Burberry Trench Coats – 50 For Sale on 1stDibs

What’s more fashionable than a vintage Burberry trench coat to help fight off a bout of nasty weather? 

Burberry, a luxury British fashion house with origins in battlefield gear and outfitting real-life explorers, is universally renowned for its jackets, footwear, handbags and trench coats. Although tastes have changed, the signature beige trenches that date back to Burberry’s beginnings remain at the brand’s core, with new fabrics and fits continuing to adapt this British style classic to contemporary trends. 

In 1888, Burberry founder Thomas Burberry patented gabardine, a durable, breathable fabric that was ready for any British weather. He had been focusing on weatherproof clothing designed for outdoor activities like hunting, riding and fishing, and this material was groundbreaking for rainwear, which previously had been bulky and heavy. Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen wore it on his 1893 North Pole expedition and Burberry later outfitted Sir Ernest Shackleton on his Antarctic expeditions. These high-profile demonstrations of its design for extreme conditions fueled Burberry’s growth as a trusted brand.

The Tielocken coat — a forerunner to the trench coat — was patented in 1912, featuring just a button at the collar and a single strap. Higher-ranking British officers during World War I donned trench coats designed by the likes of Burberry, Aquascutum and other firms. 

The design of Burberry’s classic trench demonstrated a consideration of the demand for both weather protection and function on the battlefield, with every element having its purpose, whether it was the epaulets for an officer’s rank or the gun flap at the breast. When the now-familiar check — a plaid check with black, white and red stripes on a background of beige — was added as a lining during the 1920s, a fashion icon was born. Scarves and other items featuring the pattern rendered the Burberry plaid an instantly recognizable hallmark of the house around the globe.

Find vintage Burberry trench coats, shoes, handbags and other outerwear and accessories on 1stDibs.