The Heritage collection comprises four signature fits – the Chelsea, Kensington, and Waterloo trench coat plus the Camden car coat. Made in Castleford, where Burberry has operated a dedicated manufacturing site for more than 50 years, every element of the designs requires the skill and expertise of specialist craftspeople. The intricate stitching on the collar takes up to a year for each specialist to master – with more than 180 stitches creating a fluid curve that allows the collar to sit perfectly on the neck.

The cotton gabardine used to make the Heritage Trench and Car Coats is woven at the Burberry mill in Keighley, as is the iconic Burberry Check cotton that has lined coats since the 1920s. A revolutionary fabric, gabardine was invented by Thomas Burberry in 1879 – its shower-resistant, lightweight, and breathable properties developed to offer greater freedom when exploring the outdoors in inclement weather, Burberry said in a press release.

The collection is part of the ‘Trench for Tomorrow’ initiative, which ensures that Heritage Trench and Car Coats are made with lower-impact materials and can be worn for as long as possible through the help of ReBurberry Services.

Made in England for more than a century, the coats are crafted using Burberry’s signature gabardine fabric that is now woven from 100 per cent organically grown cotton. Organic cotton is a less chemical and water intensive alternative to conventionally produced cotton. The buttons on these styles are also made from 90 per cent bio-based resin, which is a renewable natural resource derived from plants. In addition, the manufacturing sites in Castleford and Keighley both run on 100 per cent renewable electricity.

To help ensure trench and car coats are enjoyed for years to come, Burberry offers a range of circular services including Trench Refresh, Reproofing, Repair, Rental and Resale, the release added.

"Yorkshire is the home and heart of our manufacturing in the UK. It is not only where skilled craftspeople create some of our most iconic products, but also where generations of families continue to pass down critical artisanal skills. Ensuring that we preserve those skills and champion British craftsmanship is incredibly important to us. We support this by recruiting locally and by offering technical skill development through our on-site training school in Castleford,” said Lise Edwards-Warrener,  VP of ready-to-wear operations and planning.

"We are proud of our British manufacturing heritage and at the same time, are challenging ourselves to adapt and play our part to protect the planet. Our ‘Trench for Tomorrow’ initiative embodies this spirit of responsible craftsmanship and innovation by ensuring our iconic trench coat uses certified and responsibly sourced materials and can be enjoyed for years to come through our ReBurberry Services," said Caroline Laurie, VP of corporate responsibility.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)