Rumors are circulating that the fourth season of the American TV series The Bear will return in June 2025. Although there has been no official confirmation yet, something equally exciting is that the white T-shirt that the male lead Carmy, played by Jeremy Allen White, often wears in the show has arrived at the store !
Although "The Bear" is a TV series about restaurant culture, the production team's taste and attention to detail are evident in the details. The costumes have also sparked much discussion, with the "Merz b Schwanen 215 Loopwheeled T-shirt" becoming a wildly popular item due to the show, and it was consistently out of stock on the official website! (For those interested, you can check out the previous blog post: https://raiderhk.com/blogs/news/t-2 ) It took more than half a year to pre-order.
With its mid-to-high price point and relatively long waiting time, is it worth it? Below is a more detailed introduction to the four styles that arrived in store this time, as well as the popular 215 and its sibling styles, the new 2m15c. The official website prices also just increased in 2025; we'll discuss the sales details and pricing at the end.
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Merz B Schwane - A century-old brand made in Germany!
Founded by the Merz family in 1911, the brand was once eliminated by the competition from cheap T-shirts. However, in 2010, Berlin designer Peter Plotnicki took over the business and revived it, bringing back a group of experienced craftsmen and antique loopwheel knitting machines. The brand perfectly blends traditional craftsmanship with aesthetics, resulting in impeccable fabric quality. The slow production speed using antique loopwheel knitting machines is extremely slow, producing only 10-15 meters of fabric per hour—more than ten times the time required today.
But the sustainability of the finished product is their core value.
(↑ All T-shirts feature the signature triangular underarm reinforcements for added durability and freedom of movement, especially noticeable on fitted T-shirts.
(↑ A simple breakdown of the 4 styles; more details below)
- Merz b PIMA SLUB Tee Shirt
Weighing approximately 4.1 oz , the fabric is extremely lightweight and breathable with a Relaxed Fit, making it perfect for summer. The unique " slub " loose cut creates a relaxed silhouette and distinctive texture. The fabric is treated with a garment-dye process and will not shrink after washing, presenting a soft pre-wash texture and a natural fading effect. It is a lightweight, luxurious, and sophisticated choice for summer.
Slub texture is often referred to as "bamboo cotton" in Chinese, as both refer to the intentional unevenness of yarn thickness created during the weaving process, forming a fabric surface similar to bamboo joints. However, slub texture is actually a broader technical concept, and bamboo cotton is the specific application of slub technology to cotton fabrics. In Merz b. Schwanen 's Pima Slub Tee , the slub texture can be understood as a high-quality bamboo cotton. The Pima Slub Tee uses organic Pima cotton, a "silk cotton" from Peru, which uses extra-long fibers to create a silky touch and subtle sheen, like a second breath for the skin. The irregular structure of the texture increases breathability, combined with the silky touch of Pima cotton, making the T- shirt lightweight and comfortable to wear in summer.
Furthermore, Pima Cotton has a very long lifespan. One reason for this is its resistance to pilling. Due to its long fibers, Pima Cotton hardly pills, meaning that clothing made from this textile can last for years.
Made in Portugal.
- Merz b 1950s Loopwheeled T-Shirt
The 1950s Loopwheeled T-Shirt belongs to Merz b. Schwanen 's Lightweight line and is a rare lightweight loopwheel T-shirt on the market . It is also one of the brand's classic items . Made of 100% organic cotton, the fabric weighs 4.6 ounces ( 2-thread construction), making it suitable for year-round wear.
Inspired by 1950s casual wear, the round neck and slim fit create a simple, retro silhouette, while the slightly narrower shoulders and bust provide a relaxed yet structured shape. The fit and what we'll introduce next... " 215 " is very close, but the difference is that the finished product of " 1950" has a more sophisticated feel compared to " 215 ". It can be used in a variety of ways.
This T- shirt is woven on a century-old circular loom in the Swabian Alps of Germany. The seamless, cylindrical fabric is slowly formed under gravity with low tension, at only 1/10 the speed of modern looms , resulting in unparalleled softness and breathability. Delicate ribbed collar and cuffs add a vintage touch. Weighing only 4.6 ounces, this T- shirt strikes a perfect balance between retro style and comfort, ideal for everyday wear seeking ultimate lightweight comfort. It's a perfect fusion of vintage spirit and modern lightness, showcasing clean lines. Organic cotton and German craftsmanship give it timeless value that transcends trends, appealing to fashion enthusiasts who love vintage culture and lightweight quality.
Made in Germany.
- 215 / 2M15C
(↑ The 2M15C is an improved version specifically designed for the short cuts required in the show.)
The 215 MEN'S LOOPWHEELED T-SHIRT is hailed as the brand's "legendary" piece, inspired by the minimalist lines of the Bauhaus movement. It has been a core product since the brand's revival in 2011, and its popularity surged after the release of "The Bear," making it a classic white T-shirt icon. The 2M15C STURDY JERSEY T-SHIRT is a new model launched in 2024. It is wider and shorter than the original version and is positioned as a "modern brother" of the 215. It is inspired by the Mid-Century design and incorporates contemporary elements. It is specifically designed for those who want the short style of Carmy in the show, and the cut is more in line with modern body shape.
