Leather Goods in the Souks
Bags, babouches, poufs and jackets — Marrakech's leather trade traces back to the tanneries on the Medina's eastern edge, and it's still one of the most rewarding things to shop for.
Where it comes from
Marrakech's leather trade centres on the Chouara Tanneries area, where hides are still treated using traditional methods that have barely changed for centuries. Most of what's sold in the souks — Souk Cherratine in particular — is finished nearby, so buying here supports a genuinely local supply chain rather than an imported one, though quality does vary shop to shop.
What to look for
- Smell. Genuine vegetable-tanned leather has a distinct, earthy smell; a strong chemical smell is a sign of lower-quality or synthetic material.
- Stitching. Check seams closely, especially on bags — even, tight stitching indicates careful workmanship.
- Flexibility. Good leather should feel supple, not stiff or plasticky.
- Dye consistency. Slight natural variation is normal and often desirable; patchy, uneven colour can indicate a rushed or lower-quality dye job.
What people buy most
Babouches (traditional pointed slippers) are the classic souvenir — available in an enormous range of colours and leather qualities, from simple everyday pairs to elaborately embroidered ones. Leather poufs (the round ottoman-style seats) pack surprisingly flat unstuffed and are a popular larger purchase. Bags, belts and jackets round out the usual range.
Bargaining specifics
Leather goods bargain the same way as everything else in the souks — see our full bargaining guide — but quality varies more here than with, say, spices, so it's worth spending a bit longer comparing a few shops before committing to a serious negotiation.
Visiting the tanneries themselves
The tanneries can be visited, though the smell is genuinely strong (mint sprigs, traditionally offered at the entrance, help) and unsolicited "guides" are common in the immediate area — agree any guiding fee upfront, or decline and view respectfully from the designated terraces instead.