Thomas Burberry: A Visionary Beginning
At just 21 years old, Thomas Burberry opened his first store in Basingstoke, specializing in outerwear designed to withstand England's unpredictable weather. By 1879, his revolutionary invention—gabardine—marked a turning point. This breathable, waterproof fabric became a game-changer, leading to the brand's enduring association with functional yet stylish outerwear.
The Trench Coat: A Symbol of British Ingenuity
During World War I, Burberry created the trench coat
The Iconic Check and Evolution
Introduced in the 1920s as a lining for coats, the Burberry Check—a camel, black, red, and white tartan—gained fame as a symbol of luxury. Though the brand distanced itself from counterfeit-plagued checks in the early 2000s, creative directors like Christopher Bailey later reimagined the pattern with fresh relevance.
For a curated selection of classic and modern Burberry pieces, explore this exclusive product spreadsheet