The Burberry Trench: From the Trenches to the Trendsetters
- Camz
- Jun 17, 2025
- 2 min read
An eternal icon, the Burberry trench doesn’t just dress us — it tells a story. A military-born piece that became the symbol of British elegance. Let’s take a look at a classic that has stood the test of time without ever losing its edge.
Born under the English rain
It all began in 1856. Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old draper, founded his brand in Basingstoke, southern England. Passionate about functional clothing, he invented gabardine in 1879 — a revolutionary fabric that was water-resistant, breathable, and durable. It would later become the core material for a legendary coat.
A coat made for war
During World War I, the British War Office asked Burberry to design a coat for officers. It had to be practical, weatherproof, and battlefield-ready. Thus, the trench coat was born : with storm flaps, shoulder epaulettes, a belted waist, and D-rings to attach gloves or gear. Every detail served a purpose in the trenches.
Thus, the trench coat was born : with storm flaps, shoulder epaulettes, a belted waist, and D-rings to attach gloves or gear. Every detail served a purpose in the trenches.
From battlefield to fashion capital
After the war, soldiers continued to wear their trench coats. It soon became a symbol of rugged elegance and mystery. In the ‘40s and ‘50s, Hollywood cemented its icon status: think Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca or Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. The trench officially left the battlefield for the red carpet and the streets.
A legacy that reinvents itself
What makes the Burberry trench so unique is its ability to evolve without losing its DNA. The classic features remain: double-breasted buttons, a cinched waist, deep pockets, storm flaps. And of course, the iconic Burberry check lining, introduced in the 1920s and instantly recognizable around the world.
