Burberry was founded in 1856 when 21-year-old Thomas Burberry, a former draper's apprentice, opened his own store in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. Known for his constant search to improve quality, Burberry became highly successful with his waterproof outdoor attire. Commissioned by the British war office in 1914, Burberry adapted the officer's coat to suit the conditions of contemporary warfare, resulting in the "trench coat". After the war, the trench coat became popular for everyday use and the signature "Burberry classic check" was first used as an inner lining in 1924. It was not until 1967 that the Burberry classic check, now a registered trademark, was widely used on its own for items including umbrellas, scarves, and luggage. Today, Burberry is known for its unique traditional British design meshed with today's modern look.