Rabbit skins
Hare and rabbit skins are among the oldest and most versatile natural materials that people have used for clothing, equipment and decoration – from prehistory through the Middle Ages to the present day. Whether as trimmings on historical garments, as decorative elements in military encampments or for creative craft projects, genuine hare skins offer a texture and warmth that no faux fur can replicate.
What is a hare skin – and why is it sometimes called rabbit fur?
Zoologically speaking, hares (Lepus) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are two different species. In everyday language and in trade, however, ‘hare fur’ has become established as a generic term for both – even though the furs available commercially are almost exclusively rabbit furs. Wild hares are hardly hunted in Europe to the extent that would allow for a regular fur trade.
In the fur trade – the traditional fur industry – the historical technical term ‘Kanin’ for rabbit fur is still in use. Furriers and fur traders have used this term for centuries to distinguish the fur of farmed rabbits from other fur products. So anyone looking for genuine hare fur will usually find tanned rabbit fur in shops – and that’s just as well, because rabbit fur is characterised by its particularly soft, dense hair and a supple leather side.
What were hare skins historically used for?
The fur trade was a significant industry in the Middle Ages – and rabbit fur played an important, if not the most glamorous, role in it. Whilst ermine, sable and marten adorned the high nobility, rabbit fur was the choice of the wider population: affordable, widely available and yet warm and comfortable to wear.
Typical uses in the Middle Ages and early modern period included lining coats and capes, trimming bonnets, hoods and gloves, and crafting simple fur trimmings. Particularly in the colder months, a lined garment was not a luxury, but a simple necessity. The quality of the fur used revealed a great deal about the social status of the wearer: a finer undercoat and more even colouring were signs of better-tanned and carefully selected goods.
For re-enactors and anyone interested in medieval clothing and attire, knowledge of these historical uses is invaluable – as it enables the authentic reconstruction of everyday clothing as well as ceremonial attire.
Modern uses: What can you do with hare skins?
Hare skins are ideal as decorative elements on tables, shelves or sideboards. In the context of medieval markets and military camps, they create a harmonious, authentic atmosphere when combined with other natural furs. Anyone wishing to furnish their camp with genuine materials will find hare skins a simple and effective way to emphasise the character of the setup.
Rabbit skins can be used as lining or trim on medieval capes and coats, hoods, bonnets and medieval gloves. The soft leather side is easy to sew, cut and adjust. Anyone wishing to enhance historical garments with genuine fur trim will find tanned rabbit skins to be a material that is easy to work with by hand.
Rabbit skins are a popular material for craft projects, traditional costumes and fancy dress. They can be cut to size, glued on or sewn on, and are suitable for making hats, key rings, bag appliqués or small decorative items. The natural variety of colours – ranging from shades of white through grey to brown – offers creative freedom without the need for time-consuming dyeing.
In LARP and re-enactment, genuine natural materials significantly enhance the authenticity of a portrayal. Rabbit skins can be used as wall hangings in a tent, as a cover for a chest or directly as part of a costume. Combined with woollen fabrics and leather, they create an overall look that stands out clearly from synthetic alternatives.
Rabbit skins are also used in crafts – for example, as a base for polishing, as material for traditional footwear or in saddlery. Some use smaller pieces as dog toys or for falconry. The wide range of possible uses makes rabbit skin one of the most versatile natural furs of all.
Value and price: What is a rabbit skin worth?
- Price per pelt: approx. €7–15 for tanned individual pelts
- Beginner-friendly, widely available
- Soft fur, supple leather side
- Often a by-product of meat production
- Available in natural colours and dyed
- Ideal for decoration, trimmings and craftwork
- Sheepskin: sturdier, thicker, higher price
- Roe deer skin: finer, harder to find, more expensive
- Lambskin: similarly soft, larger surface area, higher price
- Rabbit fur is considered the most affordable option
- No animals bred specifically for fur, provided the source is reputable
- Sustainable approach: utilisation of a by-product
“Is rabbit fur cheap?” is a common question – and the answer is nuanced. Compared to other natural furs, rabbit fur is indeed affordable, making it the ideal entry-level material. However, the quality varies considerably depending on the tanning process, fur size and origin. Well-tanned skins with a tear-resistant leather side and even fur are worth the price – they are easier to work with and last significantly longer than cheap goods with poor tanning.
