Viking Clothing History: Myths And Facts

Clothing has always been a vital part of human culture, influenced by societal customs, traditions, and the surrounding environment. One of the most captivating types of clothing in history is that worn by the Vikings, a seafaring people who lived between the late 8th and early 11th centuries. Viking clothing continues to spark curiosity, yet it is often clouded by myths and misconceptions. This article will dive into the true history of Viking clothing, separating fact from fiction and shedding light on its historical importance. Keep reading to learn more!

10 Surprising Facts About Viking Clothing You Didn’t Know

Viking Textile Craftsmanship: Contrary to the stereotype of Vikings as solely warriors, they were also highly skilled in textile creation. Archaeological discoveries, including looms and spindle whorls, indicate that weaving and spinning were everyday domestic tasks within Viking households. This craftsmanship played a crucial role in producing the clothing that helped them endure harsh climates.

Bright Colors: Vikings had a passion for bold, vibrant clothing. They used natural dyes from plants, lichens, and minerals to create striking hues like red, blue, yellow, and green, adding color to their everyday attire.

No Horned Helmets: The iconic image of Vikings wearing horned helmets is a myth. This misconception was popularized by 19th-century romantic art and operas. In reality, Viking helmets were simple, conical, and made from leather or reinforced with wood or metal for protection.

Viking Women’s Apron-Dress: Viking women wore a distinctive garment called the “hangerok” or apron-dress. This dress was held up by a pair of oval brooches, and its length and decoration were often symbols of the wearer’s social status.

Fur Usage: While fur was commonly used in Viking winter clothing, it wasn’t always worn on the outside. For extra warmth, Vikings often lined their garments with fur on the inside, creating effective insulation against the cold.

Pants Innovation: Vikings played a key role in popularizing trousers across Europe. They adopted this practical style from the nomadic peoples of the Eurasian steppes, making pants a staple in their daily attire.

Belt Pouches: Viking belts were more than just for holding up trousers. They served multiple purposes, as Vikings often attached pouches and tools to them, turning the belt into a practical and multifunctional accessory.

Embroidery: Vikings had an eye for detail, and many of their garments, especially those worn for special events, were decorated with intricate embroidery. Using colorful threads, they added artistic flair to their clothing, showcasing craftsmanship and style.

Viking Shoes: Made from a single piece of leather, Viking shoes were designed for durability and practicality. The craft of shoemaking in the Viking era was advanced, ensuring their footwear could withstand the rigors of daily life and travel.

Jewelry as Status Symbols: Jewelry was an important aspect of Viking attire. Items like brooches, arm rings, and necklaces were not only decorative but also served as symbols of wealth and social status. Many pieces were crafted from precious metals and often featured intricate designs or gemstones.

Viking Clothing Through the Ages: Functionality and Defense

Viking clothing was crafted with practicality and protection in mind. Given the harsh Scandinavian climate, their attire was designed to offer warmth and shield them from the elements. Tunics, trousers, and dresses were typically made from wool, linen, or animal skins, providing both comfort and durability. During colder months, Vikings also wore cloaks, hats, mittens, and socks to stay insulated. Although most garments were simple in design, many featured intricate patterns and decorations, reflecting the Vikings' appreciation for both functionality and artistic expression.

Vikings used natural sources such as plants, berries, and bark to dye their clothing, resulting in vibrant shades of red, blue, green, brown, and black. This natural dyeing technique added a splash of color to their otherwise practical attire. Contrary to popular myth, Vikings did not wear horned helmets. This iconic image was popularized by 19th-century romantic art and lacks historical accuracy. In reality, Viking helmets were conical, crafted from sturdy leather and reinforced with wood or metal for enhanced protection.

Traditional Viking Clothing: Function Meets Form

Traditional Viking clothing, like its historical counterpart, focused primarily on practicality. Men generally wore long woolen tunics paired with trousers, while women donned long woolen dresses topped with a tunic. Both men and women used cloaks, secured with brooches or pins, to provide extra warmth and protection. Belts were a staple accessory, used not only for holding up garments but also for carrying tools and weapons.

Footwear was adapted to suit different seasons and activities. During colder months, leather shoes and boots lined with fur offered warmth, while simpler leather sandals were worn for lighter tasks or in warmer weather.

Materials Vikings Used for Clothing

The materials Vikings chose for their clothing were shaped by their environment and available resources. Wool and linen were the primary fabrics, supplemented by animal skins and furs to provide extra warmth during colder periods.

Wool: This was the most prevalent material in Viking attire. With their sheep farming practices, the Vikings spun wool into yarn, which was prized for its durability and insulating properties. Wool was used to craft a range of garments, including tunics, trousers, dresses, and cloaks, ensuring both comfort and protection against the cold.

