[Joe M.]

I have been going crazy trying to find authentic looking Viking clothing. It is my favorite period and I have some really nice swords, axes, a shield, and a helm from the likes of Albion, Del Tin, Mercenary's Tailor, etc. However, I may have to go as a really whacked out "beserker" and basically go armed and totally naked because I can't find any good clothes - rugged, simple "barbarian" style cotton/wool shirts, capes, etc. It seems so basic, but it seems everything out there is geared toward the Renaissance and much too "foofy" for a Viking. I do have a light, mid-sleeve tunic from "Viking-shield.com", which I like, but it seems more like something a Viking would hang out in to sharpen his weapons and down some mead - not go to war in. Help!

[Kenneth Enroth]

This is not an educated answer but how about some fur pelts over hauberk. Maybe for a more authentic look than the massproduced stuff maybe you could find some scandinavian craftspeople to make you what you need.

[David Quivey]

Hey Joe,

The Grey Company, an Australian group, has some "do it yourself" patterns on their website for tunics and trousers. I haven't made them m'self, but my seamstress sister says they are pretty simple.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~bill/greyco.html
Like you, I've looked about for off-the-rack authentic gear for a Viking impression, but I've come to the conclusion that one really has to make things yourself, as things are either too farby, or aren't made. I dunno, your "beserker" impression might work though!

[Russ Thomas]

Hi Joe,

I know of lots of people who could ,perhaps,be of help to you .How authentic do you want it to be ? I know people who start with the sheep ,spin their own wool,dye it ( plant dye ,of course ! ),weave it and then tailor it. It doesn't come much more authentic than that ! Though if it doesn't need to be that authentic ,I am sure there many others I know who could possily be of help to you.If you drop me a line I'll try and put you in touch.

Regards,

Russ

[James Aldrich]

http://www.birkatraders.com/gallery/gallery1d.htm