Vikings were Norse seafarers who traveled and raided across Europe from the late 8th to the late 11th century. As rugged adventurers, Vikings needed durable and practical clothing that could withstand their harsh lifestyle at sea and their battles abroad. Let’s take a look at what these legendary warriors wore on their legs.
Trousers
The most common legwear for Viking men were trousers. These were loose fitting pants made from wool, linen or leather that were held up by a drawstring or belt at the waist. Trousers provided freedom of movement for rowing, sailing and fighting. They extended down to the ankles or feet and sometimes had decorative trim or embroidery at the cuffs.
There is archaeological evidence that Vikings also wore trousers that only came down to the knees. These would have been worn with leg wrappings to protect the lower legs and feet.
Materials
Wool was the most common material for Viking trousers. It provided excellent warmth and insulation against cold winds at sea. Linen was also used as it was tough and durable. Trousers made from leather offered even greater protection in battle.
Viking men usually owned at least two pairs of trousers – one for everyday use and one for special occasions. Richer Vikings had trousers made from colored fabrics or patterned woven wool.
Cuts
Viking trousers came in several styles:
- Loose baggy cuts that offered freedom of movement.
- Tight fitted cuts secured with leg bindings.
- Shorter knee-length cuts.
Some trousers had integrated feet coverings or attached leather cuffs around the ankles.
Leg Bindings
Along with trousers, Vikings also utilized leg bindings as legwear. These were long strips of fabric or leather that were wrapped tightly around the lower legs and feet.
Leg bindings provided both protection and support:
- They cushioned and insulated the legs from extreme cold.
- They gave firm support to ankles and feet while sailing or marching over rough terrain.
- They could be worn over trousers or directly on the bare legs.
Common materials for leg bindings included wool, linen and leather strips cut into long bands. The bindings were wrapped from ankle to knee and secured with lacing or crisscrossing the fabric strips.
Hose
Hose were a type of fitted legwear similar to modern tights or leggings. They were constructed from shaped fabric to contour to the legs. Hose were usually made from wool which provided stretch and flexibility when worn.
While less common than trousers and leg bindings, hose were worn by Vikings needing extra warmth and protection in cold climates. Some hose extended up to the waist almost like long underwear. Wearing hose with trousers or leg bindings over top provided multiple layers of insulation.
Socks
Basic socks were also part of Viking legwear. These were worn under boots or wrapped legs and made from wool, linen or animal skin like reindeer fur. Socks helped prevent painful chafing and blisters when the Vikings were on the march over long distances. They also provided cushioning insulation for the feet.
Socks came in ankle height or extended up higher on the calves. Some had decorative colored patterns or embroidery.
Legwear for Women
Viking women wore similar legwear to the men. This included:
- Wool or linen trousers.
- Long dresses with tight fitted leggings or hose underneath.
- Wrap around leg bindings to support heavy skirts.
- Ankle length socks.
However, women focused more on decorative legwear for special occasions. They wore colorful woven or embroidered hose and socks decorated with bright patterns. Affluent Viking women had silk stockings and leggings with ornate trim and jeweled cuffs.
Leg Armor
For battle, Vikings donned armor to protect their vulnerable legs. This included:
- Greaves – bronze or iron shin plates strapped over the lower legs.
- Splints – narrow metal strips wrapped around the calves as protection.
- Chainmail – a mesh of thousands of metal rings covering the lower legs and feet.
Leg armor was worn over trousers or hose to shield against sword blows and arrow strikes. Leather or padded fabric padding was also used underneath to cushion the metal. Only wealthier Vikings could afford this expensive battledress.
Legwear Symbolism
For Vikings, clothing carried important cultural meaning beyond just function:
- Trousers and leg bindings signified a Norse warrior’s strength and masculinity.
- Ornate legwear denoted high status and wealth.
- Intricate leg decorations had religious or ritual symbolism.
- Bright colors represented the warring nature of the Vikings.
Thus the legs were seen as a key place to display a Viking’s identity, beliefs and achievements through their clothing.
Evidence and Records
Most of what is known about Viking legwear comes from:
- Archaeological digs that have unearthed Viking age clothing remnants.
- Artifacts from graves and burial ships showing clothing details.
- Surviving examples of legwear from ancient Nordic cultures.
- Manuscripts and sagas describing Viking raids and appearances.
From these records, scholars have pieced together accurate representations of the types of practical and rugged legwear favored by the Vikings.
| Type | Materials | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Trousers | Wool, linen, leather | Loose or fitted leggings, knee length or ankle length |
| Leg bindings | Wool, linen, leather strips | Wrapped tightly from ankle to knee for support and insulation |
| Hose | Wool | Footed or legs-only tights, tight fitted |
| Socks | Wool, linen, fur | Ankle height or calf length |
| Leg armor | Metal, leather | Greaves, splints and mail for protection |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vikings relied on hardy, practical legwear suited for their seafaring culture and warlike raids. Basic trousers, bindings, hose and socks provided the comfort and protection needed for life onboard ships and harsh travels across Europe. For battles, armor like greaves and mail safeguarded the legs from injuries. Legwear also bore important symbolic meaning about a Viking’s identity and status.
While simple in construction, Viking legwear was designed for the challenging and adventure-filled lifestyle of these legendary Norse explorers and fighters. The durability and functionality of their legwear played a vital role in their conquests across the seas and success in combat abroad.