When most people think of Viking clothing, they picture big, burly men in horned helmets and furs. But what did Viking women wear?
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the clothes that Viking women would have worn on a day-to-day basis. We’ll also touch on some of the more special occasion attire that they might have donned on holidays or other special occasions.
So whether you’re a history buff who wants to learn more about Viking culture or you’re looking for some fashion inspiration for your next costume party, read on for everything you need to know about Viking women’s clothing!
What Did Viking Women Wear on a Daily Basis?
Most everyday clothing for Viking women Clothing was made of wool. This meant that it was sturdy and long-lasting, but could also be quite scratchy and uncomfortable. Wool garments were often adorned with colorful embroidery or other embellishments to make them look more attractive.
Viking women also wore linen shirts and tunics. Linen is a smooth, lightweight fabric that is much cooler and more comfortable to wear than wool in the summer months. Like wool garments, linen shirts and tunics were often decorated with embroidery or other embellishments.
In addition to shirts and tunics, Viking women also wore skirts. Skirts were usually made of wool or linen and reached down to the ground or just below the knee. Some skirts had a slit up the side so that the woman wearing them could ride a horse or perform other activities without her skirt getting in the way.
On their feet, Viking women wore soft leather shoes or boots. These shoes were often lined with fur to keep the wearer’s feet warm in the cold winter months.
Special Occasion Clothing for Viking Women
While the clothes that Viking women wore on a daily basis were quite simple, they did have some beautiful garments that they reserved for special occasions. On holidays and other celebrations, Viking women would don exquisite dresses made of silk and other luxurious fabrics. These dresses might be brightly colored or patterned, and would often be adorned with precious jewels and metals.
Viking women also had a type of garment called an ‘apron-dress’. An apron-dress is basically what it sounds like – a dress with an attached apron. Apron-dresses were typically worn by married women, as they signified her status as a wife and mother. These dresses could be made of wool, linen, or silk, depending on the occasion and you can buy all of them from Relentless Rebels.
Tying it all together – Accessorizing like a Viking Woman
No outfit is complete without the right accessories! Here are some of the accessories that Vikings women might have worn with their clothing:
Muffs:
Muffs were small bags that were filled with fur (usually rabbit fur) and worn around the wrists to keep hands warm.
Belts:
Belts were worn around the waist to cinch in tunics and dresses (sort of like how we use belts today). They could be made of leather, cloth, metal, or even bone!
Jewelry:
Vikings loved jewelry! Both men and women wore necklaces, bracelets, rings, brooches, and more – often made of gold or silver.
Headdresses:
On special occasions, Viking women might wear headdresses adorned with jewels or feathers. These headdresses could be quite elaborate; some even had reconstructed examples that stand over 2 feet tall!
Conclusion:
Women’s clothing in Viking times was simple yet functional, with beautiful special occasion dresses reserved for holidays and celebrations. Today, you can channel your inner Viking by wearing modern takes on these traditional garments – perfect for your next costume party! And don’t forget to accessorize!
