A Viking look is one of the easiest and most recognisable costumes at any faire or LARP event. It is built from a few strong pieces: a belted tunic, trousers, something warm across the shoulders and a few details in leather. Here's how to put it together, and what the real Vikings wore.
In short
- Men: tunic, trousers, wide belt, fur-look cape, embossed bracers, low boots.
- Women: a long dress or gown, a cloak or cape, a belt and simple jewellery.
- Keep colours earthy: greens, browns, greys, dark blue, with one stronger colour.
- Skip the horned helmet. Real Vikings never wore one.
What did the Vikings really wear?
Viking Age clothing (roughly 790 to 1066) was practical and layered. Men wore a wool or linen tunic to mid-thigh over trousers, with wraps around the lower leg, a belt with a knife and pouch, and a cloak pinned at the right shoulder to leave the sword arm free. Women wore a long linen underdress with a wool apron dress over it, held up by a pair of oval brooches, often with a string of beads between them. Clothes were dyed with plants: madder for red, woad for blue, weld for yellow. Bright colours were a sign of wealth.
Our pieces are inspired by that look rather than copied from museum finds, so they suit faires, LARP and costume events.
The men's Viking outfit, piece by piece
- Tunic. The Cotton Viking Tunic comes in black, dark blue, dark brown, green and grey, from S to XXXL. On hot days, try the Short-Sleeve V-Neck Tunic.
- Trousers. The Laced Trousers with Ankle Ties narrow at the lower leg, a little like leg wraps.
- Belt. Wear it low on the hips. The 10 cm Wide Double-Buckle Celtic Belt has Celtic embossing; the Viking Belt, Pouch and Bracers Set matches all three pieces.
- Something warm on the shoulders. The Viking Faux Fur Shoulder Cape in black, brown, straw or black and white.
- Bracers. The Wolf and Hammer Bracer and the Winged Beast Rune Bracer carry Norse designs.
- Boots. Low Faux Leather Boots look closest to the simple leather shoes of the time.
Details that finish the look
- A horn at the belt. The Drinking Horn with Laced Holder uses natural ox horn, so every horn is a little different.
- A pouch. The Tall Viking Belt Pouch is big enough for a phone; the Knotwork Drawstring Belt Pouch is smaller.
- A headband. The Thin Celtic Knotwork Headband keeps long hair back.
Shop the Viking look
See every piece in our Viking collection.
Women's Viking looks
For a shieldmaiden or a Viking lady, start with a long dress and add a cloak, a belt and one or two pieces of jewellery. Our full guide covers it: Viking women's clothing.
Questions people ask
Did Vikings wear horned helmets?
No. Horned helmets come from 19th-century opera costumes. Real Viking helmets were simple rounded caps of iron, and most people wore none at all.
What colours did Vikings wear?
Natural wool and linen shades, plus plant-dyed reds, blues, yellows and greens. Brighter colours cost more and showed status.
Is a Viking outfit warm?
Yes, especially with a fur-look cape. On hot days, swap to a short-sleeve tunic and carry the cape.
