Burberry: A Timeless Fashion Legacy Since 1856

Few fashion names feel as recognisable as Burberry. Founded by Thomas Burberry and established 1856 in Basingstoke, Hampshire, the label quickly became synonymous with British heritage. As a luxury house steeped in tradition, it pioneered innovative fabrics like gabardine, which revolutionised outerwear and led to the iconic trench coat that defines its look. From its early days, the brand has embodied timeless elegance, with the distinctive check pattern becoming a global symbol of refined style. For many UK shoppers, it represents heritage, the famous coat, the signature check, and a polished image that has endured for over 160 years.

Burberry continues to captivate with its blend of history and modernity. Shoppers appreciate how it balances classic designs with contemporary updates, making pieces versatile for everyday wear or special occasions. Whether you are drawn to the ready-to-wear collections, accessories, or beauty lines, the commitment to quality craftsmanship shines through. That said, a strong name alone does not make the products worth your money. If you are thinking about making a purchase, this guide examines why the label remains so popular, what people tend to like most about its items, and which product areas offer the best fit for different budgets and wardrobes. Discover why this fashion house remains a wardrobe essential for discerning UK shoppers seeking enduring luxury.

Key Takeaways

Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry in Basingstoke, the house remains iconic for its trench coat, gabardine fabric, distinctive check pattern, and Equestrian Knight logo, blending British heritage with modern appeal.
Shoppers value the brand for its quality craftsmanship, versatile style suitable for everyday and smarter occasions, and investment potential in timeless pieces like coats, scarves, and bags.
Key ranges include women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, jewellery, and fragrance, with online shopping offering better choice, value, and confidence through careful checks on sizing, fabric, and returns.
Under Chief Creative Officer Daniel Lee, the company continues to innovate on classics while maintaining FTSE 100 stability and a polished, enduring identity for discerning UK wardrobes.

Burberry Clothes & Fashion

What makes the brand so popular with shoppers

The fashion house has stayed relevant because it balances heritage with visibility. You can spot the design language quickly, yet most pieces don’t feel stuck in the past. That mix matters when you’re spending more than you would on a high street label. Thomas Burberry founded the business in 1856 in Basingstoke, and from those early days, it focused on innovative outerwear that combined practicality with style.

Another reason is identity. The house feels unmistakably British, from its outerwear roots to its neat, tailored edge. Even shoppers outside fashion circles often know the signature trench and the check pattern. That kind of instant recognition, bolstered by the Equestrian Knight logo, gives the brand a strong pull. The logo, with its knight on horseback, has long symbolised the company’s equestrian roots and enduring spirit.

Many buyers also see it as an investment brand. Not every item will hold long-term appeal, of course, but core pieces often outlast short-lived trends. A well-chosen coat, scarf or bag can still look right years later. The commitment to quality, seen in classics like the trench made from gabardine fabric, reinforces this view.

The label’s appeal isn’t only about status. It’s about buying something that looks settled, polished and easy to wear again and again.

The heritage, trench coat and check that built the brand

The reputation grew from practical outerwear, and that history still shapes how people see it. Thomas Burberry pioneered gabardine in 1879, a breathable, waterproof fabric that revolutionised rainwear. He moved operations to a larger site in Basingstoke, where the house developed the iconic trench coat for British officers during the First World War. The piece remains the clearest example of the company’s legacy. It looks smart, useful and familiar, which helps explain why it still anchors the collection today.

Classic beige trench coat in gabardine fabric with double-breasted design, matching belt, and epaulettes, hanging on a wooden rail in a minimalist boutique interior under soft natural window light. The check plays a similar role. Introduced in the 1920s as a subtle pattern lining, it has evolved into an instantly recognisable motif. It’s easy to identify, but it can appear in quiet or bold ways. On a scarf, trench lining or bag trim, the check signals the designer without needing loud tricks. Alongside the Equestrian Knight logo, it makes the check feel iconic rather than merely expensive. The logo often pairs with the check to create a cohesive visual identity.

Why the label feels both classic and current

The house stays current by updating shape, colour and styling while keeping its core identity intact. One season may lean clean and minimal. Another may bring sharper cuts, bigger checks or fresher colours. Yet it rarely loses its base character, thanks to visionary leadership. Christopher Bailey, as former Chief Creative Officer, modernised the brand by blending digital innovation with its heritage, making the trench and gabardine relevant for new generations. Today, Daniel Lee serves as Chief Creative Officer, bringing fresh energy while honouring classics. For buyers, that’s useful. You can choose a classic coat or knit now and still wear it when trends shift. In other words, the brand often works best for people who want fashion with a longer shelf life.

