A woman’s Viking costume evokes the warrior spirit of legendary women in both history and fiction. These reimagined outfits offer modern wearers a way to connect with this powerful symbol of female empowerment. While armor pieces are a key component of any Viking dress, women’s Viking attire also includes linen tunics that emphasize the home-front aspect of life in this tough, adventurous era.
The resurgence of interest in girl viking clothes has been fueled by the popularity of popular television shows and movies featuring Nordic themes. The depiction of the shield maidens and mariners who ruled this ancient world instills in viewers a sense of resiliency and courage that is echoed by many in today’s culture. This blend of ruggedness and femininity inspires many women to don a female Viking costume for Halloween or reenactments.
When it comes to girl viking clothes, there is much to consider, from the materials used to the specific patterns and colors employed. The fabric used to make these costumes should be as authentic as possible. Linen and homespun cloth constituted the majority of women’s clothing in this time, while wool was more commonly used for outer garments. The wool was spun from the fleece of sheep, which were raised on the lands of Norse people for both food and textiles. Sheep were plentiful throughout the land, which was conducive to a wool economy. Sheep’s wool was sheared and cleaned to remove dirt and debris before being combed with iron-toothed combs to separate the fibers into long, even strands. These strands would then be dyed to produce the colors and patterns seen in art and saga depictions of Norse women’s attire.
In addition to linen dresses, the women of this era wore other outer garments. These could include cloaks, shawls, and coats. These garments were usually adorned with woven trim or braid. One of the sagas mentions that these women would wear their clothing with a woven trim, typically brightly colored yarn, to show off their wealth and status within society. It is also believed that some of the women of this era wore their clothing in the form of love tokens, either premarital or extramarital. Bone remains found in Birka, for example, show that a woman wore her coat with a low neckline so that the oval brooches that fastened her apron dress were visible.
For those who wish to reenact the Viking lifestyle, the ideal girl viking costume should be constructed of sturdy fabrics that will hold up to the rough conditions in which they will be worn. These fabrics should also be designed with movement in mind, with gussets underneath the arms and plenty of room for action. These features will ensure that the women’s Viking dresses are as comfortable to live in as they are beautiful to look at. The perfect ensemble will have all the elements of an authentic Viking costume, including the iconic armor that is so often associated with these formidable warriors.