Linen: While not as common as wool, linen was still an important material for the Vikings, especially for undergarments. Its lighter texture made it comfortable against the skin, making it ideal for these close-fitting garments. Linen was also used for head coverings and aprons, offering additional practicality in daily life.

Animal Skins and Furs: To combat the severe Scandinavian winters, the Vikings supplemented their woolen clothing with animal skins and furs. They sourced these materials from animals they hunted, such as deer, bear, and seal. Skins and furs were used to make cloaks, boots, gloves, and linings for hats, providing essential warmth and protection.

Leather: Leather, obtained from cattle and other animals, was used mainly for crafting shoes and belts. It was also an integral part of Viking armor, often reinforced with metal or wood to enhance its protective qualities during battles.

The Vikings' ability to use and adapt various materials allowed them to create functional and durable clothing, well-suited to the demanding conditions of their homeland.

Genuine Viking Clothing: What the Past Reveals

Despite the dramatic portrayals in popular culture, historically accurate Viking clothing was practical and straightforward. Men typically wore a woolen tunic paired with trousers, secured by a Viking belt. This belt was functional, often carrying everyday items like knives and pouches.

Women’s attire consisted of a long, sleeveless woolen dress worn over a linen underdress. The outer dress was fastened with a pair of brooches, creating an apron-like appearance. In colder weather, women would add a cloak or shawl for extra warmth.

Contrary to some beliefs, Viking clothing was not dull. While the base fabrics were often in neutral tones, Vikings enjoyed vibrant colors. They used natural dyes to add bright hues to their garments. Additionally, intricate patterns, weaves, and embroidery were commonly featured, reflecting their craftsmanship and appreciation for decorative details.

What Types of Headwear Did Vikings Use?

Viking headwear was designed to be functional and varied greatly based on the wearer’s role, the weather, and their social standing. A common misconception is that Vikings sported horned helmets, but this image is a myth popularized by 19th-century art and literature. In reality, this dramatic portrayal is not supported by historical evidence.

In daily life, Viking men and women usually wore practical caps or hoods made from wool to keep warm. These head coverings were often shaped conically or rounded, providing coverage for the head and ears. Women, particularly those who were married, commonly wore linen headcloths similar to kerchiefs, which signified their marital status.

While some Viking warriors did wear helmets during combat, they were not as commonly used as one might think. Helmets were costly and labor-intensive to produce, making them accessible mainly to wealthier fighters. These helmets, crafted from iron, were designed for practicality and protection, typically featuring a basic conical or rounded shape to better absorb and deflect impacts.

Contrary to popular belief, Viking helmets did not have horns. Although certain ceremonial helmets might have included simple engravings or decorative elements, the iconic horned helmet image is a modern creation and does not reflect historical reality.

How Did Vikings Dye Their Clothes?

Despite the challenging climate, Vikings had a keen interest in vibrant colors for their clothing, which showcased their attention to detail. The process of dyeing garments was a laborious and intricate task, predominantly handled by the women of the household.

Vikings relied on natural dyes obtained from their local environment. They used a variety of sources such as plants, lichens, tree bark, berries, and even minerals. Each of these materials provided distinct colors, allowing the Vikings to achieve a wide range of rich and vibrant shades for their attire.

Vikings were adept at using natural dyes to infuse their clothing with vibrant colors, despite the harsh conditions they faced. They sourced their dyes from local plants and materials, each offering unique hues. For example, woad, a flowering plant native to northern Europe, was commonly used to produce blue dye. Madder root created red, while weld, a biennial plant, provided a bright yellow. Onion skins were also utilized, yielding colors ranging from yellow to orange and brown.

The dyeing process was quite involved. Wool was boiled with the dye material in a pot until the desired shade was reached. After dyeing, the wool was left to dry before being spun into yarn. It’s worth noting that the longevity of these natural dyes varied, so garments often required re-dyeing to maintain their vibrant colors.

Through their skillful use of available resources, Vikings managed to add a touch of color to their daily lives. Their colorful clothing not only reflected their resourcefulness but also their appreciation for beauty, even in a challenging environment.

A Snapshot of Viking Winter Clothing

During the severe Scandinavian winters, Vikings required effective clothing to stay warm. Their winter wardrobe featured several layers designed for insulation and protection. This included under-tunics, over-tunics, cloaks, and various accessories such as mittens, socks, and hats, all crafted from wool or animal hides. Fur was commonly used to enhance warmth, while leather shoes were often lined with straw or grass for extra insulation.

Common Misconceptions About Norse Viking Clothing

Myth: Horned Helmets: One of the most enduring myths about Norse Viking attire is the horned helmet. Despite its widespread presence in popular culture, historical evidence does not support the existence of such helmets among Vikings. This iconic image was largely propagated by 19th-century romantic art and opera, and it continues to influence modern perceptions.

