Burberry Shorts: A Second-Hand Buyer's Guide

Burberry shorts come in three main families: swim shorts, cotton or twill chino shorts, and nylon or technical shorts with the Equestrian Knight logo. Pre-owned pairs usually sell for around €45 to €160, depending on the line and condition, while new retail prices often start above €300.

The brand has changed its logo twice in recent years, so the label tells you a lot about age. Knowing that saves money.

Main Burberry shorts styles

Swim shorts are the most common find on the second-hand market. They are light polyester, usually with a mesh lining, a drawstring waist and a small logo or a check print on the side. Expect a length of about 38 to 45 cm from waist to hem.

Chino and cotton shorts are cut closer to a classic tailored short, with side pockets and a button fly. They sit well with a plain tee and clean trainers.

Then come the check pieces. The Vintage Check (beige, black, red and white) appears as a lining, a trim or a full print. A full check short from the 2000s, in good shape, is the one collectors chase, and it tends to cost more than a recent plain pair.

Which era to look for

Pieces with the old serif wordmark and the rider logo date from roughly 2000 to 2018. The 2018 Riccardo Tisci rebrand brought a sans-serif logo and the monogram print. In 2023 the Equestrian Knight came back. Neither is better, but the older labels are rarer now.

Sizing and fit

Burberry sizing varies by line. Swim shorts run true to size in S, M, L, while chinos follow waist sizes (30, 32, 34) or Italian numbers (46, 48, 50). An Italian 48 is roughly a 32 waist.

Always ask the seller for a flat waist measurement and the inseam. A pair listed as medium can differ by 3 cm between seasons. Measure your own best-fitting shorts and compare.

Cotton versions can shrink slightly after a hot wash. Swim shorts rarely do.

How to spot fake Burberry shorts

Fakes are common, especially in swimwear. Check these points before paying:

• The check pattern should line up at seams and pockets, with no cut-off lines.
• The inner care label should have clean, even stitching and sharp print, with a style number and country of manufacture.
• The logo embroidery or print should be crisp, with the horse and rider clearly defined.
• Drawstring ends and eyelets should feel solid, not thin plastic.
• The price should make sense: a full-check pair at €25 is almost always a copy.

Ask for photos of the inside labels and the waistband. A seller who refuses is giving you the answer. Platforms with authentication add a fee of around 10 to 15 percent, which is reasonable on higher-priced pieces.

How to wear them

Keep the outfit simple, because the shorts already carry the detail. A plain white or black tee, low-profile sneakers and nothing else loud. Chinos can take a camp-collar shirt.

If you like the heavier workwear look instead, compare with Carhartt shorts, which are stiffer, cheaper and built for abuse. Burberry is the dressier option. For a trousers equivalent, Carhartt pants and Dsquared2 jeans cover the rugged and the flashy ends of the same wardrobe.

On the footwear side, chunky pairs such as the Air Max Plus TN balance the slim cut of tailored shorts well. Bulky shoes with a short hem can look clumsy, so keep the sock low.

Condition checks and care

Look at the waistband elastic, the inside mesh of swim shorts and the pocket bags. Those wear out first. Fading on the check is normal on older pieces, but cracked printed logos are a red flag.

Wash cold at 30 degrees, inside out, and air dry. Heat damages the elastic and the print.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do second-hand Burberry shorts cost?

Swim shorts usually run from about €45 to €90. Chinos and check pieces in good condition range from roughly €80 to €160, and rare vintage pairs can go higher.

Do Burberry shorts run small?

Swim shorts are generally true to size. Italian-sized chinos can feel snug at the hips, so size up if you are between two sizes.

Are Burberry swim shorts worth buying pre-owned?

Yes, if the lining and drawstring are intact. They dry quickly and the fabric holds up well, which makes used pairs a sensible way to get the label at about a third of the retail price.

How can I tell if the check print is real?

Look for a pattern that matches at the seams and sharp, even colour lines. Blurry lines or misaligned squares point to a fake.