What people like most about the products

When shoppers review these items well, three things usually come up: quality, style, and wearability. The house attracts people who want a premium feel but do not want every piece to look flashy.

Quality, craftsmanship and the premium feel

Luxury buyers often notice the small things first. Fabric weight, stitching, lining, hardware and finish can change how a trench coat or scarf feels in real use. The stronger pieces tend to look considered rather than rushed, and that matters when prices are high.

Presentation also shapes the experience. Packaging, product photos and close-up details can create a sense of care before you even wear the product. While quality can vary between categories, the brand’s better-known pieces like its outerwear often give that solid, put-together feel people expect from a luxury label.

The house matters because expensive clothing should do more than carry a logo. It should sit well, feel good on the body, and keep its shape with proper care. A commitment to sustainability in modern luxury manufacturing helps ensure these coats and other pieces stand the test of time. That’s where buyers often decide if the investment is worth it for them.

Style that works for both everyday wear and smarter occasions

One of the strongest points is versatility. A trench coat can work over officewear, denim or evening looks. A fine knit or shirt can move from weekday to dinner without much effort. Even a scarf with its signature check pattern or a fragrance can sharpen a simple outfit.

That flexibility is a big reason people keep buying. Instead of chasing lots of throwaway pieces, some shoppers prefer fewer items that do more work. This philosophy fits that mindset well, especially with the focus on sustainability alongside timeless design.

Think of it like building a wardrobe around key anchors rather than extras. A strong piece of outerwear, a neat bag featuring the check, a polished shirt or a reliable scent can carry more weight than five trend-led buys that date quickly. The trench coats exemplify this durability and timelessness that define the label.

A closer look at key ranges, from fashion to fragrance

The house covers a wide spread of categories, but not every range suits the same buyer. Some shoppers want statement outerwear. Others want a more affordable way into the brand. It maintains visibility through its Global Brand Ambassador and new ready-to-wear collections often debuted at London Fashion Week. This quick table helps frame the main options.

Category	Best for	Typical appeal	Good first buy?
Women’s clothing and accessories	Polished daily style	Coats, scarves, bags, layered looks	Yes
Men’s clothing	Smart casual wardrobes	Outerwear, polos, shirts, knitwear	Yes
Jewellery	Smaller luxury purchase	Easy styling, gifting, brand touch	Yes
Perfume and aftershave	Lower entry price	Everyday scent, gifting, variety	Very often

The takeaway is simple. The brand is strongest when you match the category to your budget and how you dress in real life. The Global Brand Ambassador plays a key role in highlighting these ranges.

Women’s clothing, jewellery and standout accessories

The women’s collection often appeals to shoppers who like a clean, refined look. Ready-to-wear stands out with coats as the star, but dresses, knitwear, shirts and scarves also draw interest because they layer well and look polished without much fuss. The new collections, frequently debuted at London Fashion Week, keep this range fresh and desirable.

An elegant woman in her mid-30s strikes a confident pose on a cobblestone London street, dressed in a tailored camel coat over a cream blouse and wide-leg trousers, with a subtle check scarf loosely draped. Realistic street fashion photography in overcast daylight showcases everyday elegance. Accessories are often the easiest way into the label. A scarf, leather goods like bags or a piece of jewellery can give you the signature look without the cost of outerwear. Leather accessories often feature the Equestrian Knight logo, adding that signature touch. Jewellery, in particular, can suit buyers who want a lighter commitment. It’s easier to style, easier to gift, and often less tied to sizing. The brand ambassador helps promote these standout pieces.

For everyday wardrobes, that’s a real advantage. A neutral bag or scarf can work across seasons, while a simple bracelet or earrings add a small luxury touch. If you want the brand’s feel without going all-in, this part of the range makes sense. Leather accessories extend to wallets too, offering versatile options.

Men’s clothing, everyday staples and smart casual pieces

Menswear tends to work best for men who like sharp basics with a little more edge. Outerwear leads the pack, especially coats and jackets, but polos, shirts, knitwear and tailored trousers also have broad appeal. The ready-to-wear for men balances classic tailoring with modern fits.

