Authentic Burberry Trench: Spot The Real Deal

With the popularity of the Burberry trench coat, it's no surprise that there are many fakes on the market. Luckily, there are several ways to spot a real Burberry trench coat. From the tags and labels to the materials and colouring, here are some tips to help you identify an authentic Burberry trench coat.

Check the neck tag for thick text and bolded letters

Checking the neck tag is a crucial step in authenticating a Burberry trench coat. Here are some detailed instructions on what to look for:

First, open up the coat and look inside along the neckline. You should see a rectangular tag stitched into the coat with two smaller tags stacked underneath. The top tag will state where the item was made, and the bottom tag will mention the garment's size. The "Made In" label will be placed on top of the size label, and the size will be written in centimetres.

Next, carefully examine the text on the neck tag. All authentic Burberry trench coats will have "BURBERRY" written in large, capital letters, with all letters the same size and centred in the middle of the label. The stitching should be uniform, and the letters should not be lowercase. The "BURBERRY" text should not be too thick, as this is a common issue with fake coats. Additionally, the first two letters on each line of text should not be bolded. The logo should be sharp and well-defined.

Some authentic Burberry coats may also feature a logo of a knight riding a horse, always facing left. This logo should be easily recognisable, with the horse and knight clearly visible.

It is important to note that the exact appearance of the neck tag may vary depending on the coat's manufacturing date, as Burberry has changed its name a few times. For example, pre-1998/9 tags may say "Burberrys", "Burberrys Made in England", "Burberrys London Paris New York", or "Burberrys of London", depending on the manufacturing location. From 1998/9 onwards, the tags simply say "Burberry London". If you see a tag that says "Burberry of London" without the "s", it is definitely a fake.

By carefully inspecting the neck tag of a Burberry trench coat, you can gain valuable information about its authenticity.

Inspect the wash tags for inconsistencies in the text

Inspecting the wash tags for inconsistencies is a great way to spot a fake Burberry trench coat. Wash tags are usually found stitched along the inside of the coat and include information on the materials used and care instructions.

• The "Burberry" logo: The logo should be written in large, capital letters, with all eight letters the same size and centred in the middle of the label. If the logo appears too thick or too thin, or if the letters are lowercase, the coat is likely a fake.
• Serial number: Authentic Burberry coats typically have a 13-digit serial number printed on the wash tag, along with the company's London address.
• Coat model: Compare the coat model mentioned on the wash tag with the one on the neck tag. If they do not match, the coat is probably a counterfeit.
• Text inconsistencies: Pay attention to the spacing and thickness of the text on the wash tag. Fake coats often have inconsistencies in the text, such as letters that are too close together or varying thickness throughout the text.
• Size inscriptions: Check if the wash tag includes size information. Fake Burberry coats may omit this detail.

Examine the buttons for the engraved Burberry logo

When examining the buttons of a Burberry trench coat to spot a real one, look for the engraved Burberry logo. The logo should be arched into a circular shape around the button, with the company name written twice on the metal button. The text should be in capital letters, using the San Serif font. The buttons should be made of metal and be heavyweight and crisp. If the buttons are blank, it is likely that the trench coat is a knock-off.

The buttons are not the only way to spot a real Burberry trench coat. The coat's tag, for example, should have the word "Burberry" written in large, capital letters, with all 8 letters centred and the same size. The coat should also be made with high-quality, durable fabric, and the stitching should be seamless with 11.5 stitches for every 2.5 cm on the collar and 4 lines of stitching on the belt.

Check the coat's lining for the distinct black-and-red plaid pattern

The lining of a Burberry trench coat is one of the most important factors in determining its authenticity. The distinct black-and-red plaid pattern, also known as the Nova check, is a signature feature of Burberry coats. When examining the lining, pay attention to the following details:

Firstly, the lining should be well-aligned and clean, with no bunching or misalignment at the seams. The plaid pattern should continue across the back seam in a straight line. Any irregularities in the lining pattern may indicate a counterfeit coat.

Secondly, the Nova check pattern consists of four thin, red lines—two horizontal and two vertical. Additionally, look for three vertical dark lines and three horizontal grey lines. These lines form a plaid pattern on a tan background. The pattern should be consistent and evenly spaced throughout the coat.

Thirdly, the colour and quality of the lining fabric are also important indicators of authenticity. The fabric should be of high quality, with no visible flaws or imperfections. The colours should be accurate, with the tan, black, grey, and red hues in the correct proportions.

Finally, the placement of the red lines in the Nova check pattern is crucial. In authentic Burberry coats, the red lines should be positioned close to the neck tag. If the red lines are too far away from the neck tag, the coat is likely a counterfeit.

In addition to examining the lining, there are several other factors to consider when spotting a real Burberry trench coat. The coat should be made with high-quality materials, feel durable and water-resistant, and have precise, seamless stitching. The buttons should also be engraved with the ""Burberry" label twice, in a circular shape. Authentic Burberry coats also come with sturdy hanging tags that are difficult to remove, as well as inner tags that include care instructions and a 13-digit serial number.

Feel the fabric to ensure it feels high-quality, durable, and water-resistant

When it comes to trench coats, you want a fabric that is durable, water-resistant, and high-quality. But what does that feel like, exactly?

A high-quality fabric will be soft to the touch, without feeling flimsy. It should feel smooth, almost like it has a bit of moisture to it. The fibres of the fabric should feel tightly bound together, which will give the fabric strength and durability. If the fabric is synthetic, like nylon or polyester, it may feel a bit artificial, but it should not feel coarse or uncomfortable against the skin.

A durable fabric will feel strong, with a certain heft to it. It should not feel like it will tear easily, and it should not be too thin or flimsy. Linen, for example, is known for its longevity and strength, and it can withstand frequent washing and wear. Silk is another strong fabric that can be used for bedsheets, so it will certainly hold up as a trench coat. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are also strong options, though they are heat intolerant.

Finally, a water-resistant fabric will repel light moisture. Water-resistant fabrics are breathable and lightweight, so you'll want to ensure the trench coat fabric feels that way. The fabric should not be too thick or heavy, but it also shouldn't feel too thin or fragile. Water-resistant fabrics are often treated with a water-repellent agent, so the fabric may feel a bit like it has a plastic coating.

Frequently asked questions