Though popular among foreigners visiting Nepal, such t-shirts have become a rarity among locals. They are merely used as gift items to relatives, friends and family members living abroad than a fashion commodity. Among various reasons, the conception that such t-shirts are only found with traditional designs such as signature Buddha eyes or the Himalayan range has limited its appeal among locals. But this notion is more a thing of the past. Jeetu Tamang of Paras Store in Thamel, which specializes in custom made embroidered t-shirts since 1993, concurs.
Over the years, such stores have widened their designs making this wardrobe staple more trendy. Apart from the ubiquitous motifs like yak, Buddha eyes, Himalayan range, dragon and adventures of Tin Tin, one can be surprised to find out some outlandish designs. Put a spin in your high-waist skirt or jeans with one of such zany tees. And most of the stores also have their own set of designs to offer.
Like any other embroidery shops, the 30-year-old Paras Store also has the traditional embroideries and patchworks but it also has included whimsy embroideries of cartoon characters in different moods. One such whimsical design is by American citizen Keith Haridge. Explaining about the particular appliqué, Tamang says, “It is a group of people signing and dancing near the beach side.”
In Tamang’s store, Sponge Bob is the new addition to their wide range of designs. However, Ganesh Prasad Nepuane’s Image Enterprises near Agriculture Development Bank in Thamel is more popular for the traditional embroideries. Though Neupane’s store is dominated by traditional designs, it has more options in terms of colors. Hues like candy pink and blue, not the navy one, are available at the store.
Generally, regular colors like black, grey, brown and red are easily available at all stores, however, some have stepped out of the basic color zone and have incorporated purple, yellow and orange. Apart from choosing a design from the stack, one can also bring their own design to get t-shirts embroidered, says Neupane. The man also has elevated the process of embroidering to an art. Besides, taking orders from clients, he brainstorms to create his designs.
The time for embroidering a t-shirt may vary store wise. While it takes about a week at Neupane’s, Paras’s store takes a day to prepare the design. “But at this time, we cannot guarantee of the power cut offs,” informs Tamang.
Like any other sector, this business is also hit hard by country’s political instability. Mohammed Wasim of R.N Embroidery Bag Shop at Basantapur laments, “We make a sale in two to three days time.” And one of his colleagues adds, “Events like the last six-day long strike is ruining our business. In terms of Tamang, 57, his business is “damaadol” (haywire).
Neupane puts in a different challenge besides the most apparent one. Highlighting how the colors may run from the appliqué to t-shirts, he says, “Usually, if threads are of bad quality, the colors from embroidery thread will ruin the whole t-shirt. However, this does not happen often but there are Indian threads which have to be tested before use.” To test the threads he keeps a bottle of detergent water at his store. Neupane guarantees on his quality. And the appreciation letters from his foreign clients, which are stuck near his stitching machines, supports his statement.
Price and quality
Most of the blank t-shirts, which are later embroidered in the Valley’s stores, are locally imported from Biratnagar-based factory, Shangrila. Later, the final products are sold according to the store’s price list, which are overall similar.
“The price depends upon the embroidery work and its size,” informs the store owners. Generally, a blank t-shirt costs Rs 150 to 250, and after work the average cost lays around Rs 500 to 600. However, the design’s price also may vary. Neupane adds, “The cost also depends upon the size and quality of t-shirt.” At Image enterprises, a large size t-shirt costs Rs 590. Usually, three different sizes -- baby, adult and large -- are available at such stores. Besides, the crew neck tees , polos also take the stores’ shelves. And it’s not only the tees that are festooned with embroideries but such designs also ornate bags, jackets et al.
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