At just 21 years old, Thomas Burberry established his namesake brand with the vision of creating durable outerwear for English weather. His breakthrough invention was gabardine, a breathable, waterproof fabric he patented in 1888. This revolutionary material made Burberry the go-to brand for explorers and adventurers, including Roald Amundsen, who wore Burberry on his expedition to the South Pole in 1911.

"Modern style should combine innovation with tradition — a principle that remains core to Burberry’s identity even today."

Trench Coats: A Symbol of British Craftsmanship

The brand rose to prominence during World War I when British officers wore the now-iconic Burberry trench coat. Designed with weather-resistant features like shoulder epaulets (for ranking), a storm shield, and D-rings (to hold military gear), the coat transcended military duty to become a global wardrobe staple. Celebrities from Audrey Hepburn to David Beckham have since embraced this timeless piece.

The Heritage Check & Reinvention

In the 1920s, the tartan-lined coats