Burberry Heritage | Logo & Trench History

The Burberry Story

Burberry is a global brand with a deep British heritage. Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, our brand is underpinned by the strong values of our founder. Merging a passion for the outdoors, we continue to push the possibilities of exploration.

A 21-year-old former draper’s apprentice, Thomas Burberry recognised that people who ventured into the British weather were hampered by heavy, uncomfortable outerwear. He had a bold vision – to enable people to move freely outdoors.

The Trench

The quintessential British coat, a global fashion icon. The trench coat was created by Burberry founder Thomas Burberry over 100 years ago.

A design born from function to protect the military during the First World War. Its epaulettes originally displayed an officer’s rank, whilst the belt’s metal D-rings were used to attach equipment.

It takes a year for each specialist tailor to learn the stitching of the intricate trench coat collar. More than 180 stitches are made to create a fluid curve so that the collar sits perfectly on the neck.

Explore the Trench

Check

The Burberry Check is our trademark. We protect and celebrate it. Introduced in the 1920s as an outerwear lining, it is our global icon – unmistakably Burberry.

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Gabardine

Thomas focused his creativity on developing the world’s first breathable and weatherproof fabric, leading to the invention of gabardine in 1879.

The fabric revolutionised rainwear and remains at the heart of our outerwear today.

Equestrian Knight

The original Equestrian Knight Design was the winning entry of a public competition todesign a new logo for the house, circa 1901.

Imbued with symbolism, it represents protection, innovation and our forward-looking spirit. The banner reads ‘Prorsum’ which translates from Latin to ‘Forwards’, signalling the company’s direction of travel.