Fair Fashion portret: Jantine

Fair Fashion Portrait: Jantine

''I can shop in my wardrobe every day''

A colourful collection of dresses, shoes and other beautiful things. Jantine Verver's (clothing) wardrobes are full of them. She shops at the larger chains, but just as well at the thrift stores. As long as it sits comfortably, feels good and is of quality.

door Sebastiaan Rodenhuis

''I actually have a lot of everything,'' says Jantine. Her collection is spread over two wardrobes and a shoe cabinet. The passion for clothing originated in her teenage years and has only grown since then. For Jantine, clothing means more than just appearances. "It's a way to express myself and at the same time a hobby. One watches series, I like to style myself and put on something different every day."

She goes through the clothes racks in the city almost weekly. Looking for gems. When she sees the word 'sale' somewhere, she finds it hard not to take a look. "Then I am triggered to see if there is something to be gained for a small price. It feels good when I have found something beautiful for little money." Once she gets the taste, she really goes for it. She buys clothes in series. Last year she had her sights set on long dresses. " Then I buy one of them every month," she says.

But gradually her love for second-hand clothes has grown. "I'm getting further and further away from fast fashion. Thrift clothing makes me happier. They are often unique pieces that no one else has. And of course it's more sustainable." Her collection continues to grow. She finds it difficult to get rid of clothes. Sometimes it goes to girlfriends or to a thrift store.

Although as a consumer she does her best not to buy too many new clothes, according to Jantine a big responsibility lies with the fashion chains. "The producer will always think of market forces. If they advertise new clothes, we as consumers will usually follow anyway." But she also thinks that as a buyer you can contribute. "Look more often at sites for second-hand clothing or walk into a thrift store. If we want and are going to buy more sustainably, the industry will adjust their offer accordingly."