Burberry, a luxury British fashion house with origins in battlefield gear and outfitting real-life explorers, is universally renowned for its vintage trench coats, jackets, footwear and handbags. The brand has undergone several transformations since its inception in the 19th century.
When the 21-year-old apprentice draper Thomas Burberry (1835–1926) opened a small clothing outfitter in Basingstoke, Hampshire, in 1856, he catered to the needs of the local population, focusing on weatherproof clothing designed for outdoor activities like hunting, riding and fishing.
Building on his success, Burberry researched more fabrics that would be suitable for these country pursuits. In 1888, he patented gabardine, a durable, breathable fabric that was ready for any British weather. The 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.
The brand continued to gain popularity throughout the 20th century, but by the 1990s, it was in dire need of a refresh. By the time Christopher Bailey was named design director at Burberry in 2001, the check was so ubiquitous through rampant knockoffs that it had become a reference for kitsch rather than quality.
Drawing on its heritage of craftsmanship with a new streetwear edge, Bailey helped rebuild Burberry’s relevance as a reputable fashion brand. Key to this reimagining was developing an understanding of how to democratically market high-end luxury fashion. Milestones in this regard materialized in 2010, when Burberry became the first brand to livestream a fashion show (and did so using 3D technology), and in 2020, when the house brought its London Fashion Week presentation to Twitch, a popular American livestreaming service. The international visibility brought with it renewed interest in the brand, which eventually revived its tartan after dropping it from many of its clothes, including in a 2018 collaboration with Russian designer Gosha Rubchinskiy that swathed shirts, dresses, coats and bags in the check.
Although tastes have changed, the signature trench coats 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.
Find vintage Burberry trench coats, shoes, handbags and other outerwear and accessories on 1stDibs.
BURBERRY Size XS Black Lace Short Sleeve Drop Waist Knee Length Cocktail Dress
By Burberry
Located in San Francisco, CA
BURBERRY cocktail dress in a black polyester blend lace fabric featuring a drop waist style, knee length design, and side zipper closure. Comes...
Burberry Trek Ankle Leather Boots
By Burberry
Located in London, GB
Burberry Trek Ankle Leather Boots Black, hiking-inspired ankle boots crafted in Italy from calfskin leather. Featuring a round toe, and a front lace-up fastening with silver-t...
BURBERRY Size 36 Black White Plaid Wool Mohair Side Tabs Tapered Dress Pants
By Burberry
Located in San Francisco, CA
BURBERRY dress pants in a black and white wool mohair fabric featuring a plaid pattern, adjustable side tabs, and tapered leg. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor sign...
Burberry Black Double-Breasted Wool Blend Coat - UK8/S
By Burberry
Located in Krakow, PL
Elevate your outerwear collection with this timeless Burberry black double-breasted coat. Crafted from a premium polyester-wool blend with added stretch for superior comfort, this co...
BURBERRY Size M Pink Red Gingham Cotton Layered Oversized Crew Neck Pullover
By Burberry
Located in San Francisco, CA
BURBERRY pullover in a pink cotton jersey featuring red gingham layered sleeves, oversized fit, and crew neck. Made in Italy.New with Tags. Marked: M Measurements: Shoulder:...
BURBERRY black nylon logo trim hooded windbreaker jacket IT34 XXS
By Burberry
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BURBERRY black nylon logo trim hooded windbreaker jacket IT34 XXS Reference: YIKK/A00256 Brand: Burberry Material: Polyester Color: Black, White Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Lining: B...
Burberry Beige Square Sunglasses
By Burberry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
- Beige frame - Polar brown gradient lenses - Gold tone hardware - Made in Italy - Includes dust bag and case
Burberrys vintage black skirt with a metal belt
By Burberry
Located in New York, NY
Burberrys vintage skirt with metal belt Size – 46 / L Length – 63 cm Waist – 76 cm Hips – 100 cm Fabric – polyester Condition – very good, mi...
$681Sale Price|20% Off
BURBERRY Size 40 Black Grey Stripe Wool Cotton Notch Lapel Sport Coat
By Burberry
Located in San Francisco, CA
BURBERRY sport coat comes in a black & grey stripe wool with a full liner featuring a notch lapel, flap pockets, double back vent, silver tone hardware, and a single button closure. ...
