Carnival costume Viking for men and women fancy dress costume
A Viking costume is one of the most popular outfits for Carnival – and for good reason: a wool or cotton tunic, a wide leather belt, earthy colours and a few carefully chosen accessories create an outfit that looks authentic without being too fiddly to put together. Here you’ll find everything you need for your Viking costume – from a simple short tunic for under €35 to a complete Viking costume with accessories that would hold its own at the next medieval market.
What did the Vikings actually wear? Historical facts for your costume
Anyone familiar with Vikings from film and television often has a distorted image: horned helmets, wildly patterned armour, dramatic war paint. Hardly any of this is historically documented. What Vikings actually wore was functional, weatherproof and yet expressive.
The basic garment was the tunic – a knee- to hip-length outer garment made of wool or linen. Underneath, men wore a lighter undershirt, whilst women wore a long over-dress fastened with shoulder straps and brooches. When it was cold, a woollen cloak was worn over this, fastened at the shoulder with a brooch. Leather belts were indispensable – not only to hold everything in place, but also to carry pouches, knives or axe holders.
Typical Viking colours were earth tones: grey, brown, dark green, dark blue, burgundy and natural white. All these shades were produced using plant-based dyes and varied in prevalence depending on the region and availability. There were no garish neon colours or fabrics with loud patterns – and that is precisely the difference between a credible Viking costume and a cheap outfit from a discount store.
Incidentally, the so-called horned helmet is a 19th-century myth. Archaeological evidence points to simple round helmets without horns. That doesn’t make the historically accurate version any less impressive – quite the opposite.
Typical colours and patterns: this is what a real Viking looks like
The choice of colour for your costume matters more than many people realise: a grey or burgundy wool fabric looks instantly authentic, whilst a bright yellow or neon red immediately makes the outfit look like a carnival prop. That doesn’t have to be a problem – but if you want both (party-ready and authentic), choose the right shades.
In our range, you’ll find tunics in the following colours: grey (19 items), dark grey (15 items), green (15 items), brown (10 items), black (10 items), as well as burgundy, blue and hemp/natural. This palette covers the historically documented Viking colours almost entirely.
A particular highlight is the herringbone pattern of the Tyr tunic: this characteristic weave from the Viking era is archaeologically attested and clearly sets the costume apart from the standard fare. Anyone wearing this textile pattern shows they know their stuff – and that stands out, both at a carnival party and at a re-enactment.
Viking costumes for men and women: How to put together your outfit
The core of every men’s costume: a Viking tunic (Aegir, Erik or Lodin) combined with a medieval or Viking leather belt. Add medieval trousers or Viking trousers and leg wraps for the complete lower-body look. Footwear in the form of Viking shoes completes the look.
For women, the Viking dress is a great alternative to the tunic. Combined with an over-dress fastened with brooches at the shoulder straps, this creates an authentic look. A leather belt with a pouch and Viking jewellery complete the outfit.
If you’re looking for maximum impact and warmth, layer up: an under-tunic (Snorri or Lofar in natural) as a base, the main tunic (Lodin or Tyr) over the top, and a wool cloak to finish. This layering principle follows the historical model and makes the costume suitable for chilly outdoor events too.
Viking accessories: the finishing touch
Belts & Holders
A wide leather belt is a must. You can attach an axe holder, pouch holder or drinking horn holder to it. The axe ring for the belt is available from €10.92 and transforms any plain belt into a Viking statement piece.
Drinking horn & pouch
A drinking horn on your belt or in your hand is perhaps the most iconic Viking accessory of all – functional, eye-catching and perfect for photos. A Viking pouch on your belt is both practical and historically accurate.
Jewellery & Details
Viking arm rings, brooches and beard beads or hair ornaments add the details that distinguish a costume from a genuine outfit. Affordable, easy to combine and hugely effective.
The basis of every Viking costume: tunics at a glance
| Model | Material | Price approx. | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodin (woollen tunic) | Heavy wool fabric, long-sleeved | ~€50 | Reenactment |
| Aegir / Erik (short-sleeved tunic) | 100% cotton, coarse weave | ~€33 | Party & LARP |
| Tyr (herringbone tunic) | Wool blend, herringbone pattern, long-sleeved | ~€58 | Reenactment |
| Snorri / Lofar (undertunic) | 100% cotton, lightweight | ~€29 | Layer / Base |
| Loki (flap skirt) | Wool fabric, Nordic tradition | ~€58 | Reenactment |
The Lodin wool tunic is the warmest and most visually striking option – ideal for outdoor events and anyone looking for a costume that looks like a genuine Viking. The Aegir and Erik cotton tunics are lighter, more breathable and therefore better suited to indoor parties. All models are unisex and available in various colours.
Put together your own Viking costume: three outfit levels to suit your budget
- Aegir or Erik short cotton tunic
- Simple leather belt
- Compact, straightforward, already impressive
- Ideal for indoor carnival parties
- Available in grey, green, brown, black or hemp
- Wool tunic Lodin + belt
- Pouch or axe holder on the belt
- More volume, warmer
- Also suitable for outdoor events
- Optional: Snorri under-tunic as a layer
- Herringbone tunic Tyr or pleated skirt Loki
- Undertunic + belt with accessories
- Viking jewellery, drinking horn, calf wraps
- Looks great at medieval markets and reenactments
- All items in the range are fully available
All three tiers in the range are fully coverable – you can start with the basic set and add to the outfit over time. If you’re looking for more ideas on how to mix and match, you’ll find the full range at a glance in the Viking Shop.
Whether you’re looking for a simple carnival outfit for a party or a Viking costume that will hold its own at the next medieval market – you’ll find the perfect combination of tunic, belt and accessories in our range. Browse through the categories or give us a call if you’re unsure about sizing or material choices.
Frequently asked questions
The centrepiece is a tunic made of wool or cotton, combined with a wide leather belt. This goes well with medieval trousers or Viking trousers, leg wraps and suitable footwear. Accessories such as a drinking horn, pouch, brooches and arm rings complete the outfit and significantly enhance the effect. For women, a Viking dress with shoulder strap brooches is a great alternative.
Historically documented Viking colours were produced using plant-based dyes and include earth tones such as grey, brown, dark green, burgundy, dark blue and natural white or beige. Bright signal colours or neon accents did not exist in the Viking era. Anyone who opts for these shades in their costume will immediately look more authentic than if they wore a brightly coloured synthetic costume.
No – the horned Viking helmet is a myth that originated in the 19th century through romanticised illustrations. Archaeological evidence points to simple round helmets without any decoration. Those who prefer historical accuracy should choose such a helmet; for a carnival costume, the choice is of course entirely up to you.
A woollen tunic like the Lodin is heavier, warmer and more visually striking – ideal for outdoor events and an authentic look. A short cotton tunic like the Aegir or Erik is lighter, more breathable and better suited to indoor parties. Both versions are unisex and available in several colours.
Yes – tunics made from natural materials such as wool or cotton, and leather belts without plastic components, are particularly suitable for re-enactment and visits to medieval markets. If you opt for historically accurate colours and natural materials from the outset, you can gradually expand your costume into a complete outfit without having to start from scratch.