Myth: Vikings Wore Only Dark, Drab Colors: Contrary to this misconception, Vikings actually favored vibrant colors in their clothing. They utilized natural dyes from plants, berries, and tree bark to produce a wide range of hues, including reds, blues, greens, browns, and yellows.

Myth: Vikings Dressed in Excessive Fur: Although Vikings did incorporate fur into their clothing, particularly during the harsh winter months, they did not commonly wear large fur cloaks and vests as often portrayed in films and TV shows. Instead, fur was primarily used as an insulating lining rather than a prominent outer layer.

Myth: Vikings Wore Leather Armor: Vikings are frequently shown wearing leather armor in popular media. However, historical evidence indicates that their armor was predominantly made from iron. In cases where iron was scarce, they relied on thick layers of woolen clothing for protection.

Myth: Vikings Wore Elaborate Jewelry: Although Vikings did adorn themselves with jewelry, the common portrayal of them wearing abundant gold and precious stones is largely exaggerated. In reality, only the wealthiest individuals could afford such opulent items.

Myth: Viking Women Wore Revealing Clothing: Contrary to the provocative portrayals in media, Viking women dressed modestly. Their typical attire included a linen underdress paired with a woolen overdress, offering substantial coverage and practicality.

Myth: Viking Clothing Was Rough and Coarse: Although the Vikings lived in a harsh climate and required durable clothing, their attire was not as rough and coarse as commonly assumed. Skilled weavers created garments that, especially among the wealthier classes, could be quite refined and adorned with intricate patterns and designs.

By debunking these myths, we gain a clearer understanding of Norse Viking clothing and its wearers. Their attire was a direct reflection of their environment, lifestyle, and societal norms, combining practicality with a distinctive, understated elegance that is uniquely Viking.

What Did Viking Women Wear Historically?

Historical Viking women’s clothing reflects their significant role in Viking society. Typically, they wore a long linen underdress, also known as a chemise, paired with a woolen overdress. This overdress was fastened at the shoulders with oval brooches, a distinctive feature of Viking fashion. The overdress usually reached the ankles and had side slits for ease of movement.

During the winter months, Viking women layered their clothing with additional pieces such as cloaks, shawls, and mittens for added warmth. They wore soft leather shoes or boots, which were often lined with fur to provide extra insulation against the cold.

Viking women also wore a distinctive garment known as the “hangerok” or “apron-dress.” This loose-fitting piece was suspended from shoulder straps or brooches and served both practical and symbolic purposes. The apron-dress could be decorated with trimmings, and its length often reflected the wearer’s social status.

Jewelry was an essential part of Viking women's attire. Brooches, Viking necklaces, and arm rings were not only decorative but also signified wealth and status. Crafted from materials like bronze, silver, or gold, these pieces often featured intricate designs or precious stones, highlighting the wearer’s affluence.

Did Viking Women Use Early Forms of Bras?

The concept of bras as we know them today didn’t exist in the Viking Age, as the modern bra was not developed until the late 19th century. However, archaeological findings suggest that Viking women used a garment that offered some level of support and coverage, though it differed significantly from contemporary bras.

Viking women typically wore a long linen shift or chemise as their primary undergarment. This simple, loose-fitting piece extended from the shoulders to the ankles, providing both comfort and modesty beneath their woolen overdress or apron dress.

Although Viking women didn’t have bras as we understand them today, they did use garments that provided some form of chest support. The apron-dress, a distinctive element of Viking women’s attire, was secured with oval brooches fastened at the chest. This design offered a degree of natural support, somewhat akin to the function of a modern bra.

Additionally, a notable find from a 10th-century burial site in Lønne Hede, Denmark, uncovered a woolen bandeau-like garment with sewn cups. This suggests that some Viking women might have worn a garment similar to a modern bra. However, this remains a subject of ongoing debate among historians and archaeologists.

It’s essential to recognize that Viking-era clothing was primarily designed for functionality, focusing on protection from the elements and practicality for daily activities. The concept of a garment specifically intended for breast support or enhancement is largely a modern idea.

While Viking women didn’t wear bras as we know them today, they incorporated support and coverage into their daily attire in a way that suited their needs and lifestyle.

Did Viking Clothing Include Skirts?

The idea of Vikings wearing skirts might seem unusual by today’s standards, but it’s worth noting that clothing terms and concepts have changed significantly over time. In Viking society, the garments worn by both men and women were functional and practical, reflecting their daily needs and cultural norms.

In Viking society, men did not wear skirts in the modern sense. Instead, their primary garment was a tunic, a long shirt that extended down to the knee. This tunic was worn over trousers, which were usually loose and comfortable. While the tunic might resemble a skirt or dress in certain aspects, it was a distinct garment with its own functional and cultural significance.

