Viking women's clothing was layered, practical and often beautifully made. Today you can go two ways: a historical-style look built on a long dress, or a fantasy shieldmaiden with leather details and a cape. This guide covers both, starting with what Viking women actually wore.
In short
- Historically: a long linen underdress, a wool apron dress held with two brooches, and a cloak or shawl.
- Fantasy shieldmaiden: a gown or tunic, a laced bodice or belt, bracers, a cape and a headband.
- Earthy greens, browns and reds look right outdoors.
- Choose the dress by your body measurements, not the letter size.
What Viking women wore
The base layer was a long dress of linen or wool, sometimes pleated. Over it, many women wore an apron dress: two panels hanging from straps over the shoulders, fastened with a pair of oval brooches at the collarbones. Reenactors call it a smokkr or hangerock, and historians still debate exactly how it was cut. A string of glass beads often hung between the brooches, and a shawl or cloak went on top in cold weather. Belts held a knife, keys and small tools.
The fantasy shieldmaiden
Most shieldmaidens at faires and LARP events are a fantasy version of this: a long gown or a tunic over trousers, a laced bodice or wide belt, leather bracers and a cape. It's practical to move in and reads as “Norse” from across the field.
The Viking Satin Gown with Laced Bodice is a complete fantasy version. It comes with everything in its photos: the green viscose satin gown, a wine-red underskirt, a shoulder piece, arm guards and a belt. It's sized by body measurement from XS to XXXL, for heights from 155 to 190 cm.
Build your own shieldmaiden
- A long base. A gown, a long dress, or a tunic over trousers if you want to move freely.
- A shaped middle. A laced bodice or a wide belt at the waist.
- Arms. One or two embossed bracers, such as the Wolf and Hammer Bracer or the Studded Bracer with Fur-Look Trim.
- Shoulders. The Viking Faux Fur Shoulder Cape or a hooded cloak for cooler days.
- Head. The Thin Celtic Knotwork Headband over loose hair or braids.
Shop the shieldmaiden look
Hair and finishing touches
- Braids work for both historical and fantasy looks.
- A pouch at the belt holds your phone and keys. The Knotwork Drawstring Belt Pouch hangs from your own belt.
- Simple jewellery: a bead string or a plain brooch is more Viking than lots of chains.
Getting the size right
The satin gown's chart lists body measurements, so measure your height, bust, waist and hips and pick the size where most of them fall. Between two sizes, choose the larger. Our measuring guide takes five minutes.
Questions people ask
What is a Viking apron dress?
A dress made of panels that hang from shoulder straps, worn over a long underdress and fastened with two oval brooches. It's one of the best-known pieces of Viking women's clothing.
Were shieldmaidens real?
Sagas describe them, and historians still debate how common women warriors were. Today, “shieldmaiden” is mostly a fantasy character, which is why fantasy kit suits it so well.
