Which British luxury brand is known for its iconic trench coat?

Burberry is the British luxury brand best known for its iconic trench coat.

The coat grew from practical outerwear developed for British officers before and during the First World War. Burberry founder Thomas Burberry had introduced gabardine, a tightly woven, breathable and water-resistant fabric, in 1879. The material offered a lighter alternative to heavy rubberised rainwear and became closely associated with the house’s military-inspired coats.

The trench coat’s details reflect its original purpose: epaulettes could display rank, D-rings carried equipment, the storm flap helped shed rain, and the belt tightened the garment in bad weather. It was an optional item for British officers rather than a universal uniform, and the name became popular because of its use near wartime trenches.

Aquascutum also has a legitimate historical claim to pioneering trench-style coats, so it is a frequent quiz distractor. Burberry nevertheless became the single most recognizable name attached to the garment. Its signature check was originally used mainly as a trench-coat lining before becoming a highly visible brand symbol.