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A Burberry Trench Coat Transcends the Whims of Fashion

A Burberry trench coat is a true example of investment dressing – a timeclass classic that transcends the whims of fashion and can be worn for a lifetime.

The Burberry story

Burberry was founded in 1856 when 21-year-old Thomas Burberry, a former draper’s apprentice, opened his own store in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. By 1870, the business had established itself by focusing on the development of outdoors attire. In 1879, Burberry invented gabardine, a hard-wearing, water-resistant yet breathable fabric, in which the yarn is waterproofed before weaving.

“Burberry” was the original name until it became “Burberrys”, due to many customers from around the world calling it “Burberrys of London”. In 1999, the name was reverted to the original, “Burberry”. However, the name “Burberrys of London” is still visible on many older Burberry products. In 1891, Burberry opened a shop in the Haymarket, London.

In 1901, the Burberry Equestrian Knight logo was developed containing the Latin word “Prorsum”, meaning forwards, and was later registered as a trademark in 1909. In 1911, the company became the outfitters for Roald Amundsen, the first man to reach the South Pole, and Ernest Shackleton, who led a 1914 expedition to cross Antarctica. A Burberry gabardine jacket was worn by George Mallory on his attempt on Mount Everest in 1924.

The origins of the trench coat

Adapted to meet the needs of military personnel, the “trench coat” was born during the First World War as part of the uniform worn by British officers in the trenches. After the war, it became popular with civilians. The Burberry check has been in use since at least the 1920s, primarily as a lining for its trench coats.

The epitome of a classic yet contemporary design, it was during the 1960s that the trench coat’s most iconic features, the D-ring, storm flap and epaulettes, were propelled beyond function to become statements of fashion.

Today, Burberry trench coats are available in an array of materials as well as classic gabardine, from denim to wool, brocade and leather.