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Welcome to our Viking Women Clothing Collection

Viking Women wore colorful clothing, jewelry and other decorations, depending on their status and wealth. Please see our wide (and growing) collection of authentic Viking Womens' clothing and jewelry below...

How To Dress Like A Viking Woman

When it comes to fashion, Viking women were just as skilled as their male counterparts. They wore colorful clothing and adorned themselves with jewelry and other decorations. While the specific clothing items varied depending on a woman's status and wealth, some general characteristics of Viking dress are worth noting.

This article will cover everything you need to know about how to dress like a Viking woman. We'll go over the outfits they wore and some of the more popular styles and specific garments. So, if you're ready to start dressing like a Viking woman, read on!

How To Dress In Female Viking Costume

There are many modern interpretations of how Viking dress might have looked. However, most agree that Viking women would have worn practical, comfortable clothing that allowed them to move freely.

Many modern Viking women choose to make their female Viking costumes from natural fabrics such as wool or linen. These can be embellished with embroidery or other decorations to give them a more traditional look. Some women also choose to wear long, flowing skirts or even pants.

In terms of accessories to go with the outfit, belts and brooches are often used to add a touch of flair. Vests, cloaks, and hats are also popular choices, and many Viking women choose to wear their hair in braids or up in a bun. Whatever style you choose, there are many ways to create a womens Viking costume in the modern world.

Female Viking Cosplay Ideas

When it comes to cosplay, there are endless possibilities. But if you're looking for something different, why not try a Viking-inspired costume? There are many different ways to put your spin on this classic look, and with a bit of creativity, you can create a stunning ensemble that is sure to turn heads.

Consider opting for more than just the traditional tunic and leggings. A billowing dress or flowing skirt can add a touch of femininity to the look, and pairing it with a fur-trimmed cloak will keep you warm in even the chilliest weather.

When it comes to accessories, go big or go home! A statement necklace or shield can make your costume stand out, and don't forget about your hair. Braids are always a good choice for Viking cosplay, but if you want to really wow the crowd, try wearing a wig in a bold color such as red or blonde.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to create your unique take on the Viking cosplay look.

What Type of Clothing Did Viking Women Wear?

Viking women wore various types of clothing, depending on their status and wealth. Wealthier women wore a more refined and elaborate dress, while poorer women made do with simpler garments. However, some general characteristics were common to all Viking women's clothing.

  • Practical Most importantly, Viking clothes were made to be practical. They needed to be able to stand up to the harsh Scandinavian weather, as well as the physical demands of daily life. This meant that Viking clothes were often made of sturdy, durable fabrics like wool and linen.
  • Loose-fitting Viking clothes were also usually relatively loose-fitting. This was again for practical reasons, as it allowed for a greater range of movement. It also meant that Vikings could layer clothes to provide extra warmth in colder weather.
  • Comfortable Another practical consideration was comfort. Viking clothes were designed to be comfortable, even when engaging in strenuous activity. Comfort is why many Viking garments, such as tunics and trousers, were made of soft, flexible fabrics.

What Were Some Popular Styles of Clothing Among Viking Women?

There were many different styles of clothing worn by Viking women. Some of the more popular types include:

Viking Apron Dress

The Viking Apron Dress, also known as an apron-over-dress, was a popular fashion in Viking-age Scandinavia. The dress consisted of a long, rectangular piece of fabric, which was worn wrapped around the body and belted at the waist. The apron portion of the dress hung down in front, covering the legs.

While the original purpose of the apron was to protect the dress from getting dirty, it also made the wearer look more stylish and elegant.

In addition to being worn as everyday clothing, the Viking dresses were often used as ceremonial garments. For example, it was often worn by brides on their wedding day.

In terms of Viking Costume Women still wear the Viking Apron Dress in Scandinavia as a traditional folk costume. It is also becoming increasingly popular as a fashion statement among people interested in Viking culture.

Tunics

Tunics were a type of shirt both men and women wore in the Viking age. They were usually made of linen or wool and reached anywhere from the waist to the knees. Tunics were often worn as an outer layer of clothing and could be belted at the waist for a more fitted look.

