The iconic Burberry plaid design of black, tan, and red, originally referred to as the Haymarket check, was born in 1924 and is one of the most recognizable patterns in fashion today. While the  men’s and women’s apparel, bags, and accessories also carry the print, there is one piece that Burberry has not compromised: the trench coat.

Burberry was founded in 1856 by a British draper’s apprentice, Thomas Burberry, and by 1870 had established the company as a manufacturer of durable outdoor attire.  In 1880, Burberry had invented Gabardine, a strong and waterproof, yet breathable material.  In the early 20th century, Burberry outfitted many explorers and pioneers that braved extreme elements in such places as the South Pole, Antarctica, and Mount Everest.  In 1914, the War Office was so impressed with the strength and durability of Burberry’s outerwear that they commissioned the company to reinvent its officer’s coat to better suit evolving warfare.  The result was the trench coat.  It wasn’t long before civilians grew fond of the practical, yet functional design of the trench coat throughout London and abroad.

The trench coats reputation in the more recent past has not been filled with such stoic and brave icons as it was originally founded.  1950’s television gumshoe detectives and football coaches on the sidelines had created an unflattering and unfair image of the classic men’s trench raincoat. Today, however, Burberry has ditched the standard issue army gabardine for a more comfortable and functional cotton/polyester blended trench coat. Its design stays true to its original lines, but has revisited the design of the men’s trench coat to adapt to a more modern, streamlined lifestyle.  Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Orlando Bloom will often be found wearing Burberry trench’s layered over tailored suits at award shows and also for casual evening outtings. Burberry’s 2010 collection offers trench raincoats in a traditional double-breasted or a modern single-breasted option, both adorned with oversized buttons.  They also come in a variety of lengths, colors, and cuts to match your daily outfit, but all with the signature plaid lining inside them.  Burberry’s Modern Fit Trench Coat (retail $1295) even has the classic pattern under the collar for the added flair of showing the colors proudly if you choose.

Over the decades, the infamous check pattern has slightly evolved with minor variations of the original, but the brand has remained consistent in quality and timeless designs. Having provided trench coats to the British Army in the early 1900’s and still providing tailored raincoats for today’s Hollywood elite, Burberry’s men’s trench rain coats have stood the test of time, proving once again, that the trademark plaid lining is here for good.

-Jonathan Hikade, Contributor