Burberry Classic

Burberry Classic (1995) by Burberry

Released in 1995 and crafted by perfumer Jean-Pierre Bethouart, Burberry Classic (also known as Burberry For Women) was the brand’s flagship feminine fragrance for over two decades. Built around green apple, apricot, peach, jasmine, rose, cedarwood, sandalwood, vanilla, amber, and musk, this floral-fruity-woody composition became a signature scent for generations of women, especially through the late 1990s and 2000s.

The original 1995 formulation has been replaced by a reformulated version still sold on Burberry’s website as “Burberry For Women.” Longtime fans on Fragrantica consistently describe the new version as a shadow of the original, missing the oakmoss depth, with significantly weaker staying power. Vintage authentic bottles of the original formulation trade at premium prices on resale markets. Our interpretation references the original 1995 formulation as a long-lasting Eau de Parfum, made in the EU.

Bottle size: 50ml · Concentration: Eau de Parfum (up to 40% perfume oil) · Made in EU

How It Smells

The opening is immediately bright and slightly tart with crisp green apple, juicy apricot, and ripe peach lifted by bergamot. There is an instant sense of polished British femininity, fruity without being childish.

The heart blooms with jasmine and rose, joined by soft floral lift. The dry-down lands on the foundation that built the fragrance’s reputation: warm cedarwood, smooth sandalwood, soft vanilla, refined amber, and dignified musks. A base that lingers on skin for many hours with refined, slightly powdery, classically British femininity.

Notes

Top: Green Apple, Apricot, Peach, Bergamot
Heart: Jasmine, Rose, Soft Florals
Base: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Amber, Musk

How Our Version Compares

Our interpretation captures the green apple-apricot opening, jasmine-rose heart, and warm cedarwood-sandalwood-vanilla base that defined the original 1995 Burberry Classic. Built as a long-lasting Eau de Parfum at up to 40% concentration, typically 7 to 9 hours on skin, longer on fabric. The longevity matches what fans of the original consistently praise.

Common Questions

Is Burberry Classic still being made?

The original 1995 formulation has been replaced. Burberry’s website still sells a reformulated version as “Burberry For Women,” but longtime fans consistently report that the new version is missing the oakmoss depth of the original and lacks staying power. Multiple Fragrantica reviewers from 2024 and 2025 explicitly call the reformulation “a shadow of the old rich formula.” Vintage authentic bottles of the original trade at premium prices on resale markets.

Who created Burberry Classic?

The original was crafted by Jean-Pierre Bethouart, the same perfumer behind Jacques Bogart One Man Show and other beloved 1980s and 1990s designer classics.

What is the difference between Burberry Classic and Burberry For Women?

They are the same fragrance name. Burberry has sold this composition under multiple labels over the years, but the formulation has changed. The current “Burberry For Women” on burberry.com is the reformulated version. The original 1995 Bethouart formulation is what fans miss and what our interpretation captures.

How long does this fragrance last on the skin?

Typically 7 to 9 hours on skin, longer on clothing. The Eau de Parfum format with up to 40% concentration delivers the longevity that fans of the original consistently praise.

Comparative Advertising Disclaimer: This product is inspired by and compared to Burberry’s Classic (also sold as Burberry For Women), but is not identical and is not affiliated with Burberry or Coty. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Product names are used for reference only.