For over a thousand years, the tunic was the basic garment of medieval Europe. It's still the easiest place to start a medieval or Viking outfit: pull it on, belt it, and you're most of the way there. Here's how to choose the right one and wear it well.
In short
- A tunic is a loose, pull-on garment, belted at the hips.
- Mid-thigh to knee length suits most characters.
- Belt it low and let the fabric fall slightly over the belt.
- Tunics are cut roomy. Check the chest measurement, not just the size letter.
What is a medieval tunic?
A tunic is a simple, T-shaped garment that goes on over the head. Medieval tunics were usually wool or linen, cut wider at the hem with extra panels so the wearer could move and ride. Men's tunics ran from mid-thigh to the knee, and wealthier people wore longer ones in finer cloth. Under it went a linen shirt; over it, a cloak or, for soldiers, armour.
Which tunic for which character?
- Viking or northern warrior: the Cotton Viking Tunic, finished with lacing, in black, dark blue, dark brown, green and grey. It is 105 to 115 cm long, so it falls to around the knee on most people.
- Peasant or summer look: the Short-Sleeve V-Neck Tunic in a cotton-linen blend, 84 to 94 cm long.
- Ranger: the Sleeveless Cotton Tunic worn over a long-sleeved shirt.
- Knight or soldier: the Quilted Padded Coat, a gambeson-style coat that takes the tunic's place under armour pieces.
How to wear a tunic well
- Shirt underneath on cooler days. A white or cream shirt showing at the neck and cuffs looks right.
- Belt low, around the hips rather than the waist, and pull a little fabric over the belt so it blouses.
- Tuck the belt end under itself, or let it hang down at the front.
- Trousers into boots, or wrapped at the lower leg.
- One layer on top: a vest, a cloak or a fur-look cape.
Shop tunics and shirts
See all tunics and shirts.
Getting the size right
Medieval-style tunics are cut loose, so a size that looks big on the chart is often right. Compare the garment's chest measurement with your own and allow some room for movement and a shirt underneath. Check the length too: the same tunic falls lower on a shorter person. Our measuring guide shows how to measure.
Colours that look right
Green, brown, grey, dark blue and cream are safe choices that look natural outdoors. Black reads as rogue or dark fantasy. A brighter colour, such as red or yellow, makes you stand out as someone wealthy, or a bard.
Questions people ask
How long should a medieval tunic be?
For most characters, from mid-thigh to just below the knee. Longer tunics suggest a noble, a priest or a wizard.
What's the difference between a tunic and a shirt?
A shirt is the light layer worn next to the skin. A tunic goes over it and is usually thicker and longer.
