Celtic Shop
- Available
- Available
The Celts are among Europe’s most fascinating cultures – a people with their own language, mythology, craftsmanship and way of life that continues to intrigue archaeologists to this day. Whether you’re looking for Celtic clothing for re-enactment, jewellery featuring Celtic symbols or equipment for your camp – you’ll find what you need here.
The Celts: Who they were and what set them apart
As an Iron Age people of Central and Western Europe, the Celts shaped a large part of the continent from around 800 BC until the Roman period. They lived in tribes, built fortified settlements – known as oppida – and developed a distinct artistic and cultural tradition that extended as far as Ireland and Anatolia.
Typical cultural features of the Celts include the triskele (three-spiral), intricate knotwork patterns, the torques worn as neck jewellery by warriors and leaders, and the fibula as the ubiquitous garment fastener. The Celts reached their cultural peak during the La Tène period (c. 450 BC to the turn of the era) – an epoch of exceptionally fine metalwork, which can still be admired in many museum collections today.
Religiously, the Celts lived in a world full of nature deities. The Druids acted as priests, judges and guardians of knowledge. The best-known god of the Celtic pantheon is Cernunnos, the horned lord of animals and the wilderness, whose image is preserved on the Paris Altar and the Gundestrup Cauldron.
Celtic equipment by category
Clothing & Footwear
Celtic clothing made from wool and linen, tunics, trousers and cloaks – complemented by handcrafted Celtic footwear.
Jewellery & Accessories
Brooches, bracelets, necklaces and pendants with Celtic motifs – from simple starter pieces to detailed replicas.
Weapons, armour & camp
Celtic swords, shields and armour parts, as well as camp supplies for Iron Age re-enactments – from pottery to tents.
The Celtic outfits in our range cater for both budget-friendly beginners and the needs of serious re-enactors. You’ll find matching accessories for belts, bags and small items under Celtic belts and Celtic bags. Our own brand, Vehi Mercatus, uses only natural fibres – wool, linen and cotton, with no synthetic content.
Celtic clothing: wool, linen and typical patterns
The Celts dressed primarily in woollen tunics, trousers (Celtic: bracae) and cloaks (Latin: sagum). These basic styles are well documented archaeologically and form the foundation of all Celtic attire.
Particularly characteristic is the use of colour: plant dyes provided rich hues – woad for blue, madder for yellow, and madder for red. Checked and striped patterns are documented by textile finds from Hallstatt and are considered among the oldest evidence of patterned European woven fabrics. Ancient authors such as Diodorus described the colourful traditional dress of the Celts with palpable fascination.
Women wore long robes, usually fastened with a brooch at the shoulder or chest. Men combined a tunic, trousers and a belt – warriors supplemented this with shoulder brooches and torques. Natural fibres are recommended for re-enactment, as synthetic fabrics pose a safety risk around campfires and fall significantly short in terms of authenticity.
Celtic weapons and armour
The Celts were renowned for their martial prowess – and for their metalwork, which combined both. The most characteristic feature of Celtic armament is the Latène-type long sword: a slender, double-edged iron blade, often carried in elaborately decorated scabbards. The armament was supplemented by lances and spears as the foot soldier’s primary weapons.
The typical Celtic shield was oval and made of wood, with a metal boss in the centre – a design that combined both ceremonial and combat functions. Helmets made of bronze or iron, some with neck guards and decorative finials, completed the equipment of the wealthier warriors.
Noteworthy: The chainmail is regarded by researchers as a Celtic invention. The oldest confirmed finds date from the Celtic region of the 3rd century BC – from there, the Romans adopted it and spread it throughout Europe via their legions. For the Celtic portrayal in re-enactment, ancient armour and ancient swords are the appropriate starting points.
Celtic symbols and jewellery: triskeles, knots and torques
Celtic art is unmistakable – and its symbols have endured for millennia. The triskele (three-spiral) is considered one of the oldest Celtic symbols of all and symbolises movement, cycles and cosmic order. The Celtic knot – an endless pattern with no beginning and no end – stood for eternity, connectedness and the inseparability of life and death.