A confident man in his late 30s, dressed in a slim-fit soft blue polo shirt, tailored chinos, leather loafers, and a check pattern scarf, walks relaxed through a British park with trees in the background under soft afternoon sunlight. What men often like is the balance. The clothes can feel smarter than casual basics, but not too formal for daily wear. A well-cut polo, neat shirt or lightweight knit can slot into a wardrobe without needing a full style overhaul. The latest ready-to-wear, showcased at London Fashion Week, elevates these everyday staples.

That makes the brand useful for buyers who want refined staples. You can wear many pieces through more than one season, which helps justify the spend if you choose carefully. The ambassador programme underscores the appeal of these smart casual items.

Perfume and aftershave: are they a good way to buy into the brand?

For many shoppers, the fragrance line is the easiest first purchase. Perfume and aftershave usually cost far less than clothing or leather goods, yet they still give you access to the luxury image. These items come through licensing agreements that enable global distribution.

They also make strong gifts. A fragrance feels personal, but it doesn’t involve the same size risk as clothing. There is a range of styles too, from lighter daily options to deeper evening choices, so there’s room to match taste and budget. These licensing agreements ensure products reach shoppers worldwide.

If you’re unsure about spending heavily on fashion, fragrance is a sensible entry point. You get a feel for the label without the higher commitment of a coat or bag. The Equestrian Knight logo sometimes appears on packaging, tying it back to the heritage collections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the brand so iconic?

The icon status stems from its 1856 founding, pioneering gabardine fabric and the trench coat for British officers in the First World War. The distinctive check pattern, introduced in the 1920s, and Equestrian Knight logo further cement its British heritage. These elements ensure pieces feel timeless yet current.

Is this label worth buying as an investment?

Yes, core items like trench coats, scarves, and bags often retain style and quality over years, outlasting trends. The company’s commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability supports longevity with proper care. It suits shoppers seeking polished, versatile wardrobe anchors rather than fleeting fashion.

What is the best first purchase?

Fragrance or jewellery offers an affordable entry with low commitment, providing a luxury feel without sizing risks. Accessories like scarves or bags introduce the check pattern effectively. For clothing, start with versatile outerwear if budget allows.

How should I buy online?

Check sizing guides, fabric details, care notes, delivery, and returns before ordering. Compare product photos and customer reviews on fit and comfort for confidence. Online shopping provides wider stock, colours, and value, especially for UK shoppers seeking seasonal deals.

Who leads the company today?

Daniel Lee serves as Chief Creative Officer, refreshing classics like the trench coat and check pattern. The corporate leadership continues to drive sustainable growth and strategic direction, maintaining the brand’s stability as a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

How to buy online with confidence

Buying online can be smart, especially if you know what you’re looking for. You often get a wider choice of sizes, colours and categories than you would in one physical shop. It’s also easier to compare details from home, which helps when prices are high.

For UK shoppers, ordering via the web can save time as well as money. Seasonal reductions, broader stock and quick browsing all make the process easier. Still, the key is to shop carefully, especially with luxury fashion where fit, fabric and finish matter.

Why online shopping can offer better choice and value

Online stores usually hold more stock than one location can display. That means better access to different colours, size runs and seasonal lines. You may also find items that aren’t easy to see in person, such as niche accessories or fragrance gift sets.

Price comparison is another clear benefit. You can check product details side by side, look at fabric mixes, and see whether a piece feels worth the cost. This is especially helpful, because the range spans entry-point fragrance through to high-ticket outerwear.

In short, online shopping gives you more control. You’re not buying in a rush, and that tends to lead to better decisions on your purchases.

Simple checks before you place an order

Before you buy, slow down and read the product page properly. That sounds basic, but it can save a lot of hassle later with your order. Focus on the details that change how the item will work for you.

A few checks matter most:

Read the sizing guide and compare it with your own measurements.
Look closely at fabric details, care notes and lining information.
Check delivery times, return terms and any costs linked to returns.
Study product photos from more than one angle.
Read customer feedback if it’s available, especially on fit and comfort.

These steps help across clothing, jewellery and fragrance. With jewellery, size and finish matter. With scent, notes and bottle size matter. With clothing, fit and fabric usually matter most of all.

The label remains popular because it offers something many brands struggle to hold onto: a clear identity rooted in icons like the trench coat, the check and the tailored feel. These elements still carry weight for shoppers seeking heritage, polish and lasting style, and they contribute to the company’s strong market position.

It still makes a strong case if you want heritage, polish and a sense of lasting style. The best buy depends on your budget, though. For some, that’s a coat or shirt featuring the check. For others, it’s jewellery, perfume or aftershave that gives the brand’s appeal in a more practical way.

Burberry Clothes & Fashion