Burberry in South Africa: A Gift Guide to the House

Burberry was founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a young draper in Basingstoke, England. His lasting contribution was practical rather than decorative. Towards the end of the nineteenth century he developed gabardine, a tightly woven, breathable fabric that resists wind and rain without the stiffness of rubberised cloth.

Gabardine led to the trench coat, the garment most closely tied to the house and worn by officers in the First World War. Its working details, such as epaulettes, a storm flap and a belted waist, have stayed largely in place ever since.

The Burberry Check, the camel, black, red and white pattern, began life as a coat lining in the 1920s before moving onto scarves, bags and accessories. The house is now based in London, and the Equestrian Knight emblem, a mounted knight carrying a lance, remains one of its recognisable marks. That mix of outerwear engineering and British reserve is what most recipients are responding to when they ask for Burberry.

Burberry's range is broad, but a handful of categories carry the house's identity most clearly:

• The trench coat. Made in cotton gabardine, usually in honey or a darker stone shade, and offered in several cuts and lengths. Browse Burberry jackets and trench coats for the outerwear side of the house.
• The check scarf. Typically in cashmere, soft enough to wear against the neck and instantly identifiable. Our guide to Burberry cashmere and check scarves explains weights, sizes and colourways.
• Check accessories. Wallets, card holders, belts and caps that use the check as a lining, a panel or an all-over print.
• Knitwear and shirting. Quieter pieces where the check appears on a placket, collar or cuff rather than across the whole garment.
• Leather bags. Ranging from discreet leather designs to more graphic check versions.

For a gift, the most reliable choices tend to be the ones a recipient would recognise as Burberry without needing to see a logo.

A first piece from the house works best when it is useful, easy to size and likely to be worn often.

For him. A leather card holder or billfold with a check lining is a classic choice: no sizing, daily use and a nod to the house that stays understated. See Burberry wallets and card holders, or our wider edit of luxury gifts for him if you are comparing houses. A cashmere scarf or a belt suits men who already dress with some care.

For her. A check scarf is the most natural introduction, followed by a small leather good or a compact bag. Our page on Burberry bags covers sizes and everyday practicality.

For a milestone. A trench coat marks a graduation, a new role or a significant birthday well, provided you know the recipient's size and preferred length. If in doubt, choose a scarf now and buy the coat together later.

For a colleague or client. Keep it to small leather goods or a scarf, which travel well and suit most tastes.

Searches for Burberry in Sandton, Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg usually reflect the same question: where to buy with confidence. Fine Gifts is an independent gift destination and is not affiliated with Burberry. For boutique locations, the house's own channels are the most reliable source.

What drives the price. Material (cashmere and leather sit above cotton and canvas), construction (a fully detailed gabardine trench involves considerable work), size, and the exchange rate, because most pieces are priced internationally and imported. As a broad, hedged guide, small leather goods and scarves usually sit well below outerwear, and a heritage trench is typically among the largest purchases the house offers. Budget from the category down rather than from a single figure.

Authenticity checks.

1. Check stitching that lines up neatly across seams and pockets.
2. Even, consistent colour in the check, with no blurred lines.
3. Clean labelling and hardware with crisp, consistent lettering.
4. A clear, verifiable provenance from the seller.

If you have a particular piece in mind, tell us what you are looking for and we will come back with options.

South Africa's seasons suit the house better than people expect. A gabardine trench makes sense in a Cape Town winter, when rain and wind arrive together, and works as a light layer on cold Highveld mornings that warm up by midday. In Durban, a lighter cotton jacket or a shirt is more practical than heavy outerwear.

Basic care keeps pieces in good condition for years:

• Gabardine: hang on a broad hanger, brush off dust and follow the label for cleaning.
• Cashmere scarves: fold rather than hang, store with cedar against moths and rest between wears.
• Leather: keep away from direct sun and heat, and stuff bags lightly to hold their shape.

When comparing Burberry with other houses, our luxury brands directory sets out each house's signature pieces side by side.