Viking Wool Apron Dress Hangerok (Smokkr) – Diamond Pattern

Viking Wool Apron Dress Hangerok (Smokkr) – Diamond Pattern

The Iconic Garment of Viking Women

The apron dress (Hangerok/Smokkr) was a key component of female Viking attire. It was worn over an underdress or tunic and often complemented with jewellery, especially a pair of oval (tortoise) brooches that held the dress straps in place.

Reconstruction Based on Fragments

Although no complete apron dresses from the Viking era have survived, archaeological finds of fragments give us an idea of their design. They were likely:

• A closed, tube-like garment, which may have had gores sewn in to give flare to the skirt.
• A sleeveless garment. It was held up by straps sewn to the back of the dress and fastened at the front with decorative brooches.
• A decorative garment. It is often found in conjunction with richer jewellery or embellishments, such as tablet-woven bands.
• The exact construction is unknown, but some finds suggest the use of small pleats or gathers.
• The length is unknown, but many reconstructions place it somewhere between ankle-length and mid-calf.

Design and Cut of This Dress

This reproduction is based on historical inspiration but also utilizes modern elements for better comfort and fit:

• Six-Panel Design: One front panel, one back panel, two side-front gores, and two side-back gores for a beautiful skirt shape.
• Seam Finishing: Inner seams are finished with overlocking.
• Neckline: Finished with a self-fabric facing, top-stitched so it's not visible when worn. The front of the neckline has a hidden elastic band that creates a slight gathered effect and helps it adapt to different body types.
• Back Panel: Features three rows of hidden elastic on the inside, helping the dress to fit better while remaining comfortable for a wider range of body shapes. It creates a "smocked" effect on the back, which has been found on some originals.
• Bottom Hem: Finished with a double-fold hem.
• Straps: Made from a double layer of fabric, they are very sturdy and sewn on at the back only. Please note: You will need two brooches (not included, available separately) to fasten the straps at the front.
• Stitching: All stitching has been done by machine.

Premium Wool Fabric with Diamond Pattern

This dress is made from a premium wool fabric (100% wool) in a broken diamond twill weave. The threads of the fabric are dyed brown and white, giving the material a beautiful patterned effect. Twill weaves are more flexible than plain weaves, which contributes to comfortable wear and gives the dress a lovely drape and movement.

Advantages of Wool and Twill Weave

Twill weaves date back to the Iron Age and were commonly used in the Viking era. Wool was a widely available material and is the most historically accurate fabric for reconstructing smokkrs. Wool has many properties that make it ideal for clothing even today:

• Wool fibres trap air, making it a natural insulator that helps you stay warm.
• It is breathable, meaning it keeps you warm without overheating.
• Wool provides warmth even when wet and can repel water, making it a good choice for rainy weather.
• Although not waterproof, wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water before it feels wet, keeping you drier for longer in the rain.
• It is 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.

How to Wear the Dress and Who Is It For?

The Hangerok/Smokkr apron dress is an ideal choice for:

• Participants in Viking reenactment events.
• LARP players portraying Viking women or Norse-inspired fantasy characters.
• Attendees of historical festivals and markets.
• Any woman who admires Viking culture and style.

Remember that for a complete Viking look, this dress was traditionally worn over an underdress or tunic and complemented with a pair of oval (tortoise) brooches on the straps.

Choosing the Right Size

Select the size that best corresponds to your chest measurement. Measure yourself around the fullest part of your chest, ideally over the type of garment (e.g., under-tunic) you plan to wear beneath the dress.

Important Information

The package includes one apron dress in brown wool. Other garments and accessories shown in the photos are not included. You will need two brooches (not included) to fasten the straps at the front.

Caring for Your Woollen Dress

Wool is naturally breathable and resistant to odours. To maintain the shape and quality of the dress, we recommend:

• Hand wash or spot clean with a mild wool detergent.
• Dry flat.

Product Origin

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