Further haberdashery
Haberdashery is the essential foundation of any historical costume: without the right hooks, fittings, buttons or fastenings, even the most beautiful fabric remains incomplete. In this category, you’ll find accessories for medieval, Viking, re-enactment and DIY projects – small items that make a big impact.
What is haberdashery – and why is it indispensable for historical costumes?
In the trade, the term ‘haberdashery’ refers to all small sewing utensils, fastenings, fasteners and decorative elements that make a garment functional and complete. They are clearly distinct from fabrics and pattern pieces: whilst linen or wool form the body of the garment, haberdashery comprises the details that determine whether a garment holds together, fastens properly and looks authentic.
Particularly in re-enactment and at medieval markets, it is striking how much the small details shape the overall impression. A cloak fastened with a historically accurate clasp looks fundamentally different from the same cloak with a modern press stud. Fittings, buttons and hooks are no trivial matter – they are the visible expression of care and knowledge of the period. Anyone opting for medieval attire should choose the accessories with the same attention to detail as the fabric itself.
Materials and quality: What to look out for when buying
| Material | Suitability | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Brass | Historical | Warm golden hue, corrosion-resistant, documented across many eras |
| Blackened iron / steel | Historical | Rustic look, authentic for early medieval depictions |
| Tin / white metal | Historical | Silvery tone, typical of medieval decorative items and pilgrim badges |
| Horn | Historical | Organic, compatible with natural fibres, for early and high medieval clothing |
| Wood | LARP | Lightweight, inexpensive, visually appropriate – less robust under continuous use |
| Antiqued plastic | LARP | Good appearance, weather-resistant, no historical authenticity |
With metal fittings and buttons, the surface finish and alloy are crucial: polished brass has a distinctly High Medieval look, whilst blackened iron is better suited to simple Early Medieval or Germanic depictions. Antique-finished surfaces – that is, metals deliberately aged to look old – sit visually between the two styles and are highly versatile.
Those who choose the Vehi Mercatus brand receive haberdashery where material selection and manufacturing standards are determined according to their own specifications – not an anonymous mass-produced range, but products specifically developed for the historical sector.
Hardware by era and theme
In the Early Middle Ages (approx. 5th–10th century), organic materials and simple metalwork dominated. Metal or horn calf-wrap hooks are among the most characteristic fastenings of this era – they secure leg wraps and calf wraps, as archaeologically attested for Vikings and Germanic peoples. Viking calf wraps, simple hook-and-eye fastenings and horn buttons complement these items to create a coherent historical re-enactment.
From the 11th century onwards, metal buttons made of brass and bronze became widespread, decorative rivets adorned belts and bags, and elaborate garment fastenings held coats and cloaks together. Medieval garment fastenings and bag and belt fittings are particularly characteristic of this era.
Roman reenactments have their own specific requirements for haberdashery: specific fibulae, military fittings made of brass and characteristic buckle shapes differ significantly from medieval accessories. Roman haberdashery forms a separate subcategory with suitable items for legionary and civilian reenactments.
In LARP, there is greater creative freedom – haberdashery does not need to be historically accurate. Nevertheless, the closer the appearance is to historical models, the more credible the overall outfit appears. Antique-style metal buttons, horn-effect finishes and blackened fittings significantly enhance immersion. Tassels and belt buckles are excellent additions.
DIY projects: What you can make yourself with haberdashery
Haberdashery is the gateway to historical craftsmanship – and for many projects, you don’t even need a sewing machine. Here are some typical applications that can be realised using items from this category:
- Fitting and fastening leg wraps: Calf wrap hooks are attached to the upper end of the wrap and hold the linen or woollen cloth securely in place. A straightforward project that requires no sewing.
- Fastening a cloak: A cloak clasp or a button with a loop replaces the modern zip – and looks far more authentic.
- Enhancing belts and bags: Brass or blackened steel fittings can be riveted onto leather straps, transforming a plain belt into a stylish accessory. Matching leather straps are also available in the range.
