Fake vs. Fabulous: 6 Foolproof Ways to Spot a Counterfeit Burberry Scarf

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In the early 2000s, Burberry, the renowned London-based fashion brand, underwent a pivotal transformation. This shift began with the arrival of British fashion designer Christopher Bailey, who joined the company as a design director in May 2001 and eventually ascended to president.

While Bailey played a significant role in Burberry’s resurgence, the chief creative officer position changed in 2022, with Riccardo Tisci departing and Daniel Lee taking over. This era marked a revival in the popularity of Burberry’s iconic designs, revitalizing the brand for the new millennium.

Celebrity Elegance in Burberry: Naomi Campbell, Blake Lively, and Mary-Kate Olsen showcasing iconic Burberry scarves at high-profile eventsCelebrity Elegance in Burberry: Naomi Campbell, Blake Lively, and Mary-Kate Olsen showcasing iconic Burberry scarves at high-profile events (Credit: WENN)

Celebrities can’t get enough of the brand’s notorious checked pattern. Staple items such as the trench coat and cashmere scarf have consistently been spotted on stars over the years.

A true symbol of high-end fashion, stepping out in Burberry’s classic checked pattern never fails to turn heads. Our favorite way to showcase the bold design is by wearing a scarf.

Finding Authentic Burberry Scarves: Retail Store and Online Shopping Tips

The official Burberry website has a “store locator” tool that lets you search for authorized retailers near you. If you’re buying a scarf from a brick-and-mortar store, this is an easy way to ensure you get authentic products.

Billie Eilish turning heads with her Burberry ensemble at the 2019 American Music AwardsBillie Eilish turning heads with her Burberry ensemble at the 2019 American Music Awards (Credit: WENN)

When online shopping, it’s best to stick to well-known and established retailers, such as Nordstrom and Mytheresa, and, of course, the official Burberry website.

Since there are many fine details you need to check to ensure the Burberry product is authentic, ensure the seller has included multiple high-resolution photos of the product itself and the tags and packaging.

Lily James combining casual and chic with a Burberry scarf and baker boy cap in London, 2019Lily James combining casual and chic with a Burberry scarf and baker boy cap in London, 2019 (Credit: WENN)

The seller should also include a product number. Ask for more pictures or information if anything is missing before purchasing!

If you’ve encountered a great deal online, check out our tips on quickly telling if a site is real.

The classic Heritage Nova Check pattern, or any other glam styles from the brand, adds the perfect amount of color to any outfit, which these celebs highlighted flawlessly.

Fashion Icons in Burberry: Brandy, Kelly Osbourne, and Demi Lovato wearing Burberry at various eventsFashion Icons in Burberry: Brandy, Kelly Osbourne, and Demi Lovato wearing Burberry at various events (Credit: WENN)

Unfortunately, some of the company’s positive changes over the millennium, including expanding production internationally, caused the creation of counterfeit products and knockoffs.

They say that imitation is the best form of flattery. While these gorgeous closet staple products deserve compliments, consumers deserve to know they’re getting the real deal.

Hollywood Glamour in Burberry: Queen Latifah, Carolyn Flack, and Lindsay Lohan sporting the brand's signature scarvesHollywood Glamour in Burberry: Queen Latifah, Carolyn Flack, and Lindsay Lohan sporting the brand’s signature scarves (Credit: WENN)

If you’re interested in jumping on the Burberry bandwagon, there are a few tips you should consider to make sure you’re not being duped by one of those pesky knockoffs.

Spot a fake Burberry scarf with these six simple checks:

Authenticity Indicator 1: Pricing of Genuine Burberry Scarves

Perhaps the most obvious indicator of authentic Burberry scarves is how much they cost. Authentic Burberry materials are of the highest quality and are produced with extreme care.

The price should always reflect this. Authentic scarves sell for anywhere between $175.00 and over $500.00. It should raise some eyebrows if you’ve discovered a significantly cheaper scarf.

Elegance Redefined: The 2016 Burberry Scarf CollectionElegance Redefined: The 2016 Burberry Scarf Collection

Authenticity Indicator 2: Examining the Burberry Tag for Genuine Features

The tag itself is also an excellent place to look for authenticity. Each official tag will feature a firm and evenly printed “Burberry” on the front, and the inside should contain information including the materials, product number, scarf style, color, and size.

Pictured below is the inside of a Burberry scarf tag. In the top left corner, you can see the equestrian knight logo, and to the right, there is a square block that depicts the pattern and style of the scarf purchased. In this case, it’s Giant Check.

Under these images, you can see a list of the trademarks and copyrights, and then you’ll see a sticker containing the particular item’s name and product information.

