Considering Investing in a Burberry Trench? Here's Everything You Need to Know

Some people dream about the perfect wedding dress. As for me, I used to dream about owning the perfect trench coat—namely one of Burberry’s iconic designs. Don’t get me wrong: I did love my actual wedding dress, but honestly, I’ve not looked at it in the years since I wore it. My Burberry trench coat, on the other hand, I've worn countless times and I pull it out every spring, basically wearing it on repeat until the end of autumn.

As well as an increasingly low cost-per-wear, the reason it’s such a great investment is that it goes with everything in my wardrobe—from basic everyday outfits to dressier evening looks. If you're considering one for yourself, read on for the history of this coat, why one expert recommends it and how to care for one and style it if you do make the investment.

A Quick History of Burberry's Iconic Trench:

Although trench coats have been around for over 100 years, the overall look of a 'classic style' has barely changed at all—which makes sense. The first trench wasn’t designed with fashion or trends in mind. Much like other garments now considered timeless (jeans, boots, etc.) it was created out of necessity. The British army needed coats that were more lightweight but weather-resistant, and thanks to Thomas Burberry’s discovery of gabardine cotton in 1879, the designer was approached to create the new coats for the army. The garment was then worn throughout World War I by soldiers fighting in the trenches (hence the name).

Trench coats being worn in the ’60s.

Karlie Kloss Styles her classic Burberry trench up for everyday wear.

Soon after, trench coats were translated into civilian life as returning soldiers wore them outside of wartime. Then came Hollywood stars wearing them on film⁠—Humphrey Bogart famously wore one in Casablanca, as did Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The ’60s, however, are when style started to overtake function. The Burberry coat became a true fashion item, with features such as the D-ring and storm flap becoming more of a statement.

Over the years, Burberry's creative directors—from Christopher Bailey to Riccardo Tisci and newly inducted Daniel Lee—have all experimented with, and reimagined the trench coat plenty of times, keeping it modern and desirable. From Bailey’s patent trench coats to Lee's first runway show for the brand featuring oversized, faux-fur collared styles.

Christopher Bailey's Burberry Prorsum show Fall/Winter 2013/14

Kendall Jenner on the Burberry catwalk for Riccardo Tisci’s first collection.

Burberry spring/summer 2021 runway.

Burberry Spring/Summer 2023

Is a Burberry Trench Coat Worth the Cost?

If you're looking to make an investment that will last you forever, though, it surely has to be one of the heritage classics. While the more directional styles might make collectors items one day, in my opinion a trench is supposed to be worn again and again (as is anything you're spending this kind of money on). Whether you opt for iconic beige or a more subtle black or navy version, it's very unlikely to be a purchase you regret.

Irina Shayk wears a black classic trench.

In fact, stylist and closest curator Laura P Barker agrees. 'I focus on quality over quantity and believe a Burberry trench is a hero piece absolutely worth the investment,' she tells us. 'I bought my Burberry trench in London over 15 years ago and I continue to love and wear it season after season.' Whilst the upfront cost is more than the average high-street trench, you need to consider its long-term wearability.

'There are three words I teach when investing in a designer piece: cost per wear,' says Barker. 'Just imagine the cost per wear when you wear a piece 10 times a year for 20 years. It’s a sustainable way to look at investing in a piece that transcends trends and last for years.' These jackets are also made to last far longer than cheaper versions. Barker points out that they're 'beautifully constructed' and will appeal to shoppers who 'value quality, craftsmanship and details.' Not only that, but she says the tailoring is second to none, helping 'elevate a casual look instantly.' There are also plenty of trench coat outfit ideas that truly highlight it as a forever closet staple.

Are Burberry Trench Coats Waterproof?

A trench from the brand also perfectly encapsulates both style and function. It's ideal for grey autumn days and unpredictable spring weather. Although Burberry trench coats are not waterproof, the gabardine is water-resistant. 'It’s thick and holds up to rain,' says Barker. 'But I do recommend bringing an umbrella if it’s a total downpour.'

Gal Gadot opts for the shorter style.

Bella Hadid has her Burberry trench on hand.

Madonna has even worn a Burberry trench on stage recently, but opted for this updated version on a more low-key outing

How to Care for a Burberry Trench:

Washing a Burberry trench is different from your everyday laundry and requires a gentler level of care. Barker says that it's best to 'dry clean when needed by an organic reputable dry cleaner or spot clean with mild soap.'

Even better, one of the best things about investing in a Burberry trench coat is that the brand offers services for all of this too, including alterations, cleaning and re-proofing, repairs and replacement, so it really can be a forever piece and you won't have to worry about trying to clean it yourself or handing it over to another company.

Shop the Best Burberry Trench Coats:

Now, all that's left is to choose the right style for you. There's a number of subtly different iterations to suit your own lifestyle and tastes. All are made in Yorkshire, and the heritage classic styles are made from the famous shower-resistant gabardine with engraved buttons and checked lining. If you keep scrolling you'll find my expert guide to finding the best Burberry trench coat for you.

1. CHELSEA

The Chelsea coat has a slim fit and comes in three different lengths (long, mid and short), and three different colours—black, navy and honey beige.

2. WATERLOO

Waterloo is the style that's closest in design to the original trench. It has a regular relaxed fit and only comes in the one longer length.

3. KENSINGTON

The Kensington has a regular but slightly stiffer straight fit and comes in the three colours and a mix of lengths, as well as some limited edition fabrics like cashmere.

4. CAMDEN

The Camden car coat has a much less structured shape, and it comes in three colours but only this one classic mid length.

SHOP MORE BURBERRY COATS

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.