Burberry Tote and Pouch Set 8BUR1129K
By Burberry
Located in Dix hills, NY
Burberry Tote and Pouch Set 8BUR1129K Date Code/Serial Number: BV479853 Made In: N/A Measurements: Length: 10 " Width: 4.5" Height: 6" Shoulder Handle Drop: " Handle Drop: 4"...
$210Sale Price|25% Off
BURBERRY 100% silk black purple green grey paisley print dress shirt M
By Riccardo Tisci, Burberry
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BURBERRY 100% silk black purple green grey paisley print dress shirt M Reference: CC/A00428 Brand: Burberry Designer: Riccardo Tisci Material: Silk Color: Grey, Black Pattern: Paisle...
Burberry, black skirt with bow and split on the back
By Burberry
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Burberry, black skirt with bow and split on the back in size IT38/XS. This product has been worn a few times and is in mint condition. • CONDITION: mint condition • SIZE: IT38/XS ...
Burberry Men's Medium Parker Core Tee T-Shirt 58B715S
By Burberry
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: CNSOUFOU1QUA Made In: China Measurements: Length: 20" Width: .2" Height: 28" OVERALL EXCELLENT-CONDITION ( 8.5/10 or A- ) Men's M Shoulders: 17" Pit to...
Burberry, orange tie scarf
By Burberry
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Burberry, orange tie scarf. The item is new with tag.
Burberry, SS16 Cocktail midi dress in beige lace
By Burberry
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Burberry, SS16 Cocktail midi dress in beige lace. The item is in very good condition. Label in the neck has been cut out because of visibility.
Burberry Large Leather Travel Bag
By Burberry
Located in London, GB
Black Leather Travel Bag by Burberry Round top carry handles and removable, adjustable shoulder strap. Two front zip pockets and multiple interior pockets. Two large interior compar...
Burberry Cotton Straight-Leg Jeans
By Burberry
Located in London, GB
Burberry Cotton Straight-Leg Jeans Dark navy jeans fully crafted from cotton, featuring straight-leg, five-pocket designs and 'Burberry' engraved buttons. Rrp Approx. £500 Size – ...
Burberry Quilted Down Puffer Coat/Jacket
By Burberry
Located in London, GB
Burberry Quilted Down Puffer Coat/Jacket Black puffer jacket filled with goose down and feathers. Signature 'Burberry' logo leather patch to the sle...
Burberry Bertram Topstitched Leather Brogues
By Burberry
Located in London, GB
Burberry Bertram Topstitched Leather Brogues White, black laced-up flats designed with yellow, decorative topstitching and trims detail. Featuring contrasting black soles with shor...
Burberry London Linen, Mohair & Wool Jacket
By Burberry
Located in London, GB
Burberry London Linen, Mohair & Wool Jacket Navy tailored jacket crafted from linen, mohair and wool blend in classic fit. Defined, rolled shoulders, notched lapels and 'Burberry' ...
Burberry London Tailored Wool Jacket
By Burberry
Located in London, GB
Burberry London Tailored Wool Jacket Navy suit jacket fully crafted from virgin wool. Featuring notched lapels, flap pockets to the sides and welt pocket to the chest. Detailed wi...
$286Sale Price|20% Off
BURBERRY Size XXS White Silver Cotton Studded Cutout Pullover
By Burberry
Located in San Francisco, CA
BURBERRY pullover in a white cotton jersey featuring a silver tone metal studded design, sleeve cutouts, and crew neck. New with Tags. Marked: XXS Measurements: Shoulder: 18...
$339Sale Price|20% Off
BURBERRY Size 4 Gold Silk Metallic Button Up Shirt
By Burberry
Located in San Francisco, CA
BURBERRY blouse comes in a silver metallic silk woven featuring a straight collar, pleated details at front, and a button up closure. Made in Italy. New with Tags. Marked: 4 Me...
$197Sale Price|20% Off
BURBERRY Size 10 Red White Polyester Cotton Casual Pants
By Burberry
Located in San Francisco, CA
BURBERRY casual pants in a red polyester cotton blend fabric featuring exposed white faux pants layer, stripes down sides, and an elastic waistband. Made in Italy.Good Pre-Owned Cond...
Burberry Ivory Check Embossed Toiletry Cosmetic Pouch 1220b46
By Burberry
Located in Dix hills, NY
Burberry Ivory Check Embossed Toiletry Cosmetic Pouch 1220b46 Date Code/Serial Number: ITALBSRL239CAL Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 8" Width: .5" Height: 4.75" OVERALL VE...