Pants

Pants were also worn by Viking women, although they were less common than skirts or dresses. They were usually made of wool or linen and reached the ankle or mid-calf. Viking women often wore pants under a kirtle or dress for extra warmth.

Cloaks

Cloaks were a type of outerwear that Viking women wore. They were usually made of wool and could be decorated with fur or other embellishments. Female Vikings wore cloaks for both warmth and protection from the elements. Especially important in the cold Norther climates or on a sea voyage.

Socks

Socks were a type of underwear that Viking women wore. They were usually made of wool or linen and reached the ankle or mid-calf. Viking Women often wore socks under pants or skirts for extra warmth.

Boots

Female Vikings typically wore boots as a type of footwear. They were usually made of leather and reached to the ankle or mid-calf. Viking women often wore boots for both warmth and protection from the elements.

Belts

Belts were a type of accessory worn by Viking women. They were usually made of leather or cloth and were used to fasten tunics, kirtles, or other garments. Vikings could also decorate belts with metal or other embellishments.

What Were Some Popular Jewelry Items Among Viking Women? Archaeological evidence suggests that Viking women were skilled artisans who were highly regarded for their craftsmanship. Their jewelry was often ornate and colorful and used various materials, including glass, stone, and metal.

Accessories Worn by Viking Women

In addition to the styles mentioned above, there were also many specific garments that Viking women wore. These included:

Brooch

One of the most popular accessories among Viking women was the brooch. Female Vikings used these decorative pins to secure cloaks and dresses and varied in size, shape, and design.

Many brooches were made of bronze or iron and adorned with intricate carvings. Others were made of silver or gold and decorated with precious stones.

Necklaces

Necklaces were another popular accessory among Viking women. They were often made of metal, bone, or glass and could be adorned with various charms or pendants.

Rings

Rings were also common among Viking women. They were normally made of metal such as iron, copper, brass, silver or gold, and they came in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some rings had simple designs, while others were more ornate.

Earrings

Earrings were another popular accessory among Viking women. They were often made of silver, bronze, or gold and came in various shapes and sizes. Hoops, dangling earrings, and studs were all popular choices.

Beads

Both men and women wore beads as part of their jewelry. Beads were made from many materials, including bone, amber, and glass. They were often strung together and worn as necklaces or bracelets.

Arm Rings

Arm rings were a type of jewelry worn by both men and women. They were made of metal, and they came in a variety of designs. Some armrings had simple designs, while others were more elaborate.

Interestingly, arm rings were not only used for decoration. They also had a practical purpose. In many cases, arm rings were used as a form of currency as they were made of valuable metals and could be traded for other goods and services.

Viking women often wore multiple arm rings on each arm. Multiple arm rings were a sign of wealth and status. If a woman could afford to wear several arm rings, she was from a wealthy family.

Viking women also wore their hair in various styles, often decorating it with beads, flowers, and leaves. In short, Viking women were known for their love of personal adornment and took great pride in their appearance.

What Did Female Viking Warriors Wear?

Female Viking warriors were some of the most fearsome fighters of their time. And while these Norse warriors were just as skilled and strong as their male counterparts, they did have some distinct clothing and armor choices.

For example, while male warriors often wore chainmail shirts, female Viking warrior clothing typically featured leather armor. They wore leather as chainmail could be quite heavy and cumbersome, making fighting difficult.

In addition, many female warriors also wore dress-like garments called kirtles. These were usually made of wool or linen and helped to keep them warm in the colder climates they often found themselves in. Women typically wore their hair in braids, while men let their hair flow free.

Finally, all Viking warriors, regardless of gender, carried a shield and a spear. They also sometimes had a sword, although this was less common. These weapons were essential for fighting off enemies and protecting themselves in battle.

Did Social Class Play A Part In A Viking Woman's Clothes?

A Viking woman's clothing would have varied depending on her social class. A wealthy woman would have been able to afford finely made clothes and jewelry, while a poorer woman would have had to make do with simple, more practical garments.

The colors and patterns of a woman's clothes also would have been different depending on her social status. Wealthy women could afford to import expensive dyes from other countries, while poor women would have used whatever local plants and minerals were available to create their own dyes.

