Burberry jersey design codes: the check and the knight
Burberry was founded by Thomas Burberry in 1856 in Basingstoke, England, and built its name on weatherproof gabardine and the trench coat. Its knitwear draws on the same vocabulary, so the details tend to be recognisable without being loud.
- The Burberry Check: the camel, black, red and white pattern, used on a whole jersey, as a contrast panel, or as a discreet trim at the cuffs or collar.
- The Equestrian Knight emblem: the mounted knight, often embroidered small on the chest of a crewneck or cardigan.
- Classic shapes: crewnecks, V-necks, cable knits, quarter-zips and cardigans, cut to layer over a shirt or under a coat.
For a fuller picture of the house and its signature lines, see our Burberry brand guide.
Choosing a Burberry sweater as a gift: yarn, fit and size
Start with how the recipient dresses. Someone who prefers understated clothing will appreciate a plain cashmere or merino knit with a small emblem; someone who enjoys a statement may prefer the check across the body.
Yarn matters. Cashmere is soft and warm for its weight, suited to cool Highveld evenings and winter in the Cape. Merino wool is lighter, more resilient and easier to wear often. Cotton blends work for milder coastal climates.
Sizing. Luxury knitwear is often cut closer than everyday jerseys, and fits vary between relaxed and slim styles. If you can, measure a jersey the recipient already wears across the chest and from shoulder to hem, and compare. When in doubt, size up for a relaxed look.
A jersey pairs naturally with a Burberry check scarf for a winter birthday or anniversary. To compare styles across houses, browse our luxury knitwear guide.
Burberry jersey price and caring for the knit
The price of a Burberry jersey depends on the yarn (cashmere costs more than merino or cotton), the amount of check or intarsia work, the complexity of the knit, and whether it is a core style or a seasonal runway piece. As a broad, hedged guide, a cashmere jersey from the house is usually a five-figure rand purchase, so plan your budget around the yarn first.
Care keeps the gift looking right for years:
- Hand wash cold or dry clean, following the label.
- Dry flat, never on a hanger, to keep the shape.
- Store folded, with cedar to deter moths.
- Remove pilling gently with a cashmere comb.
If you have a particular colour, style or size in mind, tell us what you are looking for and we will come back with options. More ideas for men are in our gifts for him guide.