Salmon leather

Salmon and trout leather — exceptional, eco-friendly marine leather made in France

Fish leather is a luxury leather that is still relatively unknown, yet it offers remarkable qualities. Made from the upcycling of salmon and trout skins — a by-product of the food industry — it is a truly eco-conscious material, vegetable-tanned in a French tannery. Despite its exceptional thinness, salmon leather is surprisingly strong thanks to the crossed structure of its fibres. Its tight, regular grain, marked by the natural impressions left by the scales, makes it a unique material, ideal for refined small leather goods.

Salmon or trout: two marine leathers

• Salmon leather — the most sought-after, with a tight grain and excellent structure. The skins are approximately 40 to 60 cm long and up to 10 cm wide. Available in many colours and finishes (matte, satin, metallic).
• Trout leather — sourced from French rivers, with a fine and delicate grain. The skins are approximately 35 to 45 cm long and 7 to 10 cm wide.

What projects is it suitable for?

Due to its size and thinness, marine leather is ideal for small, high-value creations: watch straps, small leather goods (card holders, wallets), leather covering, leather jewellery, and decorative details on larger pieces. Its ability to absorb dyes gives it vibrant colours and subtle finishes that few other leathers can match.

To learn more about this material, discover our dedicated blog article about marine leather, and browse our range of other leather types for more original materials.

Frequently asked questions about fish leather

Is fish leather durable?

Yes, and that is one of its greatest surprises. Despite its thinness, salmon leather is highly resistant thanks to the natural interweaving of its fibres, which gives it greater strength than its thickness would suggest. It is perfectly suited for leather goods and watch straps. Like any fine leather, it can be damaged by intentional scratches, but it withstands everyday use very well.

Does salmon leather smell like fish?

No, not at all. The tanning process completely removes any odour. Finished salmon leather has the appearance, feel and smell of traditional leather: nothing recalls its marine origin except for its distinctive grain created by the scales.

Why is fish leather eco-friendly?

Fish leather is made from skins recovered from the food industry — a by-product that would otherwise be discarded. By giving these skins a second life, we help reduce waste. Our marine leathers are also vegetable-tanned (without heavy metals) in a French tannery, further enhancing their eco-friendly qualities while supporting French craftsmanship.

How do you work with salmon leather?

Salmon leather can be worked like any fine leather: it can be easily cut with a knife, sewn by hand or machine, and glued without difficulty. Its thinness makes it ideal for projects requiring precision. Remember to optimise the placement of your patterns, as the skins are relatively small.

What size is a salmon skin?

A salmon skin generally measures between 40 and 60 cm in length, with a width of 10 to 15 cm at its widest point. On the largest skins, it is possible to cut a rectangle of approximately 10 × 20 cm. Trout skins are slightly smaller (35 to 45 cm long). These dimensions make them particularly suitable for small leather goods and watch straps.