In 1879, Thomas Burberry invented gabardine. Tightly woven and durable, the weatherproof fabric revolutionised rainwear with its breathable and lightweight qualities, and went on to form the basis of our iconic trench coat. The origins of our signature outerwear design can be found in the Tielocken, a coat patented in 1912 and designed by Thomas Burberry. Now worn across the world, our trench coat has evolved over the years to become the much-recognised style of today.