Viking Trousers Helmer – Rus Style Diamond Twill Wool

Viking Trousers Helmer – Rus Style Diamond Twill Wool

Authentic Look Meets Modern Comfort

The Helmer trousers are designed to combine historical aesthetics with the needs of the modern user. Their standout feature is the diamond twill weave, which creates a subtle lozenge pattern on the fabric. This type of weaving was highly prized in the Early Middle Ages and is often found in archaeological textile finds. The brown shade looks natural and pairs easily with other colours in your kit.

The cut is based on the so-called Rus trousers (baggy trousers). The upper part around the thighs and hips is cut loose and voluminous, allowing absolute freedom of movement for fighting or working. From the knee down, the leg tapers significantly and fits tightly around the calf. The bottom hem features a practical slit, making it easy to put on and pull over your heel. This narrow lower section is perfectly designed for use with leg wraps (winingas) or for tucking into tall boots.

For your comfort, there is a hidden drawstring waist, allowing you to adjust the fit perfectly to your body without disrupting the historical appearance. A great bonus for modern re-enactors is the inclusion of discreet but deep side pockets, where you can hide essential small items.

Historical Context: The Fashion of the Varangians

This style of trousers is attributed by historians and re-enactors primarily to the Rus (Varangians)—Scandinavian Vikings who expanded into the territories of modern-day Russia and Ukraine between the 8th and 11th centuries. The Arab traveller Ibn Fadlan noted in his chronicles that these warriors wore trousers made from huge amounts of fabric; the voluminous gathering was a symbol of wealth and status at the time. Similar silhouettes can also be seen on the picture stones of Gotland (e.g., the Broa stone).

Product Specifications

Care and Maintenance

Wool is a natural material with excellent self-cleaning properties. To keep your trousers looking new for a long time, please follow these rules:

• Air out instead of washing: Hang the trousers in fresh air after use. Wool naturally neutralises odours.
• Washing: If washing is absolutely necessary, wash by hand only in lukewarm water (max. 30°C / 86°F) using a wool detergent containing lanolin.
• Drying: Never put wool in a tumble dryer! Dry flat to prevent the fabric from stretching.
• Restrictions: Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals, and do not expose wet trousers to direct heat sources (radiators).

Recommendation: To complete the look, combine these trousers with woollen leg wraps, leather turnshoes, and a linen tunic available in our other collections. Please note: The delivery includes the trousers only; other accessories shown in the photos (belt, shoes, tunic) are not included.

Size Chart

Measured horizontally at the widest part of the hips. If you are between sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size to maintain the loose "Rus" look.