When people search for Burtons, they may be looking for information about the British menswear brand, its history, clothing collections, or where the brand stands today. Burtons has a long connection with British fashion and is particularly associated with men’s suits, tailoring, smart-casual clothing, and everyday styles.
The brand has an interesting history that stretches back more than a century. It began with Montague Burton’s small tailoring business and eventually grew into a major British clothing name. Over the decades, Burtons adapted to changing shopping habits and fashion trends, moving from a large high-street presence toward an increasingly digital retail model.
This guide explains what Burtons is, how it started, what it is known for, and what shoppers should know about the brand today.
What Is Burtons?
Burtons is a British menswear brand traditionally known for men’s clothing, tailoring, suits, footwear, and smart-casual fashion.
The company has played an important role in British retail history. Its origins can be traced to 1903, when Montague Burton established what became the foundation of the Burton business. By the early twentieth century, the company was expanding rapidly and serving customers looking for accessible men’s clothing.
Unlike a luxury fashion house focused on exclusive collections, Burtons historically built its reputation around practical, wearable clothing that men could purchase for work, formal occasions, and everyday life.
The History of Burtons
The Early Years
The story of Burtons begins with Montague Burton, who arrived in Britain from Lithuania as a young man. In 1903, he established the Cross-Tailoring Company in Chesterfield. The business initially focused on men’s clothing and tailoring.
The company grew as demand increased for ready-made and affordable men’s suits. By 1914, the business had adopted the Burton name.
This approach helped Burton reach customers who wanted smart clothing without the cost and complexity traditionally associated with bespoke tailoring.
Expansion Across Britain
Burtons expanded significantly during the twentieth century. Its growth included manufacturing, retail shops, and a broad distribution network.
The company became particularly important in British menswear and tailoring. During the Second World War, Burton’s manufacturing operations also contributed significantly to the production of military uniforms. Historical accounts state that the company produced a substantial proportion of British military uniforms during the period.
Who Founded Burtons?
Burtons was founded by Sir Montague Maurice Burton, originally known as Meshe David Osinsky.
He became one of Britain’s notable clothing entrepreneurs. His business strategy focused on making good-quality men’s clothing more accessible to a wider audience.
His company eventually developed from a small tailoring operation into a large clothing and retail business. By 1929, the company had grown sufficiently to become a publicly listed business.
Montague Burton’s influence extended beyond clothing. His business model combined manufacturing, retailing, and tailoring, helping create a vertically integrated fashion business at a time when Britain’s clothing industry was developing rapidly.
What Is Burtons Known For?
Burtons has traditionally been associated with several areas of men’s fashion.
1. Men’s Suits
Suits have always been an important part of the Burtons identity. The brand became well known for offering suits suitable for work, weddings, formal events, and other occasions.
2. Smart-Casual Clothing
Burtons also developed a strong position in smart-casual menswear. This category bridges the gap between formal tailoring and relaxed everyday clothing.
Typical pieces include:
- Shirts
- Chinos
- Knitwear
- Polo shirts
- Jackets
- Trousers
- Smart shoes
- Casual footwear
3. Everyday Menswear
Beyond formal clothing, Burtons has offered everyday pieces designed for practical wardrobes. This has helped the brand appeal to men looking for clothing that can work across different situations.
Popular Types of Burtons Clothing
A shopper researching Burtons clothing will generally encounter several major categories.
| Category | Common Uses |
| Suits | Weddings, business and formal occasions |
| Shirts | Office and smart-casual outfits |
| Trousers | Workwear and everyday outfits |
| Chinos | Smart-casual occasions |
| Knitwear | Cooler weather and layering |
| Jackets | Casual and smart outfits |
| Shoes | Formal and everyday wear |
| Accessories | Belts, ties and other finishing pieces |
The best choice depends on the occasion, fit, material, and personal style rather than simply the brand name.
Burtons and British Menswear
One reason Burtons remains interesting is its connection to British menswear history.
For much of the twentieth century, buying a suit was an important part of a man’s wardrobe. Burtons helped make tailored clothing more accessible through its combination of manufacturing and retailing.
Its heritage also reflects the changing nature of British shopping. Customers gradually moved from traditional tailoring toward ready-to-wear clothing, and later from physical shops toward online shopping.
