circularity & sustainability
At Hul le Kes, we believe in working in cycles—creating fashion that respects both the planet and its people. As a fully circular fashion label, our mission is to offer a never-ending lifecycle for our garments. Through our in-house Manufacturing Studio, Recovery Studio, flagship store, webshop, and resellers, we create sustainable, handcrafted pieces that tell meaningful stories. Discover how our holistic approach to circular fashion challenges the wasteful norms of the industry.
Interested to know more about our environmental ambitions? Receive the Hul le Kes Newsletter
In a world overwhelmed by overproduction, Hul le Kes focuses on using what already exists. We source materials like antique linens, secondhand clothes, vintage wool blankets, and more from flea markets, recycling centers, and individual donations. Every material carries history, becoming the starting point for our designs.
Even the smallest details reflect our sustainable ethos. From hangers to labels, we search for treasures that reduce waste, often incorporating food waste like onion peels or avocado seeds into our natural dyeing processes. When new resources are essential, we choose dead-stock collections or biologically sourced materials, keeping our supply chain as local as possible, primarily within Western Europe.
At Hul le Kes, the materials dictate the design. Heavy vintage wools become coats like the Cremer or Monet Jackets, while lighter fabrics transform into tunics or shirts. By letting the fabric lead, every piece is unique, reflecting the distinct character of its origins.
We also align our work with natural cycles, not fashion seasons. Our use of plant-based dyes evolves with nature: flowers in spring, onion peels in summer, and walnuts in autumn. This constantly shifting color palette ensures that every garment captures the beauty of its season. Interested in learning more? At the section Cards & Tickets in our shop you will find new workshops, when planned.
Artistic Projects / Circular & Sustainable
November 18, 2024
Hul le Kes inspires change by combining sustainability, creativity, and social impact through workshops, upcycling, and mental health support. From teaching children to repair clothes to showcasing our philosophy on NPO2’s Expeditie Nederland, we aim to spark a renaissance in fashion that values both people and the planet.
Every Hul le Kes piece is upcycled in-house at our Manufacturing Studio. We specialize in sustainable production, transforming materials through mending, repairing, and dyeing processes. Many of these repairs begin in our Recovery Studio, where fabrics are given new life through thoughtful craftsmanship and care. Even embroidered monograms or pre-existing tears in antique linens are celebrated as unique features of the materials we use.
No two Hul le Kes garments are alike. After upcycling, many pieces are garment-dyed with plant-based materials, adding another layer of individuality. This serendipitous process ensures that each item is truly one-of-a-kind, shaped by nature and the craftspeople who bring it to life. Learn more about our approach in the Manufacturing Studio and the Recovery Studio.
At Hul le Kes, clothing is more than fabric—it’s a story. Each garment from our main collection comes with a clothing passport, a diary that tells its tale. We encourage wearers to add their own memories, such as a spilled glass of wine or a meaningful gift occasion. These imperfections add value, just like scars or tattoos connect to personal experiences.
The clothing passport ensures that every piece becomes a cherished item, worthy of being passed down like antique furniture. Learn how to preserve your garment’s legacy with the clothing passport.
Aging isn’t a flaw—it’s a celebration of character. At Hul le Kes, we see wear and tear as part of a garment’s journey. Through our Dyeing and Mending Services, we help extend the lifecycle of each piece, restoring its beauty and functionality. Whether it’s a faded color or a small tear, we can bring your garment back to life while honoring its story.
Taking care of your clothing not only extends its use but also deepens your connection to it. Visit our Recovery Studio to learn how we maintain and repair garments with care and craftsmanship.
At Hul le Kes, we see no end—only new beginnings. When you’re done wearing a garment, we encourage you to pass it on or return it to us, complete with its clothing passport. Returned items are either repaired, reused, or repurposed in our Recovery Studio, ensuring they continue to contribute to a circular system.
Every garment carries an emotional value that transcends money. By sharing your garment’s story, you help connect its past with its future, ensuring its life continues in meaningful ways. Learn where to return your garment here.
Through circularity, sustainability, and social responsibility, Hul le Kes offers an alternative to fast fashion. Our garments respect the planet, celebrate craftsmanship, and empower individuals. Explore our latest collections in the Shop and Hul le Kes Store in Arnhem, or learn more about our vision in the About Us section.