Social status is reflected in the jewellery of this culture: the torque, an open neck ring made of twisted metal, was the status symbol of leaders and warriors. Fibulae served not only as fastenings but also as jewellery and markers of identity. Bronze and silver arm rings, often decorated with animal motifs, were found in graves across all social classes.
Animal motifs played a central role: the boar, horse and raven had religious significance and adorned helmets, shields and everyday objects. Celtic jewellery was thus far more than mere decoration – it conveyed a worldview, tribal affiliation and spiritual beliefs.
Celtic re-enactment: Getting started and putting together a costume
A simple tunic made of cotton or a cotton-linen blend forms the basis. Add a plain leather belt and simple shoes – and you have a recognisable basic Celtic outfit. Suitable for market visits and first events.
Expanded with a woollen cloak (sagum), a Celtic knife on the belt, fibulae and simple bronze jewellery. A leather bag and suitable footwear complete the look. Well-suited for regular living history participation.
Pure wool and linen based on archaeological findings, correct cutting techniques for the respective period (Hallstatt vs. La Tène), handmade brooches and replica torques. Specifying the era significantly enhances credibility – Hallstatt (800–450 BC) and La Tène (450 BC–1 AD) differ markedly in cut and ornamentation.
Events and festivals with a Celtic theme
Celtic re-enactment is increasingly finding its place at living history markets and Iron Age-themed festivals. In addition to explicitly Celtic events, many general re-enactment events feature open periods where a Celtic portrayal is welcome.
Celtic annual festivals are currently experiencing a widespread revival: Samhain (late October/early November) as a festival of the dead and the changing of the seasons, Imbolc (early February) as a festival of light, Beltane (late April/early May) as a fertility festival, and Lughnasadh (early August) as the start of the harvest. These festivals provide attractive thematic frameworks for groups and individual performers alike.
Anyone looking for suitable dates will find over 500 events in the Vehi Mercatus Medieval Market Calendar – ranging from local castle festivals to national re-enactment gatherings. The equipment required varies depending on the occasion: simple attire is sufficient for a market visit; for a camp, you’ll need a tent, cooking utensils and camping gear; and for a mock battle, weapons and protective gear are added to the mix.
From your first tunic to a complete Iron Age outfit, you’ll find everything you need for an authentic look in the Celtic Shop – browse through the categories and be inspired by Celtic culture and craftsmanship.
Frequently asked questions
The Celts were an Iron Age people of Central and Western Europe (c. 800 BC to the Roman period), known for their metalwork, expressive symbolism and distinct mythology. Typical features include the triskele, knot patterns, torques and brooches, as well as the use of checked and striped fabrics and a pronounced warrior culture.
The Celts mainly wore woollen tunics, leather belts and trousers (bracae), as well as woollen cloaks (sagum). Plant dyes provided vibrant colours – woad for blue, madder for red, and woad for yellow. Checked and striped patterns are archaeologically attested by textile finds from Hallstatt. Women dressed in long robes, often fastened at the shoulder with a brooch.
Among the best-known Celtic symbols are the triskele (three-loop), the Celtic endless knot and spiral motifs. These symbols were found on jewellery, weapons, pottery and religious objects. They symbolised concepts such as cycles, eternity and cosmic order, and had both decorative and spiritual significance.
The characteristic weapon of Celtic warriors was the Latène-type iron long sword, supplemented by lances and spears. Also typical was the oval wooden shield with a metal boss. Helmets made of bronze or iron were worn by the wealthier warriors. Notably, chain mail is considered a Celtic invention and was only spread throughout Europe by the Romans.
Celtic jewellery primarily comprises torques (open neck rings made of twisted metal), fibulae used as garment fastenings, bronze and silver arm rings, and pendants featuring animal and spiral motifs. For the Celts, jewellery was not merely decorative, but also signified rank, tribal affiliation and religious beliefs. Well-known motifs include the boar, horse and raven, as well as the triskele and knotwork designs.