Viking clothing for men - Early medieval garb
What did Viking men wear? The historical basis of Viking clothing
Viking clothing was not a costume, but a well-thought-out system combining practicality for everyday life with social significance. Archaeological finds from Scandinavia, Ireland and the Baltic region paint a clear picture: during the Viking Age, men wore a hip-length tunic over a lighter under-tunic, along with close-fitting trousers, a wide leather belt and, in cooler weather, a woollen cloak or a cloak with a flap. The typical silhouette was both functional and striking.
In terms of materials, wool dominated for outerwear and coats, whilst linen was used for the close-fitting under-tunic. Wealthier Vikings used silk as trim on collars and sleeves – a clear status symbol. Colours and embellishments signalled rank and origin: natural tones such as grey, brown and off-white were standard, whilst bold colours like burgundy, blue or green required elaborate plant-based dyeing and were reserved for the wealthy classes. Woolen leg wraps completed the outfit at the lower half and protected the lower legs.
These historical foundations continue to shape the image of authentic Viking clothing for men to this day – whether in re-enactment, LARP or at medieval markets.
Putting together a Viking outfit: Three levels of equipment
A cotton under-tunic (e.g. Snorri or Lofar Natur) combined with a short-sleeved tunic such as the Aegir made of cotton fabric – paired with a simple leather belt. Ideal for your first visit to a medieval market or a Viking costume for events. The basic set is quick to put together and makes a coherent impression.
Lodin wool tunic over a cotton under-tunic, combined with Thorsberg trousers, a wide leather belt and leg wraps. The Burgschneider range offers the widest choice in this price bracket – robust, authentic and perfectly suited to events.
Full costume made from heavy wool fabric: a pleated skirt like the Loki over an under-tunic, matching woollen trousers, Viking shoes, a brooch and a woollen cloak. The ensemble corresponds to historically documented cuts and materials and is true to detail for group and camp events.
Materials: a comparison of wool, linen and cotton
| Material | Suitability | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Wool (100%) | Historical | Overtunic, wrap skirt, coat – warm, water-repellent, heavy fabric |
| Linen | Historical | Undertunic, shirt – light, breathable, ideal for summer and as a layer under wool |
| Cotton (100%) | LARP | Entry-level models, everyday wear – not historically accurate, but comfortable and affordable |
| Wool/polyester blend (60/37/3) | LARP | Herringbone tunics such as the Tyr series – an easy-care compromise with an authentic look |
The Burgschneider range – the only brand carried in this category – deliberately focuses on this variety of materials: those seeking historical accuracy will opt for the pure wool tunic. Those who value easy care and a more affordable entry point will find what they’re looking for in the cotton or blended fibre range.
Accessories for Viking attire
A tunic alone does not make a Viking outfit. Only with the right accessories does a harmonious overall look emerge. Belts and brooches are central to this: the wide leather belt keeps the pleated skirt in shape and offers space for a pouch, knife or bag. Ring brooches and cloak fasteners close the coat and cloak and served both a functional and decorative purpose in the Viking era.
Towards the bottom, calf wraps and leg wraps complete the outfit – particularly indispensable for historical styles without a waistband. Added to this are Viking shoes made of leather, which can be chosen in natural brown or dyed versions depending on the occasion.
For camps and markets, bags and pouches are practically indispensable – whether as a small belt pouch or a larger shoulder bag. Viking jewellery adds cultural depth: bracelets, necklaces with Thor’s hammer pendants or rune amulets reflect the Nordic symbolism. Beard beads and hair ornaments add the finishing touch to a complete portrayal.
Viking clothing for LARP, re-enactment and medieval markets
- Wool fabrics and historically accurate cuts
- No synthetic fibres – pure wool or linen preferred
- Brooches, leg wraps and Viking shoes made of leather are part of the ensemble
- Loki pleated skirt or Lodin woollen tunic as a core item
- Burgschneider range covers these requirements
- Cotton tunics such as Erik or Aegir are tried and tested and robust
- Freedom of movement is more important than strict historical accuracy
- Blended fabrics (herringbone tunic Tyr) as an easy-care compromise
- Wide price range available – from starter sets to full regalia
- Viking costume sets for carnival or one-off events also available
An overview of the most important garments
Tunic
Short- and long-sleeved versions in cotton or wool. The outer tunic made of heavy wool fabric (e.g. loden) is worn over a light cotton inner tunic. Available in colours such as grey, brown, burgundy, green and black – historically inspired shades dominate.
Trousers & leg wraps
Thorsberg trousers are the historically best-documented Viking trouser style. Wool leg wraps complete the look at the bottom, protect the lower legs and give the outfit a sense of completeness – particularly at re-enactment events.
Fold-over skirt & coat
The split skirt (e.g. Loki in dark grey) is the most characteristic over-skirt of the Viking Age – slit at the front, fastened with a brooch. Wool coats and capes protect against the cold and harmoniously complete the outfit at camps and markets.
Caring for your Viking clothing made of wool and linen
Wool clothing is sensitive to heat and mechanical stress. Always wash woollen items such as the Lodin tunic or the Loki wrap-around skirt by hand or on a gentle cycle at a maximum of 30°C. Then dry flat – never hang up, as damp wool warps under its own weight. A wool detergent protects the fibres and preserves the fabric’s texture.
Linen is easier to care for: a gentle cycle at 30°C, moderate spinning, and ironing at a medium temperature (with steam) reliably smooths the fibres. Cotton under-tunics can withstand up to 40°C and can be machine-washed without any problems.
When storing, ensure the items are kept dry, away from light and loosely folded or hung – this prevents creases and moth damage, particularly with woollen items. A practical tip for everyday use after re-enactment evenings: odours from woollen and linen garments can usually be removed by airing them thoroughly in the fresh air – frequent washing does more harm than good to the material.
With the right basic ensemble of tunic, trousers and belt, you lay a solid foundation for any Viking outfit – from your first event to a complete re-enactment kit. Browse through the range and put together your set to suit your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Viking men wore a hip-length tunic made of wool or linen over a lighter undershirt, along with close-fitting trousers, a wide leather belt and, in cool weather, a woollen cloak or flared skirt. Woolen leg wraps protected the lower legs. Colours and fabric quality reflected social status – simple natural tones for everyday wear, and bold colours and silk trimmings for the wealthier classes.
Historical evidence points to wool for outerwear and coats, and linen for underwear and close-fitting layers. Cotton is not historically accurate, but is used in many modern interpretations for beginners and LARP. Polyester-wool blends (e.g. 60/37/3) are an easier-care alternative with an authentic look, but are not suitable for strict re-enactment groups.
The basis consists of an under-tunic and an over-tunic (or peplum), plus matching trousers such as Thorsberg trousers, a leather belt and Viking shoes. Accessories such as brooches, leg wraps, belt pouches and jewellery complete the outfit. Depending on the occasion (re-enactment, LARP or medieval market), the degree of historical accuracy varies – the range covers all three areas.
Wool should be washed at a maximum of 30°C on a gentle cycle or by hand, and then dried flat to prevent it from warping. Linen can be washed on a gentle cycle at 30°C and irons well with steam. Odours from nights spent camping can often be removed from both materials by airing them out – frequent washing does more harm than good to the fibres.
A tunic is a one-piece top that is pulled over the head and reaches down to the hips or thighs. The wrap skirt is an outer garment with a front slit, fastened with a brooch and worn over the tunic – typical of the Viking era, as it offers greater freedom of movement when riding and fighting. Both garments can be combined and together form the centrepiece of a full Viking outfit.