On Burberry

Techwear is having its moment in the fashion zeitgeist with brands like Arcteryx, Acronym, and Stone Island at the forefront. But did you know that Burberry also started off in “techwear”?

Before the invention of technical fabrics like GoreTex and Nylon, clothing was waterproofed by coating the fabric with a layer of oil or rubber. The downside was that this method trapped air and wasn’t breathable, making it uncomfortable for extended wear.

Thomas Burberry accepted this challenge of creating a waterproof, yet breathable fabric. His research led him to develop, Gabardine, a tightly woven twill made from natural materials tight enough to repel water but loose enough to allow moisture to escape. Burberry’s invention was a landmark in textiles, playing a key role in much of Burberry’s outerwear collection.

Burberry’s reputation for creating durable, weatherproof, and breathable coats led the British Military to commission the company to develop coats for use during World War I. This resulted in the creation of the famous Burberry trench coat. The trench coat earned its name due to its widespread use by British soldiers fighting in the trenches during the war. The coat’s popularity continued even after the war, with many soldiers wearing them casually.

The trench coat gained its cultural moment when it was worn by Humphrey Bogart in “Casablanca” and Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” This solidified the trench coat’s status as a wardrobe essential and cemented Burberry’s reputation as a leading fashion brand.