Viking dress ladies - Medieval garb
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Viking women did not wear one-piece outfits – they layered their clothing. A long under-dress made of linen or cotton, with a woolen strappy dress worn over it and fastened with brooches: this basic structure is well documented by textile finds from Haithabu and other Scandinavian sites, and remains the backbone of any authentic Viking women’s attire to this day. In this category you will find over 200 dresses and garments – from beginner-friendly over-dresses to woolen strappy dresses for discerning re-enactors.
Undergarment and overgarment: the Viking women’s layering system
The centrepiece of Viking women’s attire is the two-piece basic structure: a long-sleeved underdress worn directly against the skin, with a sleeveless strappy dress or slip worn over it. The underdress is traditionally made of linen or cotton – a soft, breathable fabric that makes direct skin contact comfortable. It reaches down to the ankles and peeks out from under the overdress at the neck and wrist, fulfilling an important visual and practical function.
The strappy dress – also known as an overdress or slip – sits over the slip, is sleeveless and is held together at the shoulders by two fibulae or oval brooches. These garment fastenings are extensively documented historically for the Viking Age through grave finds. Haithabu, the early medieval trading centre on the Schlei (Schleswig-Holstein), is considered the most important archaeological source; its textile finds allow detailed conclusions to be drawn regarding weave density, yarn thicknesses and costume construction. The outer dress itself is traditionally made of wool – a material that is naturally dyeable, warm and durable.
The combination of both pieces not only creates a historically accurate look, but also a practical layering system: depending on the season or occasion, the under-dress can be worn on its own or combined with the over-dress and cloak to form a complete cold-weather ensemble.
Haithabu overgown, Jodis strap dress, Feme undergown – an overview of the main types
Haithabu outer dress
Inspired by textile finds from the 8th–9th centuries in the Haithabu region. Coarsely woven cotton, open at the sides – very beginner-friendly and available in several colours (green, blue, brown, saffron). Ideal as a first step towards a Viking women’s outfit.
Jodis Strap Dress
Made from genuine wool fabric – the most historically authentic material for an outer dress. The Jodis strappy dress is suitable for advanced costumes where the material composition matters. Available in burgundy, autumn green and other shades.
Feme Undergown & Frida Strap Dress
The Feme underskirt is a long-sleeved women’s underskirt made from 100% cotton – the foundation of any Viking outfit. The Frida strappy dress, made from uncombed cotton, complements it as a beginner-friendly overdress option in various colours such as sea blue or blue.
Choice of material: wool, cotton or linen?
The choice of the right material depends heavily on the intended use. For re-enactment events with high authenticity requirements, the material is just as important as the cut. For LARP or market visits, comfort and appearance are the main priorities. Synthetic fibres are largely rejected in the re-enactment scene – they wick away sweat less effectively, react differently to light and are noticeably less comfortable than natural fibres when worn for long periods.
| Material | Suitability | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Wool | Historically authentic | Warm, naturally dyeable, durable – classic for the tunic. Ideal for re-enactment and cooler seasons. |
| 100% cotton | Beginners & LARP | Most common material in the range (36 items), widely available, good for warmer events and beginners. Comfortable to wear, easy to care for. |
| Linen | Historically authentic | Classic for undergarments, skin-friendly and breathable. Well-documented historically, particularly suitable for direct skin contact. |
The complete Viking outfit for women: what else you need
A coherent Viking dress outfit for women consists of more than just an under- and over-dress. Historically indispensable are, first and foremost, the brooches – two oval clasps or ring brooches that hold the strapless dress together at the shoulders. Without them, the over-dress looks unfinished; with them, the outfit is instantly recognisable as Viking-era. You’ll find a good selection in the Medieval Brooches & Ring Brooches category.
A belt worn over the garment serves several purposes: it shapes the silhouette, holds a bag and knife, and is well-documented historically. Matching Viking and Medieval belts complete the overall look. Viking bags and belt pouches can be attached to them – practical for markets and essential for authentic camp scenes.
On your feet, leather Viking shoes are a must for the outfit – simple lace-up shoes or pointed-toe shoes are most appropriate for the Viking era. For jewellery, opt for Viking bracelets, Viking necklaces and pendants, as well as Viking earrings. Anyone attending markets or camps will appreciate a cloak or coat for cooler evenings.
Which Viking outfit suits your budget?
The Haithabu over-dress or the Frida strappy dress, made from uncombed cotton, offer a solid basic look for beginners. The workmanship is simple, the price fair – ideal for your first market visit or as a base for trying out the layering system.
The Feme underdress made from 100% cotton combined with the Jodis strappy dress made from wool – here, the quality of the materials and historical authenticity are noticeably higher. Wool as the fabric for the overdress makes all the difference to the overall impression and is the right choice for more experienced performers.
Combining both segments results in a complete Viking outfit: the Feme underskirt as the base layer, plus a wool strappy dress and matching fibulae. Complemented by a belt, bag and shoes, this creates a harmonious outfit for LARP, reenactment and medieval markets. The price range in this category extends from approx. €20 to just under €75.
For which occasion – LARP, re-enactment or medieval market?
- Fabric composition is crucial: wool and linen are preferred
- Historical cut with reference to archaeological finds such as Haithabu
- Avoiding synthetics is important for scene acceptance
- Jodis wool tunic as the first choice
- Brooches essential for the outer garment
- Comfort and freedom of movement are paramount
- Cotton dresses are well-suited and easy to care for
- Colours can be a bit more varied and vibrant
- A layered look with an under-dress and over-dress looks harmonious
- The overall look counts more than strict adherence to materials
All three scenarios are covered by our range: Viking clothing for every need, from beginners to experienced re-enactors.
Whether you’re putting together your first Viking outfit or adding an authentic woolen undershirt to an existing ensemble – in this category you’ll find over 200 dresses and garments suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced reenactors. Have a look around and put together your layering combination.
Frequently asked questions
The under-dress is a long-sleeved garment made of linen or cotton, worn directly against the skin. The over-dress (strapless dress or tunic) is sleeveless, worn over the under-dress and fastened at the shoulders with two brooches or oval clasps. This two-piece layered structure is well documented for the Viking Age thanks to textile finds from Haithabu.
For the outer dress, wool is considered the most historically authentic material – it is warm, durable and lends itself well to natural dyeing. Linen or cotton is traditionally used for the under-dress, as these materials are skin-friendly and breathable. Synthetic fibres are largely rejected in re-enactment, as they differ from natural fibres both in terms of wear and visual appearance.
For a complete and historically accurate Viking outfit, we recommend combining both pieces. The under-dress alone can be worn in warm weather or as a base layer. It is only when the over-dress is worn over it that the characteristic Viking-era look is achieved, which is defined by the visible sleeves and neckline of the under-dress.
The Haithabu over-dress (from approx. €25) or the Frida strappy dress made from uncombed cotton are ideal for beginners – well-made, affordable and available in several colours. If you’re also looking for an under-dress, the Feme under-dress made from 100% cotton is a great addition. The combination of both pieces costs less than €70.
In addition to the under- and over-dress, two fibulae or oval brooches are needed to fasten the strapless dress – they are historically essential. A belt gives the outfit shape and serves as a holder for a bag and knife. Matching Viking shoes made of leather, as well as jewellery such as bangles, necklaces and earrings, complete the ensemble. For colder events, a cape or cloak is also recommended.