Seen on "runways" around the world, Burberry's trenchcoats have become a must-have, luxury-brand fashionwear.

If you’ve seen Casablanca, you’ve seen some of Burberry’s signature trench coats. Humphrey Bogart practically lived in his Burberry trench and made it the must-have it is today, while Ingrid Bergman, as she boarded the Lockheed Electra 12A, transformed the 5 yards of beige canvas that covered every inch of skin from her chin to her ankles into a sexy fashion staple.

Since its creation in 1856 Burberry has established itself as a symbol of high quality, durability, and style on both the aviation and fashion runway. When young Thomas Burberry opened his first store 150 years ago however, it was not a fashion boutique but rather an outfitters shop for English sportsmen who wanted comfortable clothing durable enough to wear outdoors in all kinds of weather. In 1880 Burberry invented gabardine, a breathable, water-resistant, extremely durable fabric produced by an innovative process that waterproofed the thread before it was woven.

Patented in 1888 gabardine proved to be a versatile material that was ideal for making coats, pants, and even tents. In the early 20th century Burberry outfitted several famous adventurers, including Norwegian explorer Captain Ronald Amundsen for his first successful mission to the South Pole in 1911 and British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton for his history-making crossing of Antarctica in 1914.

Burberry also created specially designed outfits for pilots, and the company sponsored the plane that achieved the fastest flying time from London to Cape Town in 1937—A.E. Clouston and Betsy Kirby Green flew The Burberry, a De Havilland DH88 Comet.

Advertisements for Burberry’s “Carapace Air-Suit” and “Burfron Flying Coat” appeared on posters and in newspapers during World War I. Pilots who ordered these garments received them “ready to put on” in only two to four days, and Burberry offered free cleaning and re-waterproofing of officers’ garments. During World War II Queen Elizabeth commissioned Burberry to create uniforms, including gabardine garments and helmets, for all branches of the British military.

The company continued to expand their line of pilot attire after World War II, creating not only coats but also hats and even eyeglasses—products that have become key pieces of the Burberry line. Today Burberry is best known for its distinctive “check,” a pattern created in the 1920s that is now featured on nearly every item the company offers.

Who would have guessed in 1856 that a tiny sportsmen’s shop would grow into an elite fashion giant—or that the innovative fabric gabardine and clothing designs that revolutionized aviation attire would have the same effect on the fashion industry?

Although the company’s focus has shifted over the past 150 years from all-weather outerwear and durable flight attire to catwalk creations, you can still order one of the world’s most stylish trench coats—in signature Burberry check of course!

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