Why menswear fans look to The Bear for style Inspiration

Merz b. Schwanen

“The costume team has done a great job of balancing the simple look and elevated feeling you get from the products themselves,” said Loft. You can see that success from the way fans clamoured to find the white T-shirt Allen White has worn throughout the series. The 215 tee is from a small German brand called Merz b. Schwanen. With a heavy and structured fit, it’s a well-made but simple garment that has become a holy-grail purchase for many fashion obsessives.

People who usually buy the 215 know what they’re getting. They’ve done their research. They know it’s made in Germany with loop wheel machines, it’s made from organic cotton, triangle underarm inserts for better

mobility,” said Vince Lai, buyer and general manager of Toronto based clothing store Uncle Otis. Lai recognizes the demand for the piece is largely because of the show. He knows some people would scoff at the shirt’s $150 price tag. But to Lai, the craftsmanship of the product is about a larger connection to the themes of the show and its characters. “They connect themselves with Carmy ... hard working, detail-oriented but not trying too hard‚" said Lai, comparing the effect to how people responded to Steve McQueen’s or Marlon Brando’s style.

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Graham Isador • The Globe and Mail