The Vikings and colour

Viking men wore long-sleeved tunics over linen shirts and thick trousers often bound at the ankle with strips of leather or cloth. The tunics were often decorated with woven bands of patterned cloth or braids.

 

Leather belts holding purses and knives were tied around their waists. Over the top they wore long heavy cloaks made of fur or cloth, often fastened with large cloak pins.

The women wore long dresses over which were worn woollen or linen tunics, again often decorated with coloured braids. The tunics were made from two rectangular pieces of cloth joined by straps or brooches at the shoulder. Most of the women also wore chains carrying keys to the strongbox, knives, and personal items. In winter they also wore shawls and cloaks fastened at the shoulder with a brooch.