Material and weight:
- 215:
Material: 100% organic cotton, woven with a 2-thread loop, with a slightly rough surface and a soft interior, providing a unique texture that combines softness and crispness.
Weight: Approximately 245g/m² (7.2oz), which is medium to heavyweight, sturdy and durable, and suitable for all seasons.
Feel: The exterior has a slightly retro, irregular texture, the lining is comfortable, and it conforms to the body shape more over time after wearing.
- 2M15C:
Material: 100% organic cotton, made from sturdy jersey woven on a 1960s circular knitting machine, with the same softness but a smoother texture.
Weight: Approximately 230g/m² (6.8oz), slightly lighter than the 215, with a more draping fabric that provides a lighter wearing experience.
Feel: Compared to the structured feel of 215, 2M15C fabric is more fluid and suitable for outfits that pursue a relaxed and modern look.
The double-weave of 215 makes it thicker and more durable, suitable for long-term wear or as a standalone item. The single-weave plain weave of 2M15C is lighter and slightly more breathable, suitable for warmer climates or layering. Both contain no elastic fibers (such as elastane or polyester), retaining the natural comfort of pure cotton.
Cutting and Pattern Making:
- 215: Classic Fit, with a tubular loopwheeling weave that creates a straight, slightly loose silhouette with a slightly wider chest, suitable for most body types. The length is standard, inspired by 1960s T-shirts, slightly longer than modern T-shirts, and will shrink by approximately 2-3 cm after the first wash. The lack of side seams prevents twisting when worn.
- 2M15C: A modern slim/classic fit with side seams, creating an "organic silhouette" that better fits the modern body, offering a more streamlined and flattering silhouette compared to 215. It's a cropped fit, inspired by Carmy's cropped T-shirt in *The Bear*, reaching approximately to belt level. Baseball stitching adds a touch of vintage detail.
The 215's seamless tubular design is more retro and relaxed, suitable for classic styles or looser outfits, and retains its standard length even after shrinking. The 2M15C's side seams and cropped design are more modern and fitted, suitable for fashion-forward individuals or fans of the Carmy style from the show, but the cropped version may not suit all body types. The 215 is suitable for most occasions, while the 2M15C is more suited for pairing with high-waisted items or casual looks.
Design Inspiration and Style:
-215: The Bauhaus movement emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and classic lines, with designs inspired by 1960s worker T-shirts. Its retro-casual style is suitable for wearing alone or layering with jeans or work pants, creating a "durable everyday item" vibe. Thanks to "The Bear" becoming a symbol of the white T-shirt, the white version is especially popular, perfect for those seeking a classic aesthetic.
- 2M15C: A medieval design blended with modern elements, specifically inspired by Carmy's cropped T-shirt style in "The Bear," emphasizing a balance between retro and contemporary. As a modified version of 215, it targets consumers who want the look from the show or a better fit for modern body types.
The 215 leans towards timeless classic style, suitable for a wide range of occasions and age groups. The 2M15C is more fashionable, targeting younger demographics or fans of "The Bear," with its cropped design adding a trendy touch.
Washing and shrinkage properties:
- 215: Unwashed. Shrinkage after the first wash is approximately 2-3 cm (length and bust), roughly one size. We recommend washing in cold water and hanging to dry; avoid tumble drying to reduce shrinkage and neckline damage. The fit will remain classic and flattering after shrinkage, but allow for some extra room.
- 2M15C: Also not pre-washed, shrinkage is similar to 215 (approximately 2-3 cm), but due to the side seams, the shape is more stable after shrinkage and less prone to warping. The shorter design may shrink even further after shrinkage, so choose your size carefully. Cold water washing is recommended; avoid tumble drying. However, the material is lighter, and its durability may be slightly lower than 215.
Both require attention to shrinkage. 215, lacking side seams, may become slightly loose after multiple washes, while 2M15C's side seam design helps maintain its shape. 215's thicker material is more durable, while 2M15C's lighter fabric requires more careful handling.
Difficulty to obtain:
- 215: High demand leads to limited inventory.
- 2M15C: As a new product in 2024, the inventory is relatively stable, but due to its high relevance to the style of "The Bear", the white version may sell out quickly.
Made in Germany.
215 is a versatile piece with wide applicability; it's suitable if you're looking for a classic and timeless T-shirt. 2M15C, on the other hand, is more fashion-oriented; its cropped design requires pairing with high-waisted items to balance the proportions, making it more in line with current trendy clothing styles.
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Finally, here are the details of this sale:
As mentioned above, Germany made a price adjustment (approximately +10%) in early 2025, and Hong Kong will follow the suggested retail price of German suppliers in the future.
This time, in addition to customers who ordered last time being able to pick up their orders at any time,
Limited quantities will be available for immediate purchase at the original price, as well as for final pre-orders!
The store now has items available for trying on.
Offline (store) sales start date: May 3rd, 15:00
Online (online store) sales start date: May 4th, 15:00
Thank you everyone for your support!
