Looking to dress the part in a Viking-inspired costume? Want to know what an authentic Viking would wear? Curious about how the clothing and appearance of the Viking era differed from ours?Well, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about what did Vikings wear and how to recreate it for a more authentic costumed appearance.
Of course, we’ll start with a quick look at the Vikings’ clothes and look to help you see the differences.
So let’s get to it!
Styles of Viking Headgear
Vikings were known for their distinct style of fashion. They wore practical and heavy clothing to protect against the harsh climate. The dress was often made with wool, linen, or animal skin. Viking headgear was just as stylish as the rest of their clothing.
Styles ranged from headscarves and hoods to fur-trimmed hats. They also wore elaborate and decorative helmets, most featuring horns and wings and protective face masks.
Traditional Viking Clothing
Traditional Viking clothing was a mixture of practicality and style. Vikings wore tunics, trousers, and cloaks.The tunic was usually made from wool and was lightweight, reaching just past the knees. The trousers, often made from linen, were usually tight around the waist and ankles.Seams were usually reinforced with leather. Cloaks were either wool or fur, were fastened by a brooch, and were long, reaching their feet. Read more about Viking cloak for you to fully understand the design and its meaning.
Vikings also wore belts and, often, layers of jewelry. Leather shoes and fur hats were common, and often, those of higher status wore hats of leather or metal. Brightly colored cloaks and dyed scarves added color and style to the Viking’s traditional clothing.
Herringbone Embroidery
One of their most famous decorative elements was herringbone embroidery. The style featured intricate embroidery created in a diamond or chevron pattern.
Typically, it was used to decorate cloaks, tunics, and other outerwear. Herringbone embroidery was so popular among the Vikings that it’s thought many of their burial garments featured the design.
It was believed to have given the deceased protection on their journey to the afterlife. Today, herringbone embroidery can still be found on certain pieces of Viking fashion, such as scarves and sweaters, and serves as a reminder of the influential fashion legacy of the Vikings.
Jewelry of the Norse
Jewelry was particularly popular amongst Viking clothing, from intricate brooches and other accessories to rings, necklaces, and arm rings. The trade and influence of Norse Vikings are still shown today in the surviving pieces of jewelry they crafted.Norse Jewelry was often deeply symbolic, with religious, magical, and ornamental designs that reflected the Viking’s culture and religious beliefs.
What Did Vikings Wear: Everything You Need to Know
By learning what did Vikings wear, we can better appreciate the culture that surrounded their lives. For those who want to learn more, consider visiting a local museum to get a better understanding of the practical and decorative clothes that characterized the Vikings. For those who want to learn more, consider visiting a local museum to get a better understanding of the practical and decorative clothes that characterized the Vikings.Do you want to find more helpful info? Check out more of our guides on our blog today!
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