VELIKA — Early medieval women's rich linen 4-piece hand-embroidered costume

Product information

An early medieval women's rich costume, recreated based on finds from Birka and analyses by Scandinavian archaeologists and medieval iconography. This is our interpretation of the attire of a Slavic or Scandinavian woman of very high class.

• The dress has a classic, loose cut with squares under the armpits and two triangular gussets sewn from the waist. The long sleeves almost completely cover the shoulder, narrowing only slightly, and the rounded neckline is decorated with hand-embroidered detailing.
• The linen apron dress consists of two pieces, fastened with a brooch through loops, with a front decorated with silk and handwoven wool trim.
• The classic triangular linen scarf features hand-embroidered detailing on the colorful trim.
• The whole ensemble is completed by a blanket-cloak made of thick, raw merino wool with a diamond twill weave, draped over the shoulders.

This product is machine-sewn, with overlocked edges in our workshop in Otwock, Poland. Each product is made to order. Brooches, belt, and other accessories don't come with clothing.

Size & length

• Select the size based on the bust circumference at the widest point, according to our size chart!
• If you choose a standard size without providing your measurements, the product will be made to the maximum circumference from the chart (e.g., size M = 98 cm, not 91 cm).
• Have any questions or difficulties with measurements? Visit our studio for a consultation.
• The size you choose does not affect the length – we will adjust it to your height.
• The blanket has a standard size of 100 x 200 cm + fringes.

Fabric & color

• The product is made of pure, 100% linen with an average weight of 185–220 g/m² – it is not transparent and keeps its shape.
• The material is pre-washed, softened and wash-resistant, so the product will last for years.
• High-quality confirmed by the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certificate. The linen comes from Belarusian crops.
• Colors may vary slightly due to supplier fabric rotation, lighting conditions and screen settings.
• The selvedge is handwoven from 100% wool threads. We select it ourselves depending on your chosen color combination.
• The strip on the apron is made of natural silk. The color is approximate and depends on the material available. Due to the high turnover of fabrics among suppliers, we do not have a fixed color palette and work with materials available in stock. These are often small pieces that are not enough for a large product, but are perfect small items. This approach allows us to reduce textile waste and utilize every last piece of fabric, even the smallest. 
• If you are interested in specific colors or shades, please contact us in advance so we can select the right material.
• Colors may vary slightly due to fabric turnover among suppliers, lighting conditions, and screen settings.

Washing & care instructions

Linen

• Wash on a delicate cycle at 40°C – colored clothes, 60°C – white or natural clothes.
• Do not use bleach or stain removers!
• No high-speed spin (damages seams and fibers).
• Dry vertically outdoors. Do not tumble dry.
• To maintain the appearance, it is best to iron clothes with damp water, inside out, up to 150C (two dots).

Wool

• Hand wash only in cold water, using special, very gentle detergents designed for natural wool.
• Do not use bleach or stain removers!
• Do not tumble dry!
• Lay vertically outside to dry. Do not tumble dry.
• Can be ironed at a temperature suitable for wool, on a very delicate setting.

Returns & exchanges

• As a handmade workshop, we do not accept returns or exchanges, so please place your orders carefully. Our products are made from hand-cut fabrics, using our own patterns, and with an individual approach to each order. Please respect your time and ours.
• If the color or material is not what you expected, we cannot accept returns or exchanges. Please contact us in advance to let us know your preferences in the Fabrics and Colors section. We are not responsible for any mistakes or omissions.
• We do not accept returns if the product arrives later than expected or is no longer needed. Preparation time is available in the menu, and delivery times depend on the method chosen – we are not responsible for this. For orders with a specific date, please contact us in advance.