KATHMANDU, Nov 6: Winter in Nepal usually starts between the months of November to February. As the mercury gradually plummets, the nights become increasingly chilly. As a result, your clothes become too heavy after various layers to protect you from the cold temperature.

Nonetheless, Nepali youngsters love to flaunt winter gears and fashionably warm clothes. You know winter has arrived when you see shopping malls around the city displaying funky winter outfits.

“Usually, fleece Jackets are a sell-out as compared to any other winter outfits because the jackets are attractive as wells as cheaper in price. The jackets are made of polyester synthetic wool and they are fairly warm,” said Rubisha Thapa, cashier at KTM CTY. Talking about her customers’ favorites, Rubisha added that gents generally prefer dark colors whereas ladies choose bright colors. 

According to her, other winter items like down jackets, thermals, hoodies and woolen caps also sell like hot cakes at her store. 

Reasonable price and fashionable looks of the clothes at KTM CTY lure most shoppers to visit the store.  Bibek Gurung, a 27-year-old student, was spotted at KTM CTY buying some winter outfits. “Reasonable price, sporty looks and fine quality is the main reason that I buy clothes from here,” he said. “I bought a heavy and warm jacket for this winter.”

During winter season, usually kids and elderly suffer from common cold. So they are also mostly found bundled in warm fluffy clothes that look and feel comfortable. Sabita Joshi, a 35-year-old swim instructor, said, “When buying winter clothes, I look for comfort and quality rather than fashion. As I ride a motorcycle, I need to wear wind-proof and heavy clothes.”

Gini & Jony, an Indian kids’ fashion brand located at Labim Mall, Pulchowk, sells outfits for newborns as well as for teenagers. Anushka Jha, salesgirl at the kids’ fashion brand, explained that hoodies, baby suits, bomber jackets, trousers and full sleeve t-shirts are on demand at present. The clothes cost between Rs 1,598 to Rs 12,000.

“Jackets, hoodies and trousers are sold more than the shirts during winter. We haven’t received the consignment of this year’s winter clothes yet. But we are expecting it to arrive next week.”

Meanwhile, youngsters mostly prefer fashion over comfort, even while buying winter clothes. “Time has changed now. In earlier days, adults used to wear heavy jackets. But, these days there is a high demand for light weight winter jackets that are warm and durable. And they also want the stylist ones. Indeed, down jackets and bomber jackets are highly demanded by the youths. They are light-weight and attractive jackets and keep you warm with its feather and polyester materials,” said Rajendra Bajacharya, managing director of ANF, Gabal, Lalitpur.

Pravina Gurung, the owner of INCEPTION at Labim Mall also stated, “Down jackets, cardigan outers are most common choices among women. Gents are not choosy about clothes in comparison to women.” 

Roji Silwal is a student in a hunt for fashionable winter outfits. “Clothes should be stylist, light and comfortable. It is not that I give more value to fashion over quality, but I do prefer to wear unique designs and bright colors for winter.”

109 C is an international fashion brand at Labim Mall, where the vintage and classy winter clothes including woolen cardigans, long coats, woolen jackets and scarves are available in various options. Rupesh Basnet, salesperson at the store, shared, “The prices of these products are fixed. But we do give some discount to our regular customers. One thing is sure though, you will always find quality clothes at our store. We have yet to receive the winter stock for this year.” 

People who like branded winter clothes visit the JEANS WEST, an Australian brand, at Labim Mall. Ahari Ghimere, manager of the store, said, “The price for our items is fixed and we leave no room for bargaining. But regular customers get privileged cards. We currently have winter items between the price ranges of Rs 3,990 and Rs 14,000 available in this store.” 

Winter can also be made fashionable and stylish like the summer days. So, it would be wise to buy winter outfits that are reasonable in price and durable on top of being trendy.