The Burberry line of luxury items and fragrances began back in 1856 with Thomas Burberry, a twenty-one year old former apprentice to a draper. After completing his apprenticeship, he opened an outfitters shop in England , a business that soon flourished. By 1870, the Burberry name was known for outdoorwear for sportsmen and for local residents. The Burberry line provided warm, protective everyday wear and comfortable clothing for sporting events of all sorts.

 

While the Burberry line was a huge success, it really exploded in 1879 when Thomas Burberry invented gabardine. This fabric, created by waterproofing yarn before weaving it, became the official Burberry fabric, and the line became known for both its great water-resistant and durable items. Burberry patented the formula for gabardine in 1888, and since then, the company has made nearly all of their bags, luggage, and other items out of it.