An 85-year-old woman from Volendam, Netherlands, is believed to be the last person to wear the traditional Dutch costume in daily life. Annie In de Betouw-Kwakman continues to don the iconic attire, which includes a high pointed bonnet, black jacket, short scarf, apron, long skirt, red coral necklace, and slip-on shoes.
Historian Birthe Weijkamp explained that Dutch clothing historically indicated a person's village and identity. In Volendam, the costume was common until the mid-20th century, but as residents sought work elsewhere, the elaborate handmade garments became impractical. Ms In de Betouw-Kwakman saw her friends and sisters adopt modern clothing, and the only other person still wearing the full daily attire is an elderly woman who no longer goes outside.
Ms In de Betouw-Kwakman briefly tried modernising for her school-aged children, who were teased by classmates. She bought a dress but quickly discarded it after a neighbour remarked she looked like a candy cane. She expressed pride in her traditional clothes and sadness that the tradition will end with her, stating, “For me, this is freedom.”
