Like Louis Vuitton and Prada, Burberry is one of those labels that inspires scads of fakes. Many people wearing Burberry coats are under the impression that they hold an authentic item, but are actually wearing a replica coat. There are a few steps consumers can take to check a Burberry coat's authenticity.

Check the hang tag, the buttons and the tag in the lining for the logo. There are lots of Rurberry and Burbery trench coats out there. One of the key elements on the Burberry logo is how the capital "R" has a small horizontal line (a serif) on the left-hand side. The Burberry logo's font is the same, whether it is on a button or a tag.

  • Like Louis Vuitton and Prada, Burberry is one of those labels that inspires scads of fakes.
  • The Burberry logo's font is the same, whether it is on a button or a tag.

Check the checks. Burberry's signature plaid lining is often imitated but rarely copied perfectly. The Nova Check design should be symmetrical, lining up across seams. The colour consists of three thick navy blue stripes crosshatching one another and three thinner red stripes crossing the centre of the blue check.

  • Burberry's signature plaid lining is often imitated but rarely copied perfectly.
  • The Nova Check design should be symmetrical, lining up across seams.

Look at and touch the lining, the buttons and the fabric of the Burberry coat. Burberry uses only top-quality materials. Buttons and belt loops should be sewn on firmly. Stitches should be even and tight. The lining is never crooked or puckered. The hem should be straight.

Examine the hang tag. It would not be a Burberry without the distinctive tag. The logo and spelling on the tag should match the signature Burberry logo. The material attaching the tag to the jacket should be solid, requiring scissors to remove it rather than simply tugging. Remember to keep the hang tag after removing it because items cannot be removed or exchanged without the tag.

  • It would not be a Burberry without the distinctive tag.
  • The material attaching the tag to the jacket should be solid, requiring scissors to remove it rather than simply tugging.

Post a picture online. If all else fails, consult the experts at a designer imposter forum (see Resources below). Many of these people are ardent collectors of Burberry items or work in retail selling luxury goods. They have developed an eye for authentic Burberry coats as well as the telltale signs of a fake Burberry coat.

TIP

Buy Burberry pieces direct from the designer or at a reputable department store, such as Saks 5th Avenue.

WARNING

Burberry salespeople are instructed to confiscate any fake items brought into the store for authentication.