# Is Thomas Burberry the same as Burberry (Plaid brand)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-thomas-burberry-the-same-as-burberry-plaid-brand/312416>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [July 13, 2005, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-thomas-burberry-the-same-as-burberry-plaid-brand/312416 "2005-07-13T21:50:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![chefIL11](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@chefIL11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chefIL11)\
**Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-thomas-burberry-the-same-as-burberry-plaid-brand/312416/1 "2005-07-13T21:50:39Z")

</div>

I noticed different logos on shirts. What is the difference in the companies? Thomas Burberry doesn’t seem to have the plaid design. What’s the deal?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\
**Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-thomas-burberry-the-same-as-burberry-plaid-brand/312416/2 "2005-07-13T22:41:49Z")

</div>

The Burberry company website.

[http://www.burberry.com/world/Collections/Collections.shtml](http://www.burberry.com/world/Collections/Collections.shtml)

Basically, Burberry check (the “plaid” you mention) has been appropriated by chavs (urban working class in the UK), so the company, which has always had an upmarket image, wishes to disassociate itself from that.

To do this it has repackaged itself somewhat. The real upmarket stuff is now marketed as Burberry Prorsum, the Mid priced stuff as Burberry London, and the young n’ funky casual wear as Thomas Burberry.

Think of it as like the difference between Ralph Lauren, Polo by Palph lauren, and Lauren by Ralph Lauren. Or between Prada and Miu miu, or Moschino and Moschino Cheap and Chic.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\
**Post date:** [July 13, 2005, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-thomas-burberry-the-same-as-burberry-plaid-brand/312416/3 "2005-07-13T22:50:50Z")

</div>

For more on the Chav/burberry phenomenon

> **[Urban Dictionary: chav](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=chav&r=f)**
>
> Stupid annoying arses, need to get a life, think they're superior to the human race, (female and male chavs) shag everything that moves, (male chav) hand always in their pants, (female chav) MUST get pregnant as soon as period starts, regardless of...

[http://www.urbandictionary.com/images.php?imageid=30188](http://www.urbandictionary.com/images.php?imageid=30188)

Some of the opinions are expressed on that site are bigoted and prejudiced. I would like to say that I in no way endorse them or agree with them, I’m merely seeking to show why Burberry might be a little upset to be associated with Chavs.

For a more serious take on the company and it’s inner workings:

> **[Can-do boss is check's best mate](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2005/feb/06/theobserver.observerbusiness13)**
>
> Continuing our series, business guru Rene Carayol says three cheers for Burberry boss Rose Marie Bravo.