For centuries, different cultures have utilized fish skin as a distinctive material for apparel and accessories. Because of its unique texture and longevity, this natural fabric is becoming more and more popular in the fashion industry.
This article examines the various varieties of fish skin materials, emphasizing their qualities and applications. You’ll find insightful information here whether you’re interested in sustainable fashion or just want to learn more about this cutting-edge fabric.
Type of Fish Skin | Characteristics and Application |
Salmon Skin | Soft, flexible, often used in fashion accessories like wallets and belts |
Cod Skin | Durable, with a unique texture, suitable for shoes and bags |
Tilapia Skin | Thin and smooth, commonly used for small leather goods |
Perch Skin | Strong and resistant, ideal for upholstery and larger items |
- A little history
- Description
- Thickness and strength of the material by fish species
- Table with general characteristics
- Video on the topic
- Vesti-Khabarovsk. Fish skin production
- fish skin
- TVC story about fish skin production in Ingushetia
- Production of high quality raw materials from fish skin
- Master class on processing fish skin
- Clothes made of… fish skin
- What can be made from fish skin?
A little history
People in ancient times learned to make the most out of natural resources by using meat for food and skins for clothing and home décor. Processing fish skins became commonplace in areas where there was a lack of land animal raw materials.
The Nanai, Nivkh, Ulchi, and Oroch peoples of the Amur region are credited with creating the craft. Fish skin garments that are hand-sewn have come to represent this region’s cultural legacy. The Amur region’s inhabitants were referred to as "fish skin."
The material exhibits characteristics that are nearly identical to those of cattle and other animal skins. Additionally, it is superior to goat, cow, and bull skins in some ways. Elite fish skin production has long been done at the craft level.
The last ten years have seen a rise in interest in this content. Fish skin processing is making a comeback in many nations, including Russia. Fish skin is used to make high-tech products as well as stylish clothing and shoes.
Description
Fish skin shares similarities with other types commonly used in the leather industry in terms of composition and properties. The range of thickness is 1 mm to 10 cm. This material is more resilient to wear than animal skin. The close arrangement of fibers and collagen content account for this attribute. The skin of sea fish is waterproof.
The skin’s surface exhibits a distinctive pattern. The most common colors for skin tones are flesh tones, gray, and pearl. The material is dyed in a variety of shades at the end of the production process. The small area of the skins is one of the drawbacks.
The content is created in multiple steps:
Depending on the particular technique, the process of making material from fish skin can differ, but this is the general workflow:
- Skinning and removing bones, scales, fat and meat.
- Fleshing.
- Grinding.
- Coloring (if necessary).
- Tanning.
- Fish skin can be dyed and treated with special substances to give it the desired appearance and texture.
The technology used in production is secure. Long-term additional procedures are not necessary. Substances are sometimes used to get rid of a particular odor. Fish skin can be used to make shoes, accessories, and clothing for both adults and children.
Thickness and strength of the material by fish species
Fish skin has many characteristics that are similar to those of other skin types. The attributes are displayed in the following table:
Name of fish skins | Thickness, mm | Tensile strength, 10 MPa | Elongation under stress, 10 MPa, % | Welding temperature, ˚С |
longitudinal | transverse | |||
Catfish | 0.71 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 80 |
Carp | 0.85 | 5.0 | 5.3 | 52 |
Prototype | ||||
Carp, som | 0.5 | 4.6 | 38 |
Table with general characteristics
Characteristics | Indicators |
Type of raw material | Natural animal origin |
Type of raw material | Fish skins |
Tactile properties | Soft elastic leather with a characteristic pattern |
Tanning method | Chrome and combined |
Purpose of the material | Clothing, footwear, accessories |
Strength | High |
Thickness, mm | From 0.5 to 2 |
Tensile strength, MPa | 38 – 55 |
Ultimate tensile strength, N/mm2 | 25 – 30 |
Tensile strength of the face layer, N/mm2 | 20 – 25 |
Water resistance | Above average |
Moisture absorption rate | Average and below average (depending on the type) |
Air permeability | Optimal |
Vapor permeability | Optimal |
Elasticity | High |
Dyeing methods | Drum or coating |
Manufacturer | Russia, China, Israel, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Japan |
Standardization | GOST 28821 – 90 |
Price | From 50 ₽/sq. dm and above |
Fish skin is a distinctive, eco-friendly material with practical advantages in addition to visual appeal. It is a great option for a variety of fashion and design applications due to its unique texture and durability.
Fish skin offers an eco-friendly and adaptable substitute for traditional leather in apparel, accessories, and home decor. Its organic patterns and extensive past give any project a unique touch.
Investigating fish skin as a material promotes a more ethical approach to fashion while also opening up creative possibilities. This decision is in line with the industry’s growing need for sustainability.
Previously regarded as waste, fish skin is now a sustainable material used in accessories and clothing. This article examines several fish skin varieties, emphasizing their distinctive textures, robustness, and sustainability. It explores their uses in apparel and accessories as well, providing a novel, moral substitute for conventional leathers.