Few prints are as iconic as the Burberry check. It’s quintessentially British and full of history, dating back to the 1920s when the brand first used it to line its cotton gabardine trench coats. But it wasn’t until 1967 that a Burberry buyer decided to wrap umbrellas and luggage in the check lining. What started as a subtle signature turned into a full-blown status symbol. From then on, the check became more than just a lining—it appeared on tops, bottoms, scarves, bags, and hats. Over the years, the Burberry check has been embraced by fashion insiders, supermodels, and celebrities, picking up the vibe of each era along the way.
How to Shop the Burberry Check Print:
The Skirt
Burberry pleated mini kilt
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$1,250 BURBERRY
The Bucket Hat
Burberry quilted horseshoe bucket hat
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$531 BURBERRY
The Weekender
Burberry Check holdall bag
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$2,650 BURBERRY
The Bikini
Burberry Check bikini
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$655 BURBERRY
The Silk Scarf
Burberry watercolour scarf
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$555 BURBERRY
The Top
Burberry festival tank top
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$415 BURBERRY
The Cashmere Scarf
Burberry Check cashmere scarf
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$1,050 BURBERRY
The Tote
Burberry medium zip tote
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$2,150 BURBERRY
Some of Burberry’s most memorable pop-culture moments come from the ’90s and early 2000s. Victoria Beckham made the scarf feel incredibly chic when she wore it as a headscarf, while Beyoncé rocked the iconic check bikini in her “’03 Bonnie & Clyde” music video with Jay-Z. Liam Gallagher turned Burberry’s checked luggage into a Britpop travel statement. The print feels preppy, aspirational, and rebellious all at once.
As fashion keeps digging into the archives for fresh ideas, the Burberry check remains a constant source of inspiration. It gets reimagined every season in new ways with fresh energy. Most recently, Burberry’s collaboration with Hunza G brought the check back to the beach, proving that a true brand signature can evolve over time without losing its charm.
Below, see how celebrities wore the Burberry check back then—and how to bring this iconic print into your wardrobe today.
The Skirt
Reimagined season after season in mini, midi, maxi, and pleated styles, the checked skirt has shown it can move through decades with ease. In 1994, supermodel Christy Turlington styled hers with a crewneck sweater and black tights—a look that still works today. For warmer weather, skip the tights and pair it with pointed flats or loafers.
Christy Turlington (C) attends an event at a Burberry store in New York City on February 8, 1994. (Photo by Eric Weiss/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images)
WWD/Getty Images
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Burberry
pleated mini kilt
$1,250 BURBERRY
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Burberry
Check wool mini kilt
$1,495 BURBERRY
The Bucket Hat
The bucket hat was a defining accessory of the early 2000s—adopted by hip-hop legends and the Britpop scene alike—and Burberry’s check version is one of the most recognizable out there. Actress Garcelle Beauvais wore hers with wide-leg trousers and a fitted white turtleneck for a relaxed take on tailoring. We love the idea of styling it now with a trench coat, easy denim, and a white tee for a laid-back off-duty look.
Garcelle Beauvais during Burberry Beverly Hills Store Opening and Party to Benefit the Los Angeles Shakespeare Festival at Burberry in Beverly Hills, California, United States. (Photo by SGranitz/WireImage)
Steve Granitz
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Burberry
Check bucket hat
$490 BURBERRY
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Burberry
quilted horseshoe bucket hat
$531 BURBERRY
The Suitcase
Liam Gallagher has always known that the secret to a great airport look is partly the clothes you wear and partly the suitcase you pack them in. Here, the Oasis frontman was photographed wheeling his Burberry weekender and checked luggage in the brand’s signature sand color. Today’sSome versions are a forever investment.
Photo: Dennis Stone, Shutterstock
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Burberry Check Holdall Bag – $2,650
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Burberry Check Luggage Tag – $370
BURBERRY
The Bikini
Burberry’s check bikini is as iconic as the women who’ve worn it. Kate Moss modeled it in one of the brand’s swimwear campaigns in the ’90s, and Beyoncé made the printed two-piece unforgettable in her “’03 Bonnie & Clyde” video with Jay-Z. The swimsuit is still a cult favorite among Hollywood and fashion insiders, including Rebecca Romijn, who styled hers in the most 2000s way possible: with a leather skirt, peeking out from an open shirt. Take yours to the beach with a sarong and flip-flops.