The Hallmark of Quality: Inside Look at a Genuine Burberry TagThe Hallmark of Quality: Inside Look at a Genuine Burberry Tag

Authenticity Indicator 3: Analyzing the Label for Burberry Authenticity

An authentic Burberry scarf will have a sewn-on label evenly on the fabric. The middle will not be attached, creating a loop of fabric.

  • Centered in the middle of this rectangular label, “BURBERRY” will be sewn in capital letters that are of equal height.
  • Beneath the brand’s name, there will be varying details, depending on when the scarf was made, where, and which type it is.
  • Many scarves will have the detail “London” sewn underneath the brand, and most will also include where the product was made. The fonts of these location details might vary slightly with each scarf; they will either be sewn in the same standard Burberry font or a thinner, cursive style like the one pictured below.
  • While some Burberry scarves are produced in England, Scotland, and France, most are now produced in Asia. Burberry has factories worldwide, including China, Poland, Romania, India, Spain, Italy, England, and even some in the US.
  • Many scarf labels will also include the materials the scarf was made from and the instructions to “dry clean only.”

The Mark of Luxury: A Close-up of an Authentic Burberry Scarf TagThe Mark of Luxury: A Close-up of an Authentic Burberry Scarf Tag

Authenticity Indicator 4: Identifying the Authentic Burberry Equestrian Knight Logo

The official symbol for the company is a printed “Equestrian Knight” character shown on the tag of each scarf sold. Often, knockoff scarves will try to pass a barely visible rendition of this logo, so you need to examine the image closely.

This knight will be left-facing and on the inside of the paper tag. It should be printed clearly and centered with no smudged edges.

The photo below is of the packaging of a Burberry product. If you purchase a Burberry scarf from an authorized retailer, it will likely come rolled up in a thick canister with a bow, and this equestrian knight logo will be embossed on the front in gold.

Symbol of Heritage: Burberry's Iconic Equestrian Knight LogoSymbol of Heritage: Burberry’s Iconic Equestrian Knight Logo

Authenticity Indicator 5: Recognizing Genuine Burberry Font Characteristics

The font of all Burberry products might be the best way to sniff out a knock-off. Each time “Burberry” is written on the scarf, its tags, or packaging, the font should always be the same, and the letters should be capitalized.

True Burberry R’s will have pointed ridges that resemble a bicycle’s kickstand, and the trail will curl slightly outwards, like in the below-left photo. If the letters on the Burberry scarf are straight with no ridges or pointed edges, like the right photo below, there’s a good chance it’s fake.

The two photos below were taken from sellers on eBay. While they are both a little out of focus if you look closely at the tags, you can see that the Rs do not curl outwards but instead move outward in a straight line.

Font Finesse: Detail of the Authentic Burberry Scarf FontFont Finesse: Detail of the Authentic Burberry Scarf Font

When buying from eBay, always ask the seller for more detailed and clear photographs before purchasing!

Authenticity Indicator 6: Verifying the Authenticity of Burberry’s Check Pattern

All Burberry scarves with the trademarked checked pattern will have perfectly symmetrical stripes. If the scarf you want to purchase has any line out of place, it’s probably not real.

Specifically, on all of the Nova Check designs, all black lines run across the fabric in three sets; each is equivalent to the next. A thin red line will cut through these dark lines at a crisp, perpendicular angle, creating perfect square blocks.

The Quintessence of Burberry: The Nova Check Pattern Up CloseThe Quintessence of Burberry: The Nova Check Pattern Up Close

The Global Craftsmanship of Burberry Scarves: Origins and Manufacturing Locations

While Burberry’s global marketing campaign revolves around “Britishness” and being a “luxury brand” with a distinctively British appeal, most of the company’s products are now produced outside the United Kingdom.

While some trench coats are made at a manufacturing site in Leeds, a local government district of West Yorkshire, England, some Burberry scarves and other products are made in China.

Burberry’s classic cashmere scarves are made in Scotland at two historic mills in Elgin and Ayr. 18 artisans work on each scarf and undergo 30 different production processes.

The fabric is washed in local spring water and carefully brushed with teasels for a super-soft finish. Many of Burberry’s more affordable scarves are made in other countries. For example, the popular rib-knit wool collar scarves are made in Italy.

Burberry Classic Cashmere Scarf, $470 at Burberry

Timeless Tradition: Burberry's Classic Cashmere Scarf from the Historic Scottish MillsTimeless Tradition: Burberry’s Classic Cashmere Scarf from the Historic Scottish Mills

In 2007, several hundred workers lost their jobs when the company closed its 70-year-old factory in Treorchy, a village in Wales.

Also, check out the video below, which shows ten super easy ways to wear the classic Burberry scarf with style.