On the other hand, Viking women did wear a garment that could be seen as a type of skirt. Their typical outfit included a long underdress paired with a suspended overdress or apron-dress, known as a "hangerok." This apron-dress was open on the sides and secured at the shoulders with brooches. While the hangerok might resemble a skirt in some ways, it was a distinctive garment specific to the Viking era.

Although Viking men did not wear skirts, Viking women's clothing featured skirt-like elements. These garments were practical and suited to their lifestyle and climate, providing valuable insight into Viking culture and the roles of men and women in their society.

What Did Vikings Wear During Combat?

Vikings are famous for their fighting skills, and their battle gear shows their practical strategy in war. However, it's important to realize that the Viking warrior outfits we often picture, influenced by movies and TV shows, don't always match historical accuracy.

In battle, Vikings focused heavily on their protection. Most Viking warriors wore a sturdy woolen tunic, which, though not true armor, offered some basic defense. Wealthier warriors had the advantage of wearing a mail shirt, known as a byrnie. This type of armor consisted of interlinked iron rings and was excellent at stopping cuts from swords and axes. However, it wasn’t as effective against thrusting attacks or powerful blows.

Despite popular myths, Vikings didn’t sport horned helmets. Helmets were actually quite rare because they were expensive and challenging to make. When helmets were used, they were simple creations, typically crafted from several iron pieces riveted together in a rounded or conical shape. This design helped to deflect strikes and offered essential head protection.

Vikings commonly carried round shields made from wood and covered in leather for added durability. These shields served not only as a defensive tool but also as a weapon for striking opponents. Their design allowed Viking warriors to effectively block attacks while also using the shield to push and bash enemies in combat.

For footwear, Vikings wore everyday leather shoes or boots that were suited for both battle and daily life. Their trousers were held up by a belt, which also provided a convenient spot for carrying a knife or a small pouch. This combination of practicality and utility ensured that Viking warriors were well-prepared for both combat and everyday activities.

In summary, Viking battle gear was designed with a focus on practicality and the resources available to them. Their equipment, from shields to footwear, combined effective protection with functional use, ensuring they were prepared for the demands of battle with the materials they had at hand.

Conclusion

Exploring Viking clothing reveals a fascinating blend of practicality and artistry that defined the lives of these storied warriors. From their intricate textile craftsmanship to their use of vibrant natural dyes, the Vikings' clothing was much more than just attire—it was a reflection of their environment, skills, and status. The Vikings' ability to adapt and utilize available materials like wool, linen, animal furs, and leather showcases their ingenuity in creating durable and functional garments suited to their harsh Scandinavian climate.

Contrary to popular myths, Viking clothing was not merely rough or drab. They enjoyed adding color to their attire, employing natural dyes to produce hues that ranged from vivid reds and blues to soft yellows and greens. Additionally, the iconic horned helmet, often depicted in modern media, is a misconception. In reality, Viking helmets were simple yet effective, designed to protect without the dramatic flair of horns.

Viking clothing was also designed with function in mind. The layered garments provided warmth and protection, crucial for enduring the cold winters. Tunics, trousers, and cloaks were not only practical but also adorned with detailed embroidery, reflecting the Vikings' appreciation for both utility and aesthetics. Viking women’s attire, which included the apron-dress and intricate brooches, highlighted their social status and attention to craftsmanship.

At Triple Viking, we take pride in preserving the rich heritage of the Viking era through our exquisite jewelry collections. Our offerings, including Viking Clothing, Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings, and Rings, are meticulously crafted to echo the majesty and mystique of the Viking age. We invite you to explore our collection and experience the strength and history embodied in each piece. Discover the enduring spirit of the Vikings with Triple Viking, where history and artistry converge.

FAQs

What materials did Vikings use for their clothing?

Vikings primarily used wool, linen, animal skins, and furs for their clothing. Wool was common due to its durability and warmth, while linen was used for undergarments. Furs and animal skins provided additional insulation during colder periods.

Did Vikings really wear horned helmets?

No, the image of Vikings wearing horned helmets is a myth. Historical evidence shows that Viking helmets were simple, conical, and made from leather or iron. The horned helmet image was popularized by 19th-century art and opera.

How did Vikings dye their clothes?

Vikings used natural dyes from plants, lichens, and minerals to color their clothing. They employed materials like woad for blue, madder root for red, and weld for yellow, resulting in vibrant and varied hues.

What was the purpose of Viking jewelry?

Viking jewelry served both decorative and symbolic purposes. Items like brooches, arm rings, and necklaces were not only beautiful but also indicated wealth and social status. They were often crafted from precious metals and featured intricate designs.

What did Viking women wear during colder weather?

Viking women layered their clothing for warmth during colder months. They wore a long linen underdress paired with a woolen overdress or apron-dress. Additional garments such as cloaks, shawls, and mittens, along with fur-lined boots, provided extra insulation.