Merz B. Schwanen

Merz b. Schwanen is a German clothing company with a rich history dating back to 1911. Founded by Balthasar Merz as "Balthasar Merz beim Schwanen" in the Swabian Alps, the company remained family-owned until 2008. After a hiatus caused by globalization and the outsourcing of textile production to low-wage countries, the brand was revived in 2011 by Peter and Gitta Plotnicki after they discovered an original worker's Henley from 1911 at a Berlin flea market[1][3].

Merz b. Schwanen specializes in the production of high-quality, sustainable basics such as T-shirts, Henley shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, underwear, and socks for men and women. The products are inspired by vintage workwear and sportswear, but with modern design and timeless styles. Most garments are made from 100% organic cotton from Greece, without chemical finishes, or from cotton blends with viscose or merino wool[1][3].

The company stands for the combination of authentic design with modern elements and the use of sustainable materials. Merz b. Schwanen places great importance on appreciating the brand's history and continuing this tradition with respect for the past. The company is a calm counterpoint to the hectic hustle of the world and fleeting trends, with a preference for timelessness and quality[2][5].

Sustainability is a central element of Merz b. Schwanen's corporate philosophy. It goes beyond the use of organic materials and includes fair working conditions, minimized environmental impact, and support for farmers and manufacturers who align with the company's values. Production takes place on historical loopwheel machines that have been in operation since the 19th century, and in collaboration with quality-conscious, family-run manufacturers in Portugal[3][5].

Merz b. Schwanen has expanded its presence in recent years, opening another store in New York, Soho, in addition to the first store in Berlin-Mitte in 2022. This expansion underscores the company's commitment to making its values and products accessible to a wider audience[4].

With its unique blend of traditional manufacturing and modern design, Merz b. Schwanen sets standards in the clothing industry, offering customers high-quality, sustainable, and timeless basics that are both comfortable and stylish.

• 1 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merz_b._Schwanen
• 2 - https://merzbschwanen.com/de_DE/-2
• 3 - https://merzbschwanen.com/de_DE/our-story
• 4 - https://merzbschwanen.com/de_DE/blog/press-8/store-to-watch-textilwirtschaft-march-2024-209
• 5 - https://merzbschwanen.com/de_DE/about