HENK

Jasmijn Muskens is the founder, designer, and maker behind HENK. 

HENK originated from Jasmijn’s disillusionment with the fast fashion industry and her love of vintage treasures. Amid her fashion studies, Jasmijn stumbled across a lot of beautiful ​‘forgotten’ fabrics. Though they had no immediate purpose at the time, she couldn’t bear to leave them behind. She took them home, because who knows, maybe she could find a way for other vintage lovers to enjoy them. And she did; in 2014 she founded HENK, named in honor of her loving grandfather. She sews everything herself in her studio in The Netherlands. 

For Jasmijn’s creations, only second-hand fabrics are used. Jasmijn mainly uses vintage men’s shirts. Whenever it is possible, she transparently shares the textile composition, but due to the intractability, it is not always clear. The shirts are mainly from cotton.

Jasmijn finds all her materials at vintage markets and second-hand shops. Using deadstock materials and giving discharged clothes a second life is reducing the environmental footprint, the use of water and chemicals.

Henk offers free shipping within The Netherlands. The website doesn’t specify shipping methods or e‑packaging, so no environmental impact claims can be made. Jasmijn does however ask to carefully repack the item when sending a return, preferably in the same package it was received in. Probably to reuse the packaging. 

HENK garments are made from second-hand items, giving them a second life. They are mainly recyclable mono-material like 100% cotton. This eco-conscious approach significantly reduces textile waste and minimizes the brand’s carbon footprint.

HENK is a small, independent, local brand that offers unique upcycled fashion items. Everything is handmade in the Netherlands. This sustainable approach not only supports local craftsmanship but also reduces the environmental impact associated with long supply chains.

HENK items are mainly made out of deadstock cotton. HENK does not specify that they are a vegan brand. From the information provided in their product descriptions, we see no animal-derived fabrics.

Due to their handmade nature, the one-offs are of great quality. The timeless designs are colourful and fun and don’t follow any season. Being made mainly made out of deadstock cotton, they are also easily recyclable at the end of their life.

HENK gives discarded textiles a new purpose through upcycling. While the exact origin of deadstock materials is unspecified, the brand’s commitment to repurposing aligns with sustainable practices. 

While HENK’s production process lacks detailed information, being a small, independent brand suggests good intentions in crafting unique and eco-conscious fashion pieces.