When it comes to vintage luxury clothing, every detail counts. In the case of Burberry, a brand with over 150 years of history, the label can reveal the origin, era, and authenticity of a garment . And that, in the secondhand market, can make all the difference between an exclusive piece and a mere imitation.
As your trusted vintage clothing supplier , we explain how to identify an original Burberry label , understand its evolution over time, and learn to spot fakes, especially in coveted items like scarves, trench coats, and shirts.
The importance of etiquette in vintage luxury fashion
In the world of luxury, etiquette is much more than just brand identification . At Burberry, it can indicate:
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The exact time when the garment was manufactured
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The country of origin
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If it belongs to a specific line such as Burberry , Burberry London or Burberry Brit
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And even if it's a hard-to-find collector's item
For collectors and resellers, the label is a tool for authentication and a guide for valuing a garment. Therefore, knowing its variations and details not only helps you avoid scams, but also helps you recognize when you're looking at a vintage gem.
Furthermore, a label in good condition increases resale value , as it inspires confidence in the buyer. In luxury garments, the condition of the label is considered part of the item's overall condition.
How to identify an original Burberry label
Recognizing an authentic Burberry label is key to determining if a garment has real value in the vintage market. Over the years, the brand has slightly changed the design of its labels, and knowing these variations will help you identify the style and its era .
Types of labels according to the era
Burberry has gone through different branding phases that you can easily identify on the label:
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Burberrys of London (until the late 90s): If you see the word Burberrys with a final "s", it is an old garment, manufactured before the brand removed that "s" in its image renewal.
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Burberry London (2000s): This style was introduced after the brand's modernization. It features clean labels with capital letters and a light or navy blue background.
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Burberry Brit / Burberry Prorsum: Other specific lines with their own labels. Prorsum was the runway (high-end) line, while Brit was more casual and youthful.
Knowing when a garment was manufactured helps you position it more accurately in the vintage market.
Key elements in an authentic label
Original Burberry labels typically have the following characteristics:
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Clear and elegant typography, without blurred edges or misaligned letters
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Equestrian Knight logo, well embroidered or printed, with visible details
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Clean, straight seams , with no loose threads
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Durable material , often a sturdy woven label
A common mistake in copies is poor-quality embroidery or slightly distorted lettering. You should also be wary of labels that appear freshly attached, showing no signs of wear on a garment that is clearly vintage.
Scarves, trench coats and shirts: what you should check
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Scarves: Authentic scarves usually have a label sewn into one corner with the Burberry logo or "Burberrys" and the type of wool (such as "100% cashmere"). Beware of labels that indicate cashmere but don't feel like it.
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Trench coats: They usually have a large label at the neck, and in many cases, an additional label sewn into the lining. If one of these is missing, a more thorough inspection is necessary.
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Shirts: The collar label indicates the size, country, and sometimes the cut ("classic fit," "tailored," etc.). Check the symmetry of the stitching and that the letters are perfectly aligned.
Signs that a Burberry label may be fake
While some counterfeit Burberry garments are quite convincing, the label often gives them away . Here are some common mistakes you can easily spot if you know where to look.
Inconsistencies in the logo or text
One of the first warning signs is the presence of errors in the typography or in the layout of the text:
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Poorly spaced or strangely shaped letters
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Misaligned or distorted logos
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The word “Burberrys” used on modern clothing without justification
If the label has misspelled words or combines elements from different eras, it's probably fake.
Poorly positioned or low-quality labels
Genuine Burberry labels are perfectly sewn , centered, and have clean finishes. Counterfeits commonly feature:
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Crooked, poorly sewn, or loose-threaded labels
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Label material too thin or rigid
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Uneven or crudely hand-stitched seams
If you notice that the label seems to have been placed "at the last minute" or does not match the rest of the garment, be suspicious .
A mixture of elements from different eras
A garment that combines modern labels with vintage designs, or vice versa, is usually suspicious. For example:
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A classic trench coat with a “Burberry Brit” label
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A scarf with a modern label but an 80s design
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A shirt with a tag but no size or country information
Inconsistencies in the time period or style of the label compared to the garment design are a clear sign of possible counterfeiting.
Compare labels to detect counterfeits
One of the most effective ways to detect a fake Burberry garment is to compare its label with an original one of the same type and era . Sometimes, simply placing them side by side reveals details that are easily missed.
Compare typography and embroidery
On genuine labels, the font is elegant, clean, and evenly spaced . Counterfeits often fall short here: distorted letters, irregular edges, or similar but not identical typefaces.
The embroidered equestrian knight logo must also be detailed, with no errors in the silhouette or blurred lines.
Observe the type of material
Authentic Burberry labels are made from durable, soft-to-the-touch, and thick materials. If a label wrinkles easily, looks very thin, or is too shiny, it may be a fake.
You can also compare the texture: fake ones usually have a more plastic or rough finish .
Look at the codes and the information
Some original labels include model or manufacturing codes , and they always present the information well-organized. If you see missing information, text in unfamiliar languages, or poor translations , be suspicious.
A typical example of a copy is a scarf labeled “100% cashmere” but with no indication of the country or with grammatical errors.
Tip: If you're unsure, keep a folder of photos of authentic labels for quick comparison. Having a small visual reference is very helpful if you work with vintage clothing often.
What value does a good label add to a vintage garment?
In the world of vintage fashion, an original label in good condition can be as valuable as the garment itself . It not only certifies its authenticity but can also significantly increase its resale value.
Guarantee of authenticity
A well-preserved label, with the correct logo and information, gives the buyer immediate confidence . For many collectors, the label is the most direct proof that the garment is not a counterfeit.
Period and collection reference
The label not only identifies the brand, but it can also place the garment in a specific period , which is essential for vintage lovers. Knowing that a scarf is from the 80s or that a trench coat predates the 90s can significantly increase the garment's value.
Improved resale value
A vintage Burberry garment with its original tag in good condition can sell for much more than one without a tag or with a damaged one . Buyers appreciate the details, and the tag proves that the piece has been well cared for and is of legitimate origin.
Collectible item
In some cases, there are specific labels that are part of the garment's appeal : vintage designs, discontinued logos, limited editions… Preserving that label is almost like preserving the certificate of authenticity for a work of art.
In the world of vintage fashion, the label says it all. In the case of Burberry, a good label not only confirms the garment's authenticity but also tells its story, its era, and its true value. Learning to identify these details is key if you buy, sell, or simply appreciate well-made luxury. From scarves to trench coats, the label can make the difference between an exclusive piece and a worthless imitation. If you have any doubts about a garment or need help authenticating it, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'd be happy to assist you.