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A Look Back at Fashion in the Viking Age

It is almost impossible to imagine life in the Viking Age without imagining their iconic fashions.

In fact, their various garments had a major impact on modern-day fashion. Viking clothes were used to portray who they were and where they came from. It is even said that their clothing is where the origins of trousers lie.

In this article, we will look at fashion in the Viking Age, what they wore, and how those garments affected modern fashion.

Let’s begin!

Distinctive Elements of Viking Fashion

The Viking age brought a distinct fashion trend in the early medieval period. During this time, fashion design was heavily influenced by the practicality of daily life. Norse wore simple wool garments as garments could be layered as the weather got colder. 

Wool

One of the most distinctive elements of Viking fashion was wool, the most widely available material in the Scandinavian region. Most Viking clothing was made from wool, including tunics, trousers, and dresses. These garments were often decorated with intricate embroidery and were dyed in various colors, including red, blue, green, and yellow.

In addition to wool, the Vikings also used silk, a luxury item often imported from the East. Silk was used to create ornate trimmings and decorations on clothing and for head coverings and belts.

Tunics

Viking men typically wore tunics, which were knee-length garments with long sleeves. These tunics were often belted at the waist and sometimes had decorative trimmings around the collar and cuffs. In colder weather, men might also wear trousers made of wool, which were held up by a belt or suspenders. On top of their tunics, men might wear a cloak made of wool or fur to stay warm.

Women in Viking society also wore tunics, which were often longer than men’s and were worn with an apron-like garment over the top.

Women’s clothing was often more decorated than men’s clothing, with intricate embroidery and silk trimmings. Women also wore boots which are made of pure leather. You can browse and click for viking boots here on our page.

Accessories in the Viking Age

People of that era proudly adorned themselves with intricate, elaborate accessories that suited their everyday lifestyle. Women and men both wore necklaces as a sign of wealth and also to differentiate their status or rank in society. Brooches, often decorated with intricate designs such as snakeheads or dragon heads, were one of the most recognizable jewelry pieces.

Viking men also occasionally wore metal armbands, while men and women wore other pieces of metal jewelry. Women also wore elaborate hats with beads and precious stones to decorate them.

Headwear was often used to signify class and rank in Viking society. Accessories in the Viking Age were very important and displayed the sophisticated nature of fashion during this time.

Here is a Look Back at Fashion in the Viking Age

Fashion in the Viking age was highly influenced by the materials available in the region and the need for practical and durable clothing. However, despite these practical concerns, the Vikings still found ways to express their individuality and status through clothing and accessories.

Today, Viking fashion remains popular in certain circles, with many people incorporating Viking-inspired elements into their own clothing and accessories.

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Featured Image by adriankirby from Pixabay