The herringbone pattern was widespread among the Vikings, for example in Haithabu and Birka, and served as a status symbol; the weave makes the fabric crosswise elastic, allowing for a particularly close and secure fit. The length of 7 meters is exactly enough for a pair of leg wraps (3.5 meters per leg), which served as a substitute for socks, protecting the legs from cold and injuries from undergrowth, and securing trousers during warfare or travel.