The design codes behind a Burberry shirt
Burberry was founded by Thomas Burberry in Basingstoke, England, in 1856, and built its name on outerwear: gabardine and, later, the trench coat. Its shirts borrow directly from that heritage, which is why they read as Burberry even from across a room. You can explore the wider house story on our Burberry brand page.
The codes to look for:
- The Burberry Check. The camel, black, red and white pattern first used as a trench coat lining. On shirts it appears as an all-over cotton poplin print, or more quietly on collar undersides, cuffs and plackets.
- The Equestrian Knight Device. The armoured knight on horseback, usually embroidered small at the chest of polo and golf shirts.
- The TB monogram. Thomas Burberry's interlocking initials, used as a print or a discreet embroidered mark on more contemporary pieces.
A full check shirt makes a confident statement; a plain shirt with a hidden check detail suits someone who prefers their labels understated.
Choosing a Burberry shirt or golf shirt as a gift
Start with how the recipient actually dresses. For an office or smart-casual wardrobe, a button-down check shirt in cotton poplin works with chinos, tailored trousers and a navy blazer. For weekends, a braai or a round of golf, a piqué cotton polo, what most South Africans call a golf shirt, is the more practical choice and suits our long, warm summers.
Fit matters more than size labels. Burberry cuts vary by style, from slimmer tailored shapes to relaxed fits, and sizing can differ between shirts and polos. The safest approach is to measure a shirt the recipient already wears well, across the chest and down the back, and compare.
If you would like a lighter, more casual option, our guide to Burberry T-shirts covers logo and check-trim tees. Tell us what you have in mind and we will come back with options.
Budget, care and making the gift last
The price of a Burberry shirt depends on the fabric, how much of the check is used, embroidery or monogram work, and whether the style is a core piece or a seasonal design. Imported through to South Africa, you should plan for a purchase measured in thousands of rand rather than hundreds, with printed and seasonal pieces at the upper end.
Care is simple if you follow the label:
- Wash cotton shirts cool and inside out to protect the print.
- Skip the tumble dryer; hang to dry and iron while slightly damp.
- Dry piqué polos flat so the collar and hem keep their shape.
For a complete look, pair a shirt with a piece of Burberry knitwear for cooler evenings.