The design codes behind every Burberry jacket
Burberry was founded by Thomas Burberry in Basingstoke, England, and its reputation rests on gabardine, the tightly woven, weather-resistant cotton he developed for outdoor wear. That cloth led to the trench coat, and the trench still sets the vocabulary for much of the house's outerwear. Recognisable details include:
- Epaulettes, a storm flap and a belt with D-rings, carried over from the original military-inspired design
- The Burberry Check in camel, black, red and white, often used as a lining or on the underside of a collar
- Diamond quilting on lighter jackets, usually paired with a contrast collar
- Field and car-coat shapes that sit between a jacket and a full coat
For more on the house itself, see our Burberry brand guide.
Choosing a Burberry jacket for the person and the climate
Start with where the jacket will be worn. A cotton gabardine trench suits a Cape Town winter, when wind and rain arrive together, while a quilted jacket works well for crisp, dry Highveld mornings that warm up by midday. In KwaZulu-Natal, an unlined or lightly lined style will see more wear than anything heavy.
Then consider the wearer. Someone who dresses in tailoring tends to appreciate a classic trench in honey or stone. A more casual dresser often reaches for a quilted or field jacket over jeans and Burberry knitwear. If the check feels too bold for them, choose a style where it appears only inside.
Price is driven by cloth, length, lining and construction: a full-length gabardine trench sits well above a shorter quilted jacket, so set a budget once you know which shape you want.
Sizing, fit and care
Burberry outerwear is cut to be layered, and fit varies between a slim, close cut and a more relaxed silhouette. When buying for someone else:
- Check a jacket they already own for shoulder width and sleeve length.
- Allow room for a knit underneath if it will be worn in winter.
- Note whether the sizing shown is UK, Italian or letter-based, as conversions differ.
For care, follow the label: trench coats in gabardine are usually best professionally cleaned, while quilted styles may tolerate gentler treatment. Hang the jacket on a broad hanger, keep it away from direct sun and let it dry naturally after rain. A Burberry scarf in the house check makes a considered companion gift. If you have a particular style or colour in mind, tell us and we will come back with options. You can also compare outerwear from other houses in our jackets guide.