Thomas Burberry was 21 when he opened his own business in Basingstoke, England, in 1856. Just over twenty years later, in 1879, he invented gabardine: a light, breathable cloth that keeps out wind and rain and resists tearing. That invention became the foundation for everything Burberry made afterwards.
In 1912 Burberry patented the Tielocken, the coat regarded as the forerunner of the trench. The trench coat itself was developed for military use during the First World War. Around 1920 came the Burberry Check, used at first only as a raincoat lining before becoming a signature in its own right.
Many vintage pieces carry the Burberry London label. This was the main ready-to-wear line, home to classics such as coats and blazers. Labels with that name pre-date 2015, when the lines were brought together under the Burberry name. The younger, more affordable line launched in 1988 has its own page here: Thomas Burberry.
Vintage Burberry is above all about the brand's classic British side: coats, blazers and timeless basics. With a vintage coat, look at the inside too: the Burberry Check began life as a raincoat lining, so that is exactly where you may spot the famous pattern. The label, such as Burberry London, also tells you a lot about when a piece was made. For more outerwear, browse women's vintage coats and men's vintage jackets and coats; trousers are in men's vintage trousers.
Pair a double-breasted blazer with straight-leg jeans or smart trousers, while a dark coat instantly polishes a simple outfit. A polo or crew-neck jumper works best kept understated, over corduroy or denim. More pieces from big names are in designer vintage.
We check the lining, buttons, seams and fabric of every piece and describe signs of wear honestly. Brush a wool coat after wearing and hang it on a broad hanger so the shoulders keep their shape.
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