Burtons participated in each of these changes.
What Happened to Burtons?
Burtons experienced major changes as the British retail industry evolved.
The brand became part of the Arcadia Group and was ultimately affected when Arcadia entered administration in 2020. In February 2021, Boohoo Group announced that it had acquired the online businesses and associated brand assets of Burton, Dorothy Perkins, and Wallis. The acquisition was intended to preserve their established British fashion identities while moving them further into an online-focused retail model.
The broader corporate structure has since evolved, with the Burton brand operating within the Debenhams Group.
This transition is important because modern shoppers may remember Burtons primarily as a high-street menswear retailer, while its contemporary business model is much more digitally focused.
How to Choose Burtons Clothing
If you’re considering clothing from Burtons, focus on the garment rather than relying only on the brand’s heritage.
Check the Fit
Fit is particularly important with men’s clothing. Before purchasing, check:
- Chest measurements
- Waist measurements
- Trouser length
- Shoulder fit
- Sleeve length
- Intended fit, such as slim or regular
A well-fitting affordable jacket can look considerably better than an expensive garment with the wrong proportions.
Consider the Occasion
Think about where you’ll wear the item.
For example:
- Wedding: Suit, formal shirt, smart shoes
- Office: Trousers, shirt and tailored jacket
- Dinner: Smart shirt, chinos and blazer
- Weekend: Polo shirt, jeans or casual trousers
Check Fabric and Care Instructions
Always read the material and care information before buying. Wool, cotton, polyester, viscose, and blended fabrics can behave differently when washed and worn.
Care instructions can also affect the long-term value of a garment.
Is Burtons Still Relevant Today?
Yes, particularly because the brand has a long-established identity in British menswear.
Its heritage gives Burtons recognition that newer clothing brands may not have. At the same time, the brand has had to adapt to the modern fashion market, where online shopping, changing consumer expectations, and competition from international retailers have transformed menswear.
The 2021 acquisition specifically highlighted Burton’s established position in British fashion and its role in strengthening Boohoo’s menswear portfolio.
For shoppers, the most useful way to view Burtons today is as a heritage British menswear name that has transitioned from its historic high-street model toward modern online retail.
Key Takeaways
- Burtons is a well-known British menswear name.
- Its history dates back to 1903.
- Montague Burton founded the business.
- Suits and tailoring have been central to its identity.
- The brand also covers smart-casual and everyday men’s clothing.
- Burtons became associated with Arcadia before changing ownership.
- Boohoo acquired the online Burton brand assets in 2021.
- Today, the brand operates within the Debenhams Group.
- Fit, fabric, occasion, and care instructions are important when choosing clothing.
FAQs
1. What is Burtons?
Burtons is a British menswear brand known for suits, tailoring, smart-casual clothing, footwear, and accessories.
2. When was Burtons founded?
Burtons traces its origins to 1903, when Montague Burton established the Cross-Tailoring Company.
3. Who founded Burtons?
Burtons was founded by Montague Burton, originally named Meshe David Osinsky.
4. Is Burtons still a clothing brand?
Yes. The Burton brand continues as a menswear business, primarily through online retail.
5. What clothing is Burtons known for?
Burtons is especially associated with men’s suits, shirts, trousers, jackets, smart-casual clothing, and footwear.
6. What happened to Burtons high-street stores?
The brand’s traditional high-street presence declined as its ownership and retail model changed, particularly following the collapse of Arcadia and the 2021 acquisition of its online brand assets.
7. Is Burtons a British brand?
Yes. Burtons has British origins and more than a century of history in the country’s menswear industry.
Conclusion
Burtons has a unique place in British fashion history. From Montague Burton’s small tailoring business in 1903 to a nationwide menswear name and, later, an online-focused fashion brand, its story reflects how men’s clothing and retail have changed over more than a century.
Today, shoppers interested in Burtons can view the brand through both lenses: its historic reputation for accessible British menswear and its modern role in online fashion. Whether you’re looking for a suit, shirt, trousers, jacket, or smart-casual outfit, understanding the brand’s heritage can provide useful context when evaluating its clothing.
Learn More About: Reddit Frugal Male Fashion