Hare skins in medieval re-enactment and LARP
Fur trim is well-documented historically: on Viking clothing, on hoods and caps from the High Middle Ages, on camp furniture and sleeping quarters. Genuine natural furs are not only visually convincing in re-enactment – they also convey a tactile quality that synthetic materials simply cannot match.
For the army camp at a medieval market, hare skins offer a simple way to make the setup look authentic: as a wall hanging in the tent, as a cover on a chest, or rolled up on the bed. Combined with woollen fabrics and leather, they create a harmonious overall look that will impress even experienced re-enactors. Anyone wishing to enhance their costume with fur trim will find the furs in this category ready for immediate use – no need to cut them to size in advance, as the furs are already supplied in a handy format of approx. 50 × 30 cm.
The entire Skins & Blankets category offers further natural materials for camps and clothing – from sheepskins and reindeer skins to woollen blankets.
Natural colours and properties – what to look out for when buying
| Property | Well-tanned hide | Poor quality |
|---|---|---|
| Leather side | Supple, tear-resistant, even | Brittle, tears easily |
| Hair | Fluffy, firmly anchored, even | Hair loss even with slight tugging |
| Odour | Neutral to slightly leathery | Unpleasant, chemical or putrid |
| Colour | Natural colours, each one unique; no two hides are identical | Spotted, unevenly coloured |
| Workability | Easy to sew and cut | Difficult to work with, tears |
| Dimensions | Approx. 50 × 30 cm per hide | Varies greatly, often smaller |
Rabbit skins in mixed natural colours are unique – no two skins are alike. Shades of grey, brown, white and transitions between these colours make every purchase a little surprise package. If you require a specific colour scheme, you should look specifically for dyed skins; for re-enactment and historical uses, natural colours are generally the first choice. When it comes to care: store in a dry place, do not wash with water, air out occasionally – then a well-tanned rabbit skin will last for many years.
Whether you’re looking to create an authentic camp atmosphere at your next medieval market, enhance your costume with genuine fur trim, or simply seek a versatile natural material for handicrafts and decoration – in this category you’ll find genuine rabbit skins in natural colours that you can use straight away or process further.
Frequently asked questions
Zoologically, hares (Lepus) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are different species. In the trade, ‘hare fur’ usually refers to rabbit fur, as rabbits are farmed and their skins are regularly available. Wild hare skins, on the other hand, are rarely available commercially. The historical technical term in the fur trade is ‘kanin’.
Rabbit skins are suitable for a wide range of purposes: as trim or lining for medieval clothing, caps, hoods and gloves; as a decorative element in a military camp or at a medieval market; for craft and needlework projects; as wall decoration or table mats. In LARP and re-enactment, genuine rabbit skins also significantly enhance authenticity.
Tanned rabbit skins are very affordable compared to other natural furs. Individual skins usually cost between 7 and 15 euros, depending on size, tanning quality and colour (natural or dyed). Rabbit fur is therefore considered an inexpensive way to get started in the world of natural furs. Differences in quality are particularly evident in the tear resistance of the leather side and the durability of the fur.
Genuine rabbit fur has a noticeably soft, slightly textured leather side. If the tanning is of good quality, the hairs cannot be easily pulled out in tufts. Furthermore, genuine furs display natural irregularities in colour and shape – no two furs are identical. Faux fur, on the other hand, has a uniform fabric backing and feels different on both the leather side and the hair side.
Rabbit skins should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place. Do not wash them with water – for light soiling, simply dab with a damp cloth and then leave to dry at room temperature. Airing them out occasionally in the fresh air keeps the fur fresh. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the colour to fade, so a shaded storage area is ideal.