Soon after Thomas Burberry invented gabardine (a waterproof, yet lightweight and breathable material) in 1879, the Burberry Trench Coat was born. It was given its name because it was originally made for soldiers, protecting them from inclement weather while they fought in the trenches. To further meet their needs, it included a khaki colored outer shell to camouflage them, D-rings to hook their weaponry, epaulettes to display their rank, neck buttons to protect them from poisonous gases, and a removable lining to double as bedding. (It did not receive its now-iconic Nova Check detailing until the 1920s.) The Burberry Trench Coat was made available to the public after WWI. Worn by Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Meryl Streep in Kramer vs. Kramer, it quickly became a must-have staple piece in both men’s and women’s wardrobes.
Though the trench coat is the house’s most popular outerwear design, the Quilted Burberry Jacket is also highly sought after. It is styled after equestrian jackets (with its diamond-quilted stitching) but is intended for use beyond just the farm. Filled with down, it is crafted to block the cold. An otherwise discrete design, many of its wearers cuff its sleeves to reveal its Nova Check lining.
Both the trench coat and quilted jacket are Burberry hallmarks, which are still sold by the house today. But, you can shop vintage and get the look for less! Our selection of Burberry Coats is priced between $300 and $400.