Get the Look: How to Build a Viking Woman’s Outfit

Step 1: Start with the Helga Linen Viking Dress

Every layered Viking outfit needs a good foundation.

The Viking Dress creates that first layer. Made from 100% linen, it has a long A-line shape with triangular side gores that add room through the lower part of the dress and allow easier movement.
Linen is well suited to a base garment because it is breathable, moisture-absorbing and comfortable during extended wear. The fabric also becomes softer with washing and use.
The simple design means the Dress can be worn on its own, but for this complete look, it works as the underdress beneath the wool apron dress.
Its long sleeves remain visible once the sleeveless outer layer is added, creating the contrasting layered appearance commonly associated with Viking-inspired women’s clothing.

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Helga Linen Viking Dress

Step 2: Layer the Hilda Viking Apron Dress Over It

Now the outfit starts to develop its unmistakable Viking character. Wear the Viking Apron Dress over the underdress.

Inspired by the Viking Age smokkr, the apron dress is a sleeveless overdress designed for layering over another garment. It is made from 100% recycled wool in a substantial 420 gsm diamond twill weave.
The textured diamond twill gives the wool more visual character than a plain fabric and helps create a rich, historically inspired look.
Its six-panel construction allows the skirt to flare naturally, while broad shoulder straps create the perfect place for adding Viking brooches.
There is also a practical modern addition: elastic shirring at the back provides some flexibility in fit, particularly useful when wearing the apron dress over different layers.
With the linen Helga Dress underneath and the wool Hilda Apron Dress over it, the main clothing layers of the outfit are now complete.

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Hilda Viking Apron Dress

Step 3: Fasten the Look with Akershus Viking Oval Brooches

This is the small detail that makes a very big difference.
Oval brooches, sometimes referred to as bowl or tortoise brooches, are among the most recognizable accessories associated with Viking women’s clothing. They were commonly worn in pairs at the chest and used with the shoulder straps of apron dresses.
Our Akershus Viking Oval Brooch is based on a 9th-century Viking Age example discovered in the Akershus region of Norway.
The brooch is cast from solid bronze using the traditional lost-wax casting method, allowing the raised details, knotwork, edges and central domed boss to stand out clearly.
For this outfit, use two brooches, positioning one at each shoulder strap of the Hilda Apron Dress.
The brooch is available in bronze and antique bronze finishes, allowing you to choose between a brighter appearance or a darker, aged look.
Please remember that the Akershus brooch is sold individually, so two pieces are required if you want to create the traditional paired appearance.

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Akershus Viking Oval Brooch

Step 4: Finish the Look with Jorvik Leather Shoes

A carefully assembled Viking outfit deserves footwear that belongs with the rest of the kit.
Complete the look with our Early Medieval Jorvik Toggle Shoes.
These shoes are inspired by archaeological footwear associated with Jorvik – modern-day York – an important Viking settlement in England during the 9th and 10th centuries.
Handcrafted from genuine leather, they have a traditional double toggle closure, using rolled leather toggles and loops rather than modern buckles or laces.
The flat leather sole has the look of early medieval footwear and gives the shoes a simple profile that works particularly well beneath long dresses.
Because of their historically inspired flat leather soles, they are better suited to natural terrain than rough modern surfaces such as gravel or concrete.

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Early Medieval Jorvik Toggle Shoes