The Hilda Viking Hangerock: Timeless Style and Function for Viking Reenactment

This dress, known as an apron dress, Hangerok or Smokkr, is an iconic Viking style, making it an excellent choice for your historical Viking outfit or Viking-inspired costume. 

No complete apron dress has been recovered, however fragments remain which give us an indication of the design. The dress was probably:

• A closed tube, which may have had gores give flair to the skirt 
• Sleeveless. It was held up with straps sewn to the back of the dress and pinned to the front with decorative broaches.
• A decorative garment. It is often found in conjunction with higher-status jewellery or embellished, such as with tablet weaving.
• The exact construction is unknown, but some apron dresses have been found with what appears to be small pleats/gathers.
• The length is unknown, but many reconstructions place it somewhere between full length and mid-calf.

This reproduction features a six panel design: one front panel, one back panel, two side-front gores and two side-back gores. The inside seams are finished with overlocking. The neckline is finished with a self-fabric facing which is top-stitched, so that it won’t show when you are wearing it. The bottom hem is finished with a double-fold hem. The straps are made with a double-thickness of fabric and are very sturdy. They are sewn at the back only. Please note: you will need two broaches (not included, available separately) to attach the straps at the front of the dress. All stitching has been done on the machine.

This dress has been inspired by finds which feature gathering/pleating, but the effect has been obtained using a modern twist. The front of the dress has a single length of elastic hidden in the neckline. This gives the neckline a small gathered effect, while helping make it fit a wider range of body types. The back panel has three rows of elastic hidden on the inside of the dress. This helps make the dress more form fitting, while comfortable on a larger range of body shapes. It gives the back of the dress a “smocked” effect which has been found on some originals.

This reproduction is made from a premium broken diamond woven twill wool (100% wool). The threads of the fabric are dyed brown and white, which gives the fabric a beautiful diamond patterned effect. Twill weaves are more flexible than plain woven fabric, which helps make them comfortable to wear and gives them a lovely drape and movement.

Twill weaves have been found dating back as far as the iron age and were used in the Viking era. Wool was widely available, and is the most accurate fabric for smokkrs. Not only was wool readily available, it has many properties making it ideal for clothing even today:

• The fibres of wool trap air, making it a natural insulator, helping you to stay warm. 
• It’s breathable, which means it keeps you warm without overheating.
• Wool is warm even when wet and can shed water, making it a good choice to wear during rain.
• While not waterproof, wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water before it feels wet, which keeps you dry for longer in rain.
• It’s a durable fabric.
• Wool is naturally flame-resistant and safer to wear than polyester during living history or historical events featuring campfires for warmth and cooking.

Care Instructions: Wool is naturally breathable and resistant to odours. Hand wash or spot clean with mild detergent and lay flat to dry to maintain its shape.

Sizing: Choose the size closest to your chest measurement. 

Includes one apron dress in brown wool. Other garments and accessories shown not included. 

Designed in USA. Crafted in Nepal. A Mythrojan product.