This is a very breif summary of Dark Age costume prepared for the 'Thorshof' Modern Heathen Folk Costume Day.
A linen underdress or shift was worn. Tailored or gathered to fit the body. A very simple overdress of wool. This was tubular and covered the torso to just above the bust and was supported by two brooches over the shoulders. The arms and shoulders were not covered.
Woollen trousers, either wide and loose fitting or tailored & close fitting, often held close to the leg with braid (please note the criss-cross style was used only by royalty), 'turned' leather shoes, undershirt made of linen, knee length over-tunic made of wool edged with braid, belt, rectangular cloak held with a large brooch.
Gold and silver jewellery, precious stones.
Excessive fabric (very full gowns and tunics)
Bright dyes (the brightest colours would have been more costly)
Non functional decoration, embroidery, braid trim.
Silk (imported in very small quantities from the far East).
Woollen cloth in complicated weaves.
Impractical clothing. (A woman of high status would have a trailing gown inhibiting any heavy work while a slave's dress would be high above the ground to allow easy movement).
Pleated fabric (pleats were stitched into the fabric by hand, this would have been redone every time the garment was washed.
Keys (displaying ownership of property).
Linen shift (probably white) either tailored to fit or gathered. A large rectangle of woollen cloth sewn along the non salvaged ends to form a tube. The dress is hitched up to the shoulders with two small brooches. The dress is belted with a leather or tablet woven belt. Glass beads and metal pendants or coins were strung between the brooches. Head bands of silver tablet woven brocade were popular. Accessories: Girdle hanger, knife, crystal spheres, keys, cosmetic tools. Cloak worn with large square ended broach.
Linen shift (probably white) either tailored to fit, gathered or pleated. Saga references to these dresses trailing on the ground for high status women. Similar dress as above but fitting tightly below the armpits, either tailored, gathered or 'kilted' to fit. The 'apron' style often depicted in history books with the two narrow panels front and back is not practical, and would have been madness in a cold climate.
The dress is supported by two straps sewn to the back of the of the dress which are pulled forward over the shoulders and fastened with tortoise brooches above the bust to the front of the dress. Strings of beads and charms were hung between the brooches. A large scarf was worn and the hair was twisted inside, the roll of hair was then tied in a knot.
Accessories: Knife, keys, cosmetic tools. Shawl worn fastened with a trefoil brooch.