Viking tunic and shirts for reenactment
The Viking tunic is the centrepiece of any Nordic costume – whether for re-enactment, medieval fairs or LARP. Here you’ll find tunics and shirts made from wool, cotton and linen that authentically capture everyday life during the Viking Age, between 793 and 1066 AD. With over 200 items from Burgschneider and Battle Merchant, the collection covers everything – from light under-tunics to heavy pleated skirts.
Viking tunic: The garment of the Viking Age
The tunic was the central garment of the Viking Age – for both men and women. Its characteristic straight cut with side gussets ensures sufficient freedom of movement when riding, fighting and in everyday life. Depending on the layering, it was worn as an under- or over-tunic: a light linen tunic directly against the skin, with a warm woollen tunic worn over it as an outer layer.
Historically documented lengths vary considerably: from the short tunic, which reaches just below the hips, to the hip-length everyday shirt worn over Viking trousers. Archaeological finds from Haithabu, Birka and Dublin attest to this diversity. In Viking re-enactment, the correct tunic is therefore not merely an accessory, but the foundation of the entire outfit.
Comparing materials: wool, linen or cotton?
The choice of material is decisive for authenticity, comfort and ease of care. Historically, only wool and linen were correct – both remain the first choice for re-enactment today:
| Material | Suitability | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Wool | Historical | Warm, retains heat even when wet – ideal for cold seasons and re-enactment. Heavy wool fabric, such as that used for the Lodin tunic, creates an imposing appearance. |
| Linen | Historical | Authentic summer fabric, particularly suitable for the under-tunic. Highly breathable, feels comfortable against the skin. |
| Cotton | LARP | Not historically accurate, but easy to care for and affordable. Good for beginners and occasional market participants. |
| Herringbone blend | Historical | Distinctive weave pattern with a distinctive visual quality (e.g. Tyr tunic: 60% wool). Historically inspired, easy to care for. |
Tunic types: From the under-tunic to the pleated skirt
Undertunic
Lightweight cotton shirts as the base layer. Available with short or long sleeves, in natural colours and with a coarse cotton texture. Ideal as a base layer under any outer garment. From approx. €29.
Short tunic
Middle layer made from coarsely woven cotton. Versatile and easy to combine, with an authentic look thanks to its simple cut. The Aegir short-sleeved tunic and the Erik short tunic are unisex. From approx. €33.
Wool tunic
Heavy wool fabric for a striking appearance. Long-sleeved, unisex, for re-enactment and cold seasons. Available in many colours: burgundy, grey, green, blue, brown, dark grey. From approx. €50.
Herringbone tunic
Distinctive herringbone weave made from 60% wool, 37% polyester and 3% nylon. Long-sleeved, cropped fit, exceptional visual quality. Available in black/grey, olive/grey and burgundy/grey. From approx. €58.
Pleated skirt
Distinctive Nordic style with side slits – typical of depictions of Nordic warriors. Contributes to an authentic silhouette and allows for free leg movement. Available in dark grey. From approx. €58.
What did the Vikings wear? Historical background
The notion of grubby, unkempt Norse men has long been disproved by research. Vikings apparently took greater care of their appearance than many of their contemporaries – combs made from deer antlers, brooches to fasten garments, and decorated trims as ornamental elements on necklines and sleeves are well-documented archaeologically.
Men wore a tunic over an under-tunic, along with trousers and leg wraps made of wool or linen. Women dressed in a long undergarment, over which they wore a strapless dress held in place at the shoulders by Viking brooches. Wool was the dominant material for warmth, whilst linen was preferred for close-fitting undergarments.
What colours did the Vikings wear? Natural plant-dyed shades such as earth brown, blue from woad, red from madder and yellow from reseda were widespread and accessible to all social classes. Purple was expensive and rare – the purple dye was extracted from purple snails and was so labour-intensive to produce that it was mainly reserved for the nobility and the clergy. That is why Vikings did not wear purple shirts in everyday life – the colourful impression given in films and on television does not correspond to the historical reality for ordinary people.
Combining a Viking tunic correctly: the complete outfit
The tunic forms the foundation – but it is only when combined with the right pieces that a harmonious overall ensemble is achieved. Viking trousers and woolen leg wraps complement the lower half in a historically accurate manner. At the neckline and sleeves, braids and brooches make the difference between a simple costume and a well-thought-out portrayal.
A Viking belt with an attached belt pouch or bag provides practical everyday equipment and enhances the look. Viking shoes with flat soles and a sneaker-free design complete the look from the bottom up. For colder seasons, a cloak or coat can be layered over the tunic – a combination that is both practical and historically verifiable.
For those who wish to complete their outfit with jewellery: Viking jewellery such as bangles, necklaces and pendants complement the attire at a medieval market just as much as in a re-enactment camp.
Price ranges: The right tunic for your budget
Cotton under-tunic (Snorri, Lofar, Leif) – ideal as a base layer for beginners or as an affordable first layer under a woollen tunic. Easy to care for, available in natural colours.
Short tunics made from coarse-woven cotton (Aegir, Erik) and the Lodin woollen tunic for regular market-goers. Solid workmanship, authentic look, wide range of colours from burgundy to dark grey.
Tyr herringbone tunic and Loki pleated skirt with distinctive weave patterns or specific Nordic cuts. For re-enactors who value a distinctive look and historically inspired details.
Tip: Combining an affordable cotton under-tunic (approx. €29) with a high-quality wool tunic Lodin (approx. €50) creates an authentic-looking layered outfit for around €80 – exactly as Vikings actually dressed.
With over 200 tunics and shirts – from lightweight cotton under-tunics to heavy woollen tunics in a herringbone pattern – you’ll find the perfect Viking attire here for every occasion and every budget. Browse through the collection and put together your own authentic Viking outfit.
Frequently asked questions
Men in the Viking Age wore a tunic made of wool or linen over an under-tunic, along with trousers and leg wraps. Women dressed in an undergarment and a long strappy dress, held in place at the shoulders with brooches. Wool was the dominant material, whilst linen was preferred for close-fitting layers. Combs, brooches and decorated trims show that Vikings took greater care of their appearance than was long assumed.
Purple was extremely expensive and rare during the Viking Age, as the dye had to be extracted from purple snails – an extremely labour-intensive process. In everyday life, natural plant-dyed shades such as earth brown, blue (woad), red (madder) and yellow (reseda) were common. Purple was mainly reserved for the nobility and clergy, not for ordinary warriors or traders. The colourful portrayal in films therefore does not correspond to the historical reality for the majority of the population.
The undershirt (e.g. Snorri, Lofar, Leif) is a light layer of cotton or linen worn directly against the skin. It serves as a base layer, regulates moisture and protects the outer garments. The woollen tunic (e.g. Lodin) is the heavy outer layer made of woollen fabric – it keeps you warm, protects even in wet conditions and gives the outfit an imposing appearance. Historically, both layers were worn together.
Many models in the range are deliberately designed to be gender-neutral – the Lodin wool tunic, for example, is explicitly described as unisex. Short tunics such as Aegir and Erik are suitable for everyone due to their straight cut and loose fit. For a specifically feminine Nordic portrayal, we recommend combining the tunic with a Viking strappy dress.
For historically oriented re-enactment, tunics made of wool or linen are the first choice, as cotton was not native to medieval Northern Europe. The Lodin wool tunic and the Tyr herringbone tunic come closest to the historical materials. Those who place even greater emphasis on authenticity can combine a light under-tunic with a heavy wool tunic as an outer layer – exactly as suggested by archaeological finds and written sources.