In some areas of the Shan States, imported synthetics
have flooded the markets and no locally-made Shan textiles and dress are available at all.
However, there is a glimmer of hope as Shan ethnic dress is still popular for Buddhist festival
days and family celebrations. The Shan living overseas in Thailand, Britain, Canada, the United
States and Australia obtain their costumes from the weavers and embroiderers working in cottage
industries around Inlay Lake, Nam Khan and other small weaving centres.