Merz b.
Schwanen.
Since 1911.
Founded 1911 · Albstadt, Germany
The Rake stocks the full Merz b. Schwanen range in-store in Newcastle and online. Loopwheeled T-shirts, sweatshirts, underwear and more — all in stock now.
Shop Merz b. Schwanen →
In stock now
1911 · Albstadt, Germany
The 215 T-Shirt · As seen in The Bear
The Rake · Newcastle NSW
Merz b. Schwanen has been making knitwear in Albstadt, Germany since 1911. The same loopwheel machines, the same approach — slow, considered, built to last.
In 2011, Gitta and Peter Plotnicki revived the brand, returning to the same century-old loopwheel machines and the same commitment to making things properly. Their T-shirts, sweatshirts and underwear are among the finest garments made in Germany — and among the most quietly influential pieces in any serious wardrobe.
T-Shirts
Loopwheeled in Germany from organic cotton. The 215 is the benchmark — heavyweight, tubular, perfect.
02Sweatshirts
Loopback fleece on the same vintage machines. Soft inside, structured outside.
03Long Sleeve
Same loopwheeled construction as the tees. Wears in beautifully over time.
04Underwear
Boxer briefs and vests from the same heavyweight organic cotton. The most underrated thing Merz makes.
The T-shirt from The Bear.
If you've watched The Bear, you've seen the 215 — the heavyweight loopwheeled tee worn by Carmy throughout the series. It's the one that made a lot of people stop and ask what he was wearing.
We stock it at The Rake in Newcastle and online with fast Australia-wide shipping.
Shop the 215 T-Shirt →The 215 — what makes it different
7.2oz
Heavyweight loopwheeled cotton
1911
Year the machines were made
100%
Organic cotton · Made in Germany
The most ordinary garment, made properly, becomes something extraordinary.
A white T-shirt shouldn't be exciting. But when it's cut on a loopwheel machine from heavyweight organic cotton and sewn in Germany by people who've been doing this for over a century, it becomes the T-shirt you wear for ten years and never replace.
We carry the full Merz range in-store at 159 Hunter Street, Newcastle, and online with fast Australia-wide shipping.
What is loopwheel construction?
Most T-shirts today are cut from flat fabric and sewn together, creating seams that can twist and irritate over time. Loopwheel construction is different — the fabric is knitted in a continuous tube on a slow, vintage machine, creating a fabric with natural elasticity and a characteristic softness that flat-knit cotton can't replicate.
Merz b. Schwanen operates some of the last working loopwheel machines in Germany. They run slowly — producing only a few metres of fabric per hour — which is why the garments cost what they cost, and why they last as long as they do.
It's the kind of thing you feel the first time you put one on, and understand completely the tenth time you wash it without it losing its shape.
Where can I buy Merz b. Schwanen in Australia?
The Rake is one of Australia's leading Merz b. Schwanen stockists. Shop in-store at 159 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW, or online at therake.com.au with Australia-wide shipping.
What T-shirt does Carmy wear in The Bear?
Carmy wears the Merz b. Schwanen 215 — a heavyweight loopwheeled crewneck T-shirt in white and natural. It's a 7.2oz organic cotton tee made on century-old loopwheel machines in Germany. We stock it at The Rake.
How does Merz b. Schwanen sizing work?
Merz uses European sizing with a classic, slightly boxy fit. Most people find their usual size works well. Email cody@therake.com.au for specific sizing advice.
Is Merz b. Schwanen made in Germany?
Their GOOD ORIGINALS line — including the 215 and all loopwheeled pieces — is made entirely in Germany. Their GOOD BASICS line is made in Portugal to the same quality standards. Both use organic cotton.
What's the difference between the 215 and 214?
Both are 7.2oz loopwheeled T-shirts — the 215 has a classic fit and the 214 has a slightly more relaxed, oversized fit. Same machines, same cotton, different silhouette.
Do you ship Merz b. Schwanen Australia-wide?
Yes — free standard shipping on all orders over A$200. Express at A$15. Dispatched within 1 business day from our Newcastle store.
Shop Merz b. Schwanen in Australia
Full current season range. Ships Australia-wide from our Newcastle store. Free shipping over A$200.
Shop Merz b. Schwanen →Visit us in Newcastle
Try the 215 in person at 159 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW. Mon–Sat 9am–3pm, Sun 9am–1pm.
Find The Rake →