Viking Style: Traditional Clothes And Jewelry

Viking clothing finds are rare, often limited to small material pieces preserved by chance. Our understanding is enhanced by written sources and depictions on small figures and tapestries. Vikings dressed according to sex, age, and economic status. Men preferred trousers and tunics, while women wore strap dresses over undergarments. Everyday Viking clothes were made from local materials like wool and flax, woven by the women. These materials were practical and suited to the cold Scandinavian climate.

Graves of wealthy individuals show some clothes were imported, displaying wealth through silk and gold threads from foreign lands. Upper-class Vikings often adorned themselves in luxurious fabrics from far-off places, such as Byzantium. This reflected their far-reaching trade connections and societal status. In addition to clothing, Vikings enhanced their attire with jewelry and furs from various animals, showcasing their wealth and craftsmanship.

Viking Men’s and Women’s Clothing

Viking men typically wore a tunic, trousers, and a cloak. The tunic resembled a long-sleeved shirt without buttons, often reaching the knees. Over their shoulders, they wore cloaks fastened with brooches, positioned to accommodate weapon use. Trousers were likely gathered under the knee, requiring socks or puttees (legwarmers wrapped around the shins). Footwear included leather shoes or boots. As clothes lacked pockets or elastic, men used belts or strings to hold up their garments, often carrying purses or knives.

Women wore strap dresses over undergarments or smocks. The strap dress was made of coarse material, sewn together, and fitted over the chest, held up by straps fastened with shell-shaped brooches. Between the brooches, they often wore strings of beads. Danish Viking women preferred plain undergarments, while Swedish women favored pleated ones. Over their shoulders, women wore cloaks, decorated with woven borders and fur bands, fastened with small brooches. They used belts to carry small leather purses for items like sewing needles and strike-a-lights.

 

Children's Clothing and Viking Jewelry

Children’s clothing mirrored that of their parents. Young girls wore smocks, while boys wore tunics and trousers, reflecting the same styles and materials used by adults. This early adoption of adult fashion indicated the importance of preparing children for their roles in society from a young age.

Jewelry was an essential part of Viking attire for both men and women, often indicating wealth and social status. They wore arm rings, necklaces, and brooches made from wood, glass, amber, bronze, and gold. Jewelry pieces were decorated with geometric designs, plaited bands, and animal motifs. Practical items like brooches were used to fasten clothes, while some jewelry held symbolic value, such as Thor’s hammers. Despite encountering earrings on their expeditions, Vikings did not wear them.

 

Fabrics, Colors, and Waterproof Clothing

Viking clothes were woven in many colors, produced by boiling materials with color-yielding plants. Known colors include yellow, red, purple, and blue, with blue being particularly precious, often found in wealthy burials. Blue dye came from the local woad plant or imported indigo. Flax was a significant fabric, with around 40% of Viking Age fabric finds identified as flax. Producing flax material was labor-intensive, requiring about 20 kg of plants and 400 work hours to make a tunic. Flax production was crucial in Viking trade.

Vikings also made waterproof clothes from skins treated with beeswax and fish oil, making them soft and water-resistant. These waterproof garments were essential for seafaring and enduring harsh weather conditions. The skill in creating such durable and functional clothing highlights the Vikings' ingenuity and adaptability to their environment.

 

Upper-Class Viking Fashion and Viking Women on Expeditions

The Viking upper class had contact with many parts of the world, influencing their attire. They adorned themselves in silk and gold threads from foreign regions. Silk, a prestigious material associated with the Byzantine court, was especially valued. Bright blue and red silk colors were markers of wealth and power.

Traveling Viking women in Russia wore beads of green glass and carried cases of iron, silver, copper, or gold on their chests, which held knives. These cases are believed to be concave brooches, found in various parts of Europe where Vikings settled, suggesting that Viking women joined expeditions. This presence on expeditions underscores the active role Viking women played in exploration and trade, contributing significantly to their communities.

Viking Warrior Clothing

Viking warriors wore the same clothes as other men but also carried weapons like axes, swords, helmets, spears, lances, and round shields. Not all warriors had complete gear, as iron was expensive. This practical approach to clothing and armor reflected the Vikings' emphasis on functionality and readiness for battle.

Summary

Viking clothing and jewelry were diverse and indicative of social status and trade connections. Men and women wore practical yet decorated garments, often made from local materials but occasionally featuring imported luxury items. Jewelry was both ornamental and functional, with unique designs reflecting Viking artistry. The use of colorful fabrics and elaborate details showcased their skill in textile production. Understanding Viking attire offers a glimpse into their daily lives, social structure, and far-reaching trade networks.

The Vikings’ clothing and jewelry reveal much about their society, from everyday practicality to displays of wealth and status. Exploring Viking attire provides a rich tapestry of cultural insights. For more information or to find Viking-inspired items, explore Triple Viking today.

FAQs 

What materials did Vikings use for their clothes?

Vikings used local materials like wool and flax for their clothes, while wealthier individuals also used imported silk and gold threads.

Did Viking men and women dress differently?

Yes, Viking men typically wore tunics and trousers, while women wore strap dresses over undergarments, reflecting their roles and status.

What was unique about Viking jewelry?

Viking jewelry was both ornamental and functional, often decorated with geometric designs and animal motifs. It indicated wealth and social status.

How did Vikings make their clothes waterproof?

Vikings treated skins with beeswax and fish oil to make their clothes waterproof, essential for their seafaring lifestyle.

Were Viking children’s clothes different from adults'?

Viking children's clothes were similar to those of their parents, with young girls wearing smocks and boys wearing tunics and trousers.