the loopwheeled cotton fits close and shrinks slightly. Shoppers generally find Merz b. Schwanen pieces fit close to the body with a somewhat trim cut, and the heavyweight loopwheeled cotton can shrink a bit after washing.
How does Merz b. Schwanen fit?
Shoppers generally find Merz b. Schwanen pieces fit close to the body with a somewhat trim cut, and the heavyweight loopwheeled cotton can shrink a bit after washing. Overall shape: slim to regular, close-fitting through the body.
How do Merz b. Schwanen t-shirts & graphic tees fit?
Merz b. Schwanen t-shirts & graphic tees fits slightly small. Size up if you prefer a looser drape, especially with the heavyweight 215 tee. Shape: slim to regular.
How do Merz b. Schwanen shirts & overshirts fit?
Merz b. Schwanen shirts & overshirts fits slightly small. Consider your usual or one size up for the henleys if you want room to layer. Shape: regular, close through the chest.
How do Merz b. Schwanen hoodies & sweatshirts fit?
Merz b. Schwanen hoodies & sweatshirts fits true to size. Sweatshirts tend to fit as expected; account for minor shrinkage. Shape: regular.
Brand facts
- Founded
- 1911 (relaunched 2011)
- Origin
- Berlin, Germany
- Price
- $$
- Typical prices
- T-shirts $87–$120 · Hoodies $120–$194 · Shirts $150–$208
- Focus
- Unisex
- Styles
- Workwear / Heritage, Minimalist / Contemporary