- Tassels as decoration: Used on belts, pouches or bags, tassels add a splash of colour and visually complete historical outfits.
Anyone planning their first projects should start with simple fastenings – calf-wrap hooks or a single button with a loop can be attached in half an hour. More experienced crafters can sew or rivet on fittings and work their way up to complete belt fittings and bag trims. Combined with sewing supplies and trimmings, you can create complete DIY garments that stand out clearly from ready-to-wear items.
Overview: What’s included in the ‘other haberdashery’ category?
Buttons & fastenings
Horn, metal, wood and bone – buttons for early and high medieval re-enactments in various sizes. Many items under €5, sets in the mid-single-digit range.
Fittings & fastenings
Decorative rivets, garment fasteners and belt fittings made from brass, pewter and blackened metal. Ideal for DIY belts, bags and cloaks.
Special parts & accessories
This miscellaneous category brings together items that don’t fit into any other category: Viking-style calf-wrap hooks, tassels and specialised accessories for Roman re-enactments. Prices are mostly under €15.
Calf wrap hooks: function, history and use
Calf wraps – also known as leg wraps – were a widespread alternative to trousers with integrated leg tubes in the Early Middle Ages. A long strip of linen or wool was wound spirally from the ankle to the knee and had to be securely fastened at the top. This is precisely where the calf wrap hooks come into play: they are hooked onto the top of the wrap and hold the fabric firmly in place – without knots, without modern fastenings.
Archaeological finds from the 8th to 10th centuries provide evidence of leg wraps among the Vikings, Germanic peoples and other early medieval cultures. The hooks themselves were simple, made of iron or bronze, and functionally reduced to the essentials. In modern re-enactment and living history, they are indispensable for an accurate early medieval portrayal – and far more practical in the day-to-day life of a market or military camp than it might initially seem.
The Viking-style set of two in our range is specifically aimed at re-enactors and market traders who want to secure their leg wraps reliably. The hooks fit standard calf wraps made of wool or linen and can be attached in just a few simple steps. We recommend Viking clothing for men and Germanic clothing from the same range to complement your outfit.
Whether you’re finishing your first Viking garment with calf-wrap hooks or completing an elaborate re-enactment outfit with matching fittings – the right haberdashery makes the difference between ‘dressed up’ and ‘authentic’. Browse through the subcategories and find the perfect detail for your next project.
Frequently asked questions
Haberdashery refers to small accessories such as buttons, fastenings, hooks, fittings and decorative rivets that complete a historical costume. They are distinct from fabrics and pattern pieces and are crucial to the function and authenticity of an outfit. In re-enactment, it is precisely these details that determine whether a costume appears historically credible.
Calf wrap hooks are small metal hooks used to fasten leg wraps (also known as calf wraps) at the top. A long strip of linen or wool is wrapped spirally around the leg and secured with the hook. This fastening method is archaeologically attested for the Early Middle Ages (approx. 8th–10th century) among Vikings and Germanic peoples and is used today in re-enactment and living history.
For authentic re-enactments, hardware made of brass, iron, pewter, horn or wood is recommended – depending on the period and region. Brass is well suited for High and Late Medieval re-enactments, whilst blackened iron is suitable for Early Medieval ones. For LARP, antique-style plastic versions are also acceptable, provided they match the historical model visually.
Yes, many hardware items can be attached without a sewing machine or extensive sewing skills. Calf-wrap hooks are simply hooked in place, garment fasteners are threaded through the fabric, and fittings can be riveted onto leather straps. Basic skills are perfectly sufficient for simple DIY projects.
For an early medieval Viking costume, calf wrap hooks for securing the leg wraps, simple hook-and-eye fastenings on garments, and horn buttons are particularly suitable. Metal fittings made of iron or bronze with simple shapes are historically accurate. To complement these, Viking-style fibulae and garment fastenings from the range are also suitable.