Rebecca Romijn-Stamos (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)
Gregg DeGuire
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Burberry Check Bikini – $655
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Burberry Check Bikini + Briefs – $965
BURBERRY
The Headscarf
Victoria Beckham, in full Posh Spice mode, made the Burberry silk square a true early-2000s signature. Today, it’s one of the easiest ways to add the Burberry check to your wardrobe. Tie it around your head like Beckham, knot it around your neck, or loop it on a bag handle—it’s a small but mighty accessory.
380134 10: Pop star Posh Spice grabs a fast-food lunch in a Los Angeles mall food court with her mother and baby son Brooklyn on October 12, 2000, in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Chris Morton/Online USA)
Chris Morton
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Burberry Check Silk Scarf – $555
BURBERRY
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Burberry Watercolour Scarf – $555
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The Cashmere Scarf
Introduced in the 1970s, Burberry’s cashmere scarf has become one of the brand’s most storied accessories. Katherine Heigl was photographed wearing a fringe-trimmed one in 2002, and its appeal has only grown over time. It’s a timeless winter staple that works over wool coats and trench coats alike, and it’s one of those rare gifts that everyone appreciates.
Katherine Heigl during the 2002 UPN Network Winter TCA Press Tour at Twin Palms Restaurant in Pasadena, California, United States. (Photo by J. P. Aussenard/WireImage)
J. P. Aussenard
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Burberry Cashmere Scarf – $645
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Burberry Check Cashmere Scarf – $1,050
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The Top
A corset top—like the one Ali Larter wore in 2001—gives the heritage print an edgy twist. While this exact top may not be available today, Burberry offers plenty of button-downs and tanks with the print for a similar look.
Ali Larter during the Burberry Beverly Hills Store Opening and Party to Benefit the Los Angeles Shakespeare Festival at Burberry in Beverly Hills, California, United States. (Photo by SGranitz/WireImage)
Steve Granitz
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Burberry Classic Fit Shirt – $715
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Burberry Festival Tank Top – $415
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The Tote
Burberry’s printed tote is a great everyday bag—as shown here by Mandy Moore, who wore hers in 2001 with blue jeans and a black tank. It’s a classic accessory (and outfit!) that you can style as boldly or simply as you like.
Mandy Moore (Photo by Steve Granitz Archive 1/WireImage)
Steve Granitz
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Burberry Medium Bloomsbury Tote – $2,010
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Burberry Medium Zip Tote – $2,150
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about how celebrities wear Burberrys famous check print designed to be helpful for everyone from new fans to fashion enthusiasts
Beginner Questions
Q What exactly is Burberrys check print
A Its the brands signature pattern a tan black red and white plaid It was originally used as a lining for their iconic trench coats but is now used on everything from scarves to sneakers
Q Why do celebrities love wearing Burberry check
A Its a classic instantly recognizable symbol of British luxury Celebrities wear it to look effortlessly stylish and to show they have a taste for timeless fashion not just trendy items
Q Is the Burberry check print still cool or is it outdated
A Its definitely still cool Under new designers Burberry has modernized the print and celebrities often style it in fresh contemporary wayslike with streetwear or edgy accessoriesso it never feels oldfashioned
Q What are the most common Burberry check items celebrities wear
A The most popular are the classic trench coat cashmere scarves baseball caps and puffer jackets You also see it on bags sneakers and even shirts
Intermediate Questions
Q How do celebrities make the check print look casual instead of too formal
A They balance it with casual pieces For example theyll pair a check scarf with a simple white tshirt ripped jeans and sneakers Or theyll wear a check baseball cap with a hoodie and joggers
Q How do stars avoid looking like a walking billboard when wearing the print
A They use the rule of one Instead of headtotoe check they wear just one statement piecelike a check coat over allblack clothing or a check bag with a solidcolored outfit This lets the print be the focus
Q Whats the best way to wear Burberry check for a night out like a celebrity