In a world that feels increasingly fast-paced and disconnected, caring for our mental health and that of others has become more urgent than ever. At the same time, the global fashion industry is facing a terrible sustainability crisis, with textile waste piling up around the world. At Hul le Kes, we believe these two challenges—mental health and textile waste—are intertwined, and we are committed to addressing them together.
Mental health issues are on the rise. Studies show that nearly 20% of the Dutch population experiences significant mental health challenges (source). Factors like social isolation, digital overload, and economic pressures have only exacerbated this trend, especially among younger generations. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, led to a marked increase in anxiety and depression worldwide (source).
However, mental health isn’t just an individual concern; it’s a collective one. By prioritizing mental well-being, we create stronger, more compassionate communities where people can thrive rather than just survive.
At Hul le Kes, we’ve seen first-hand how working with your hands can be transformative. Research has shown that activities like sewing, knitting, and other forms of handcraft can reduce stress, alleviate depression, and even boost self-esteem (source). The repetitive, meditative nature of handwork calms the mind, while the act of creating something tangible fosters a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
This philosophy is at the heart of our Recovery Studio, where we offer a space not just for repairing garments but also for personal healing. Here, individuals recovering from mental health challenges find a supportive environment to rebuild confidence, skills, and a sense of community—all while contributing to a more sustainable fashion system.
It might not seem obvious at first, but the mental health crisis and the environmental challenges of the fashion industry are connected, at least that is how we see it. Fast fashion’s relentless pace reflects the same societal pressures that affect our mental health: the need to constantly produce, consume, and achieve without pause. This cycle not only harms our planet but also leaves individuals all over the world feeling drained and disconnected; from farmers, makers to wearers.
By addressing these issues together, we create a powerful synergy. Repairing garments in our Recovery Studio, for example, isn’t just about reducing textile waste—it’s a way to slow down, focus, and reconnect with ourselves and our environment. Every repaired piece of clothing becomes a metaphor for personal recovery: the beauty of something that has been through challenges yet emerges with renewed purpose.
If this vision resonates with you, there are several ways you can join us in creating a better world for minds and materials:
Extend the life of your clothing: Bring your garments to our Mending Services to repair them with care and creativity. Each mend tells a story and contributes to a more sustainable wardrobe. Learn more about our Mending Services here.
Transform with color: Our Dyeing Services offer a unique way to refresh your wardrobe, using sustainable dyeing techniques that honor the art of transformation. Explore our Dyeing Services here.
Shop with purpose: Every item sold through our Hul le Kes Store or webshop directly supports our social mission. As a social enterprise, this commitment is embedded in our statutes, ensuring that each purchase contributes to mental health recovery, sustainability, and community well-being. Visit our webshop here.
Support our recovery studio: The Recovery Studio wouldn’t be possible without the help of good causes, private donations, and dedicated volunteers. Your financial support helps us provide a safe space for individuals recovering from mental health challenges while addressing the textile waste crisis. Contact us if you would like to support our mission financially.
Join our crowdfunding campaign: Our current crowdfunding campaign is a call to action against fast fashion and for inclusive, sustainable change. With your help, we can expand internationally, showing that a better fashion industry is not just a dream but a reality. Support our crowdfunding campaign here.
Volunteer with us: Share your time and skills to help us expand the positive impact of our Recovery Studio and sustainable fashion efforts. Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference. Contact us to volunteer.
Hul le Kes was founded on the belief that fashion can—and must—do better. By focusing on upcycling, craftsmanship, and mental health, we aim to prove that a more inclusive, mindful, and sustainable industry is possible. In our work, we see no distinction between caring for garments and caring for people; both are acts of restoration that honor the past while creating hope for the future.
So, as you navigate your own life, consider what might happen if we all slowed down a bit. What if, instead of throwing something away—be it a shirt or a bad day—we took the time to mend, nurture, and transform it? That’s the vision we’re working toward at Hul le Kes, one stitch and one story at a time.
Together, we can repair not only our wardrobes but also our world.
