Merz b. Schwanen designs and crafts original, consciously made clothing for those who appreciate quality materials and timeless design. Our family-run, Berlin-based business is driven by steadfast values of heritage, integrity and sustainability. And, of course, the often-unsung heroes, patience and simplicity.
Founded in 1911 by Balthasar Merz, the brand began in Germany’s Swabian Albs, once a thriving hub of textile production. There, Merz b. Schwanen manufactured loopwheeled workers’ shirts and undergarments—simple, durable pieces made with skill, patience, and purpose.
A century later, a 90-year-old Henley was unearthed by Gitta and Peter Plotnicki at a Berlin flea market. An echo of Balthasar Merz’s bygone brand—the rare Henley piqued the pair’s curiosity, leading them to the Swabian Alps and a long-retired factory floor of century-old loopwheelers. The idea to revive both the machines and the brand was born.
THE BERLIN STORE
In 2022, Merz b. Schwanen opened its flagship store in Berlin’s Mitte. A warm, calming space, it invites customers to explore the range, wander among timeless furniture sourced from 1920s German manufacturing sites, connect with our team, and absorb the fine-grain details that define Merz b. Schwanen.
THE NEW YORK STORE
Opened in 2024, our Canal Street store is a quiet refuge in the bustling Big Apple, and a decades-old dream realised by founders Peter and Gitta. Thoughtfully curated in collaboration with Berlin-based Danish Apriori, our Canal Street retreat is all about good design, good times, good neighbors, and slower moments.
Source: Merz B. Schwanen / merzbschwanen.com