discovering Thailand.... part 8 Chiang Mai- Shinawatra Thai Silk - The Best Thai Silk factory in Northern Thailand..

SAWADEE KAA!!

One of the things Thailand is known for world-wide is Thai silk. Thai silk is known as being the best silk in the world. It's famous for its bright colors, beautiful designs and gorgeous quality. The best place to buy Thai silk is in Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

On our last day in Chiang Mai... We decided to go to our favorite Thai Silk store in Chiang Mai. SHINAWATRA.. The factory and showroom is conveniently situated 7 kilometers from Chiang Mai on the main road to Sankampaeng. The road is home to many handicraft shops and factories and passes through the famous umbrella village of Bor Sang.

Silk yarn has always been ranked as " the Queen of Textile Fibers " for the obvious reason that it is  the smoothest and most gorgeous fiber with nothing else to compare. When woven into textile, it produces a beautiful sheen of fabric which requires a meticulously complicated process to produce each priceless work of art.

The showroom have been built near to where Chiang Shinawatra opened his doors for business in 1911.

Some trivia about Thai Silk:


Hand - made and local silk thread fabrics possess some knots and rough wrinkles due to the size of the thread used. However, if the fabric is woven from high quality thread it will be fine.

Silk luster is influenced by the quality of the threads. The silk fabric is usually shiny. It feels soft and fine, it also makes a rustling sound. The color will be uniform all over the textile and will not wash out as only dyes of the highest quality are used.

There are 3 different kinds of Ply when you buy Thai silk ( in case you are interested in buying material in their store ) :

ONE - PLY--- It is light weight, comfortable to wear, and is suitable for making shirts, blouses and light clothing design.

TWO - PLY --- suitable for formal wears, jackets and dressy outfits.

FOUR - PLY --- is thick and is very popular for men's suits, interior decorations, and furniture fabric.

Dry cleaning is recommended, so as to retain the original texture.  However, there are some thai silk that can be washed in lukewarm water but only with the mildest soap, then rinse the silk in vinegar to retain its original luster and allow it to drip dry in the shade. Thai silk should be ironed on the INSIDE just before it is dry or else put a damp cloth over the silk and iron.

In no circumstances ever put Thai Silk in wash and dry cleaning machine..

Address:  SHINAWATRA THAI SILK
               18 Huay  Kaew Road, A. Muang,

               Chiang Mai , Thailand