A great slim fit tee is like the Air Force 1 of your wardrobe. Simple, clean, and goes with everything. Whether you’re going for that old money vibe, a post-gym fit that still looks put together, or just want your proportions to hit right, getting the fit right matters more than anything else.
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Right now, two t-shirts are getting a ton of hype: the COS slim ribbed tee and the Merz B. Schwanen loopwheel tee.
They’re all over TikTok, Reddit, and pretty much every “elevated basics” video you scroll past. One is minimal and trendy, the other is heritage and built like a tank.
Both are solid, but they’re not your only options.
The Two Tees Everyone’s Talking About Right Now
COS Slim Ribbed T-Shirt
The COS slim ribbed tee is everywhere right now. It nails that clean, modern look with a textured ribbed fabric that hugs your frame in all the right places. It’s the kind of shirt that makes your arms look bigger without feeling tight or cheap.
Why people love it: That ribbed material gives it structure and makes it feel more elevated than your average basic tee. It looks good on camera, feels premium, and works well on its own or layered.
It’s one of the best-looking tees you’ll find under $50 if you’re going for that clean aesthetic look.
Merz B. Schwanen Loopwheel Tee
Merz B. Schwanen blew up partly thanks to shows like The Bear, where rugged, high-quality basics took center stage.
These are old-school, loopwheel-made tees from Germany, built to last and designed with a more classic athletic cut. It’s not trendy, it’s timeless, and guys who care about quality freak out over these.
Why it gets so much respect (Is it worth it?): It’s got that heavy, structured feel without being stiff. No side seams, super durable, and the cotton feels broken-in from day one. People into heritage style or Japanese Americana swear by it.
The catch: It’s expensive. You’re looking at $100+ for a single tee. And the fit isn’t for everyone. It leans more vintage than modern slim, so depending on your body type it might not hit how you want.
If COS is clean and trendy, Merz is rugged and classic. Both are solid picks. In the next section, we’ll break down some great alternatives depending on your budget and style.
COS Ribbed Slim Fit Tee Alternatives
While the COS original deserves its acclaim, several alternatives offer similar fits, quality, and style at various price points. Here are the top options for achieving that coveted viral slim fit look.
H&M Slim Fit Ribbed T-Shirt – H&M’s version captures the essential elements of the viral trend at an accessible price point. The ribbed texture is well-executed, and the slim cut flatters most body types. While durability isn’t on par with higher-end options, it’s perfect for trend-conscious shoppers who update their wardrobe frequently.
Merz B. Schwanen Alternatives
While Merz B. Schwanen is a masterclass in old-school craftsmanship, there are a few alternatives that deliver that same heavyweight, heritage-core feel. If you’re after that rugged loopwheel vibe, these are worth checking out.
Samurai Jeans Loopwheel Crewneck
Made in Japan using the same old-school loopwheel technique, this tee gives off the same rugged, heavyweight vibe as Merz but with a slightly cooler edge. You get two tees for less than the price of one Merz shirt.
Final Thoughts
The perfect slim fit tee does more than just fit, it pulls your whole look together. Whether you’re into the ribbed, clean-boy aesthetic blowing up right now or the heavyweight, heritage-core vibe from shows like The Bear, there’s something out there that matches your taste, your build, and your budget.