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Are you going to be recreating a Viking character for a new television show or a LARP you’ve joined, but you want to look the part?
Whatever your reason, you’ll need to know what Viking clothes wore. They weren’t the longhaired, horned, and small-clothed people we see in television or movies. They were more refined people and more complex than you may realize.
To learn what the Vikings wore and what accessories would be best for your Vikings, keep reading.
A Look at Traditional Viking Costume
The traditional Viking costume was a functional and distinct style of clothing that was worn by the people of the Viking age. It included trousers and Viking tunics of various colors and styles, as well as cloaks and outer garments.
Materials used for their clothing included wool, linen, and hemp, and they were intricately decorated with patterns, symbols, and even precious metals such as silver. Headwear was also a various part of their costume, from essential hats to detailed hats with horns, tails, and fur.
Unique Fashion Choices of the Viking Age
Accessories such as brooches and armbands were popular, as well as wide-brimmed hats with horns. Many male Vikings also adorned their clothing with intricate animal patterns or images.
The most recognizable of these is the ‘Viking axe’ design, which was a symbol of power and strength. Belts and belt buckles were widely used and included curved lines, braids, and spiral designs.
Unraveling the Secret of the Viking Look
Unraveling the secret of the Viking clothes requires a deeper insight into the culture and way of life of the Vikings. Their clothing was as much a reflection of their lifestyle as any other aspect of their culture.
The Vikings commonly wore a simple style of clothing made from wool and linen. They favored tunics, pants, and cloaks, which could be lined in fur for added warmth.
Women’s Clothing in the Viking Era
Viking women were known to mix and match their clothing for both comfort and style, as well as for protection from the elements. The garments also served to indicate their wealth and social standing, as well as provided protection from the elements.
See the page with Viking tunic and apron dresses, both with or without an underskirt. Outer garments included cloaks or a shawl-like garment called a brat. Footwear included leather shoes and fur boots, often with long shoe socks.
Shoe Fashions of the Viking Age
Generally, Viking shoes were shaped to fit the foot better than the simple one-piece sandals of earlier periods. Common materials included animal hides, particularly of cow and sheep, and vegetable-tanned leather.
Most footwear consisted of cut pieces of leather that were laced together, often with waxed linen, over the foot and lower leg. Shoes were often decorated by tooling the leather, sewing fur or fabric accents, and adding beads, in order to both improve their look and to make them more weatherproof.
Learn About Popular Viking Clothes
The Vikings were not only a formidable force during the Age of Exploration, but they were also well known for their fashion sense. Viking clothes had a function, wore worn beautifully, and were made of materials specifically suited to their needs.
Viking fashion can give us a unique window into the culture of the people during this time. We encourage readers to explore their heritage and understand more of the culture of these ancient people.
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