In general, Viking clothing was designed to be functional first and foremost. Women's clothing was often loose-fitting and easy to move in, as many Viking women were expected to carry out manual labor alongside men. Bright colors and intricate designs were secondary considerations.

Viking Beauty

The hairstyles of women were just as varied as their clothing. Some women wore their hair long, while others preferred shorter styles. Braids were popular, and some women even shaved their heads.

They were also known for their love of cosmetics. They used a variety of products to care for their skin and hair, as well as to enhance their appearance. Lip balm, eye makeup, and face cream were all common items in a Viking woman’s beauty arsenal.

They took great pride in their appearance and worked hard to maintain their beauty. Though they may have looked fierce to their enemies, the truth is that Viking women were some of the most stylish and fashionable ladies of their time.

Women in Viking Society

Women were expected to cook, clean, and care for the home and children. But they also had a great deal of freedom and autonomy. They could own and inherit property, divorce their husbands, and even remarry. Many ran their own farms or businesses.

Viking warriors were typically men, but there were some notable exceptions. The most famous female Viking warrior of all was probably the woman known as the “Shieldmaiden” or “Valkyrie.” These women fought alongside their male counterparts in battle and were just as skilled in combat as the men.

Though most females did not participate in warfare, they were still expected to be prepared for it. All women, regardless of social class, were taught how to use a weapon and how to defend themselves and their homes in case of attack.

Did Viking Women Hunt?

Viking ladies were not typically hunters, but some did learn how to hunt in case of necessity. Hunting was considered a man’s job, but women were often responsible for skinning and preparing the game that was caught.

Inspiring Viking Women

The most famous Viking woman is probably the “Shieldmaiden” or “Valkyrie.” These women were skilled in combat and fought alongside their male counterparts in battle.

Another is Lagertha, who was a shieldmaiden and the wife of the legendary Viking warrior, Ragnar Lodbrok. She was said to be a skilled fighter and an excellent strategist.

Lagertha - Viking Warrior Woman and Mother

There are many famous Viking women, but one of the most well-known is Lagertha, wife of the legendary Viking warrior, Ragnar Lodbrok.

She was a warrior and shieldmaiden who fought alongside some of the most famous Viking heroes. She was said to be a skilled fighter and an excellent strategist. She was also a wife and mother, and her story has been told in many poems and sagas.

Lagertha is an inspiration to many modern-day women, and her story is still captivating centuries later.

Ragnhild - the Great Inspiration

Ragnhild, the daughter of Viking king Harold Finehair, is a famous Viking warrior in her own right. Ragnhild is known for her fearlessness in battle and her great strength.

She is also a skilled navigator and strategist, which has served her well in her many raids on enemy settlements. She was married to Eric Bloodaxe, the last Viking king of Norway.

Ragnhild is a great example of a powerful Viking woman, and she continues to be an inspiration to warriors everywhere.

How To Be A Viking Woman - Final Thoughts

In terms of Viking costume women were known for their elaborate and ornate clothing. While there is no specific style that all Viking women followed, you can follow some general guidelines to achieve a Viking woman's look.

Some essential items to include in your outfit are a long dress or skirt, a belt, a cloak, and a head scarf. You can also accessorize with jewelry, such as necklaces and bracelets.

Be sure to wear lots of layers, as it was common for Viking women to wear several different pieces of clothing at once. The most important thing is to have fun with it and let your personality shine through!

Find Female Viking Clothing with Viking Warrior

You can find all kinds of women's authentic norse garments with Viking Warrior! From shifts and chemises to apron dresses, side-lace dresses, and even shieldmaiden armor, it's all here. We try to use authentic-looking fabrics, patterns, and weaves.

authentic women's viking clothing

women's viking dresses for sale

Historically Accurate Viking Costume Women

If you're looking for specialty museum-quality historical reproductions, please don't hesitate to reach out via email or the form on our website. If you can describe what you're looking for, we can likely make custom products or connect you with an experienced artisan.

Main Sources

  • National Museum of Denmark
  • Archeologist and author, Britt-Marisy Christensen’s book “Viking Women – Warriors, Mothers and Leaders”