burberry brit versus london trench | Burberry trench coat women petite

The Burberry trench coat. The name alone conjures images of timeless style, British heritage, and enduring quality. For over a century, the trench coat has been a cornerstone of Burberry's identity, evolving from a practical military garment to a global fashion icon. However, navigating the world of Burberry trench coats can be daunting, particularly when faced with the seemingly similar yet distinct options like the Burberry Brit and the Burberry London trench coats. This article will delve into the nuances of these two lines, exploring their differences in style, construction, price point, and overall suitability for different needs and preferences. We will also address key considerations surrounding Burberry trench coats in general, covering everything from the legendary gabardine fabric to sizing, waterproofing, and the investment value of owning a piece of Burberry history.

Understanding the Burberry Landscape: Before Brit and London

Before dissecting the Brit and London lines, it's crucial to understand the broader context of Burberry trench coats. Burberry offers a diverse range of trench coats, each with its own characteristics and target audience. Historically, Burberry had distinct lines that catered to different price points and aesthetics. Burberry Prorsum, the high-end runway collection, showcased avant-garde designs and luxurious fabrics. Burberry London, positioned as a more accessible luxury line, offered classic and sophisticated pieces. Burberry Brit, originally targeting a younger demographic, presented a more casual and contemporary take on the brand's heritage.

However, Burberry has undergone significant restructuring in recent years. Under the creative direction of Riccardo Tisci, and now Daniel Lee, the brand has streamlined its lines, moving away from the explicit separation of Prorsum, London, and Brit. While these lines are no longer formally designated, the spirit of each line remains embedded in the current collections. You can still find trench coats that reflect the classic elegance of the London line or the more relaxed style of the Brit line, even if they are no longer explicitly labeled as such. This means understanding the key characteristics associated with each "legacy" line is still essential for making an informed purchase.

Burberry Brit: A Casual and Contemporary Interpretation

The Burberry Brit line, in its original iteration, was characterized by a more youthful and accessible aesthetic. Trench coats under the Brit label often featured:

* Shorter Lengths: Compared to the classic London trench, Brit trenches tended to be shorter, often hitting at or above the knee. This made them more practical for everyday wear and less formal.

* Slimmer Silhouettes: The Brit line typically featured slimmer, more fitted silhouettes, reflecting contemporary fashion trends. This contrasted with the more relaxed and traditional fit of the London trench.

* Lighter Fabrics: While still crafted from quality materials, Brit trenches often used lighter-weight fabrics, making them more suitable for milder weather conditions.

* Casual Details: The Brit line often incorporated casual details like epaulettes, storm flaps, and belt buckles in a more relaxed and less structured manner.

* Lower Price Point: Historically, Burberry Brit offered a more affordable entry point into the world of Burberry trench coats. This made it attractive to a younger demographic and those seeking a stylish yet budget-conscious option.

* Emphasis on Functionality: Brit designs frequently emphasized practicality, with features like easily removable hoods and water-resistant finishes, catering to an active lifestyle.

Burberry London: Timeless Elegance and Classic Sophistication

The Burberry London line, embodying the brand's heritage, was known for its timeless elegance and classic sophistication. Key features of Burberry London trench coats included:

* Classic Lengths: London trenches typically featured classic lengths, extending to the knee or just below, offering a timeless and elegant silhouette.

* Classic Silhouettes: The London line embraced a more relaxed and traditional fit, allowing for comfortable layering and a timeless appeal.

* Gabardine Fabric: The London trench was often crafted from Burberry's signature gabardine fabric, a tightly woven cotton twill known for its durability, water resistance, and breathability.

* Traditional Details: The London trench showcased traditional details like epaulettes, gun flaps, storm flaps, and a belted waist, meticulously crafted to uphold the brand's heritage.burberry brit versus london trench

* Higher Price Point: Burberry London represented a more significant investment due to its superior materials, construction, and timeless design.

* Emphasis on Craftsmanship: London trenches emphasized meticulous craftsmanship, with attention paid to every detail, from the stitching to the lining.

Burberry Gabardine Trench: The Heart of the Matter

Regardless of whether you're considering a "Brit-inspired" or "London-inspired" trench, the fabric at the heart of Burberry's legacy is gabardine. Patented by Thomas Burberry in 1879, gabardine revolutionized outerwear. Its tightly woven construction makes it breathable yet water-resistant, a significant improvement over the heavy and uncomfortable waterproof materials of the time.