about
Hul le Kes, founded by Sjaak Hullekes and Sebastiaan Kramer, redefines the fashion industry through timeless craftsmanship and sustainable innovation. More than a designer label, it’s a movement that values individuality, creativity, and empathy. Each garment tells a story, crafted in Arnhem using upcycled materials and traditional techniques. Celebrating imperfection as authenticity, Hul le Kes transcends fleeting trends to create pieces of timeless character and beauty.
At Hul le Kes, we believe beauty lies in imperfection. Just as nature thrives in diversity, our designs embrace the irregularities of materials and the individuality of their makers and wearers. We craft garments that reflect authenticity and depth, challenging the uniformity and unattainable perfection often sought in fashion. For us, these “flaws” are what bring our pieces to life.
By combining historical and post-consumer fabrics with artisanal techniques, we turn every imperfection into a strength. Each garment carries a story of its past and the hands that shaped it, making it a reflection of both human and material character. Dive deeper into our ethos through the Masterpieces Collection, where imperfection becomes synonymous with beauty.
Hul le Kes is committed to reshaping fashion by embracing circularity. Over 95% of the materials we use are sourced from post-consumer and post-production waste, including antique linens, vintage textiles, and surplus fabrics. By upcycling these resources, we reduce waste and create garments rich in history and meaning.
Our approach goes beyond sustainability—it’s about rethinking the entire fashion system. Local production, timeless designs, and innovative reuse of materials ensure that every garment we create respects both people and the planet. Discover how we’re challenging the industry through our circular mission.
All Hul le Kes garments are carefully handcrafted in our Arnhem Manufacturing Studio. This ensures transparency in every step of the process and allows us to revive traditional European crafts that have been nearly forgotten. Each stitch and dye reflects our commitment to quality and care for our materials.
Local production also allows us to create a nurturing workspace for creativity and craftsmanship. Our approach values the makers as much as the materials, creating a product that embodies both purpose and skill. Explore the heart of our production process in the Manufacturing Studio.
Hul le Kes celebrates individuality with its inclusive, genderfluid sizing. Our designs allow for self-expression without boundaries, encouraging wearers to embrace pieces in their own unique way. Whether you prefer oversized silhouettes or tailored fits, our garments adapt to you, not the other way around.
This approach ensures that our designs are for people of character, regardless of gender or size. Every garment in our main collection is presented on multiple body types to reflect this inclusivity. Discover your ideal fit in the shop and join us in celebrating individuality.
We believe fashion should adapt to the needs of the planet and its people. That’s why many Hul le Kes garments are made-to-order, reducing overproduction and encouraging a deeper connection to each piece. Additionally, our pre-order model provide alternative ways to engage with fashion.
Through these systems, you can choose garments that resonate with you. This thoughtful approach supports our mission to create sustainable, impactful fashion for everyone. Learn more about our options in the Hul le Kes Store.
Every Hul le Kes piece tells a story, documented in the Garment Passport included with our main collection items. This passport details the origin of materials, the craftsmanship involved, and the garment’s journey, encouraging a stronger emotional connection with your clothing.
By highlighting the history and care behind each piece, the Garment Passport transforms garments into lifelong companions. Explore how we turn fashion into storytelling through the Garment Passport.
Fashion and care go hand in hand at Hul le Kes. Through our Recovery Studio, we offer services like natural dyeing and hand-mending, giving garments a second life. Techniques such as Boro and Jogakbo transform discarded materials into extraordinary new creations.
These services embody our commitment to sustainability and respect for materials. Whether repairing a treasured piece or repurposing textiles, we ensure that nothing goes to waste. Find out how we can help extend the life of your garments in the Recovery Studio.
social mission:
fashion that heals
Our Recovery Studio merges fashion with well-being, offering a safe space for those recovering from mental health challenges. Participants engage in therapeutic craftwork, such as repairing garments and working with textiles, helping to rebuild confidence and restore balance. This approach fosters personal growth while contributing to meaningful, creative output.
By blending skill-building with emotional healing, the Recovery Studio demonstrates that fashion can be a powerful tool for social change. Participants leave with renewed purpose and a deeper connection to the value of their work. Learn more about this transformative initiative at the Recovery Studio.
More about our social mission