Raincoat Manufacturing in Kathmandu

As per the seasonal demand of the monsoon rain typically between June and September of every year and somewhat seldom rain during other times of the year, the raincoat manufacturing in Kathmandu is an evergreen business in Nepal harnessing a good sum of income for garment factories. Raincoats are popular among people of different age groups and professions for their convenience in carrying and storing. Nepal being an agricultural country, farmers tend to use cheaper raincoats while sowing during monsoons. 

Depending upon the fabric used for raincoat manufacturing in Kathmandu, they are categorized into the following types: 

• PVC based 

The chief material used is PVC-based plastic material, which is very popular among the farmers and young children because of its cheaper price and vibrant colors and attractive prints. 

• Tuffeta

Tuffeta is a water-resistant (not waterproof) material that is very light and can be stored conveniently in one’s pocket. It is recommended only for light rainfall and short-term rain exposure at one time. Since it dries up very quickly, it can be reused again, and no sun is needed. 

• Rubberized Tuffeta

Improvised version of Tuffeta with rubber coating on the inner side of the fabric; this is popular as a cheaper alternative to Gore-tex being 99% waterproof. They are very popular among the youths, usually who are riding motorcycles. 

• Gore-Tex

Specially invented fabric that is breathable and waterproof at the same time. That means the vapor from body heat evaporates through the fabric, but the external water doesn’t go in. The fabric is both water-resistant and near to 100% waterproof. The fabric is internationally popular and expensive compared to raincoats made from other materials. Check out Global Karobar for the latest high-quality Gore-Tex jacket selection. 

Styles /Designs

Generally, the raincoats have a common design. The main categories for the difference in the styles are briefly explained below: 

• Single 

For convenience, a single raincoat is designed for a single person, covering from head to just below the knee. It’s also called Rain Poncho. This design is popular among the school-going kids as well as farmers.

• Double head 

Specially designed for the regular commuters on bikes or scooters where there are normally 2 people traveling. It is designed in such a way that two people can share the same raincoat for easy mobility. 

• Rainsuit/Rain Set

A rain suit or rain set consists of a set of coats and trousers for protecting the overall body of the wearer. The other types of raincoats usually end up making the wearer wet below the knee.

• Waterproof shoe cover

As per the need for the commuters, there is an increase in demand for the supplement of waterproof shoe covers. The raincoat manufacturing in Kathmandu is incomplete without these products.

 Challenges

The most common and repetitive challenges faced in raincoat manufacturing in Kathmandu are basically due to the shortage of raw materials like fabric, zippers, waterproof taping, etc. Along with this, most of the time, the high-quality fabric is limited in availability; hence, mass production isn’t possible. And also, due to the same reason, it’s mostly impossible to re-manufacture some of the very popular and best-selling designs despite being highly demanded in the market. The main competition is the low-priced products imported from China, which have good looks but less quality stitching.