Viking Man's Costume  

    The Viking man wore an undershirt, tunic, and trousers. Generally, these garments were made of linen or wool, with linen being favored for undergarments for comfort. The sagas suggest that bright colors were used; blue, red, yellow, and orange. Wealthier Vikings would have access to greens and violets, which were obtained by over-dyeing two colors. Un-dyed garments were also worn. Clothing might be decorated with tablet weaving or embroidery, usually at the neck, cuff, and hem.

   Undershirts were typically made of wool or linen and usually closer fitting. Archeological evidence suggests that the undershirt was always long-sleeved.

   There were several styles of tunic worn with varying constructions. The basic tunic was cut larger and longer than the undershirt and may have had shorter sleeves.  It was usually about mid-thigh to knee length. One of the key characteristics of the Viking tunic was the addition of gores to the sides which made it more comfortable and added a nice drape to the garment.

   There is not much archeological evidence of Viking age trousers. It is believed that there were two types, tight fitting, and very loose, balloon-type trousers. The two relatively intact finds are both of the tight fitting variety.  Both featured belt loops sewn on to a waist band that could be turned-down to conceal the belt or rope. One pair had feet attached to them similar to children’s pajamas.

   A leather belt, usually about 1 inch wide, was worn over the tunic. A typical Viking would have a leather pouch and knife, called a seax, suspended from the belt. Archeological finds suggest that the Vikings were very fond of elaborately decorated buckles and also attached ornamented metal pieces to the body of the belt as well as the end.

   Shoes were of soft leather and commonly featured a piece that folded over the top of the foot and fastened with a toggle on the side. Low-cut, ankle height shoes were the most common amongst all classes and genders, mid-calf boots being used mostly by wealthier Vikings.

   When going into battle, a well-to-do Viking would also wear a chainmail shirt over a padded garment, later referred to as a gambeson, and carry a sword suspended from a leather baldric. A shield and helmet would complete his gear. Additional weapons, usually a spear and one of many types of axes were also commonly carried on raids.