A wool tunic was a basic garment worn by both men and women in the ancient Mediterranean world. They were made of linen and wool, and often decorated with braid. They were belted at the waist and fastened by clasps in the shoulders, and reached to the knees or lower.
They were fashioned from two pieces of fabric sewn together up the sides and across the top, with holes left for the head and arms. They were worn over a linen undertunic (left), sometimes with a cloak and skirt to cover the legs.
The cloak was often lined with wool of a different color than the overtunic, but it could be made from any kind of material that provided a degree of protection from the elements. It was usually worn in an offset position, so that the right arm was free to hold a weapon.
Its length was determined by the wealth of the wearer, and it was presumably designed to show how rich he was. A poorer man might be able to afford a tunic that was longer than it needed to be, but a more affluent man would want to make sure that he used every last piece of fabric that he had to make a garment that fit well and looked good.
These long tunics were usually decorated with small amounts of braid, woven from brightly colored wool using the tablet weaving technique. Some tunics were even embroidered, which was an expensive craft that only the very wealthy could afford to learn and use.
Hats were also an important part of a man’s clothing. They were made of wool naked or sheepskin, and some were trimmed with fur to provide additional warmth. Caps were sometimes made of leather and fur, and others were made of wool or linen.
They were worn over a tunic, which was gathered around the waist. They were pulled on over the head with a loop of thread (left), but they were sometimes fastened to the body with brooches or buttons in the neck opening.
Unlike modern tunics, which are very loose-fitting in the upper part and fitted in the lower part, the Viking-era tunic was tight-fitting. This was likely done to prevent it from sagging in the waist and falling down, as well as to keep it from riding up when walking.
Sleeves were longer than they are today, and were probably tucked into the belt for better cooling on hot days. The sleeves were also decorated with braid, usually woven from wool.
Shoes and other footwear were also an important part of a man’s wardrobe, though they were usually optional. They were generally worn with socks, which were usually made of undyed wool and moss or grasses.
A pair of boots was a common fashion accessory for Vikings, and they were usually made from leather or sheepskin. They were sometimes trimmed with fur, and some had leather soles.
They were not only practical, but they were a sign of wealth and a symbol of power and prestige. They were worn at home, as well as on a hunt or other outdoor activity.