Have you ever stopped to consider what life would be like without the simple zipper? To begin with, your clothes would struggle to stay in place. When it’s windy, it’s convenient to have a jacket that can be zipped up. Blue jeans wouldn’t be as enjoyable to wear without zippers either!
Have you ever been camping? If so, you know that zippers play an important role there as well. If your suitcase or backpack wasn’t zipped shut, its contents might spill everywhere. You might also get cold at night if your sleeping bag or tent didn’t zip up tightly.
Buttons were the initial method used to fasten clothes. They worked well for the most part. However, innovative inventors sought even better ways to keep clothes securely closed.
The invention of the modern zipper was a lengthy process involving multiple individuals. Elias Howe, the inventor of the sewing machine, received a patent in 1851 for an “Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure.” Although it was a brilliant idea, he didn’t market it. After all, he was too occupied with promoting the sewing machine.
Over 40 years later, Whitcomb Judson improved upon Howe’s idea. He marketed his invention as a “Clasp Locker,” designing it to be a fastener for shoes. Judson established the Universal Fastener Company to produce his new device. The product made its debut at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, but it didn’t achieve much success.
The modern zipper was eventually designed in 1913 by Gideon Sundback, who worked at the Universal Fastener Company in Hoboken, New Jersey. Sundback obtained a patent for his “Separable Fastener” in 1917.
Sundback’s design increased the number of fastening elements to 10 per inch. It consisted of two rows of interlocking teeth that could be latched together with the help of a slider. His design was the first fastener to resemble what we now know as a zipper.
However, Sundback didn’t come up with the name! The name “zipper” was first used by the B.F. Goodrich Company, who included Sundback’s device on a new type of rubber boots. They referred to the device as a “zipper,” and as you can see, the name stuck.
In the early days, zippers were primarily used on boots and pouches for holding tobacco. It would be another 20 years before the fashion industry began using zippers on clothing. One of the initial uses was replacing buttons on pants with zippers.
Today, zippers remain highly popular. They can be found on all kinds of clothing and other products. Just take a look around you. How many zippers do you see and use on a daily basis?
Give It a Try
Ready to continue learning? Explore one or more of the activities below with a friend or family member.
- Are you tired of the monotony of the same old zippers on your clothes and jackets? Did you know that you can add some excitement (pun completely intended!) by creating homemade zipper pulls to attach to them? Seek assistance from an adult to engage in this enjoyable craft. Then, delight in affixing your new zipper pull to a jacket or bag!
- Imagine yourself being employed by a fashion company, assigned with the task of inventing the next innovative and practical clothing accessory. Can you enhance the design of the zipper? Make pockets more functional? Develop a superior method of tying shoes? Dedicate some time to ponder how you could improve the clothing we have today. Afterwards, illustrate your invention. On the reverse side of your drawing, provide a brief explanation of how your creation works and why it would be beneficial. Remember to share your invention with a friend or family member!
- Embark on a field trip! Request the assistance of an adult family member to accompany you to a clothing or second-hand store. There, explore the plethora of fashion choices available. How many garments can you find that incorporate zippers? What other types of fasteners can you discover? Are there any styles that pique your interest? Discuss your findings with a friend or family member.
Sources of Wonder
- https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-the-zipper-4066245 (accessed 01 June 2021)
- https://blog.library.si.edu/blog/2010/05/03/the-up-an-down-history-of-the-zipper/#.YLbViEdKiUk (accessed 01 June 2021)
FAQ
1. Who invented the zipper?
The zipper was invented by Whitcomb L. Judson. He was an American engineer and inventor who patented the “Clasp Locker” in 1893, which was the precursor to the modern zipper. However, this early version of the zipper was not very successful and did not gain much popularity.
2. When was the zipper invented?
The zipper was invented in 1893 by Whitcomb L. Judson. He patented his invention as the “Clasp Locker” in the same year. However, it was not until several years later that the zipper as we know it today became more widely used and popular.
3. How does a zipper work?
A zipper consists of two strips of fabric with interlocking metal or plastic teeth, and a slider that moves up and down to open or close the zipper. When the slider is pulled, it engages the teeth, allowing them to interlock or disengage, depending on the direction of the pull. This mechanism allows the zipper to securely fasten two pieces of fabric together.
4. What are the different types of zippers?
There are several types of zippers, including coil zippers, metal zippers, plastic molded zippers, and invisible zippers. Coil zippers are made of nylon or polyester and have spiral-shaped teeth. Metal zippers have metal teeth and are often used in heavy-duty applications. Plastic molded zippers have plastic teeth and are commonly used in clothing. Invisible zippers have their teeth hidden behind a fabric tape, creating a seamless appearance when closed.
5. How has the zipper impacted fashion?
The invention of the zipper revolutionized the fashion industry. It made it easier to fasten and unfasten clothing, replacing traditional buttons and hooks. Zippers allowed for faster and more efficient dressing, leading to the development of new clothing designs and styles. They also made garments more comfortable and convenient to wear, as they provided a secure closure that stayed in place.
6. What are some other uses of zippers?
Aside from clothing, zippers are used in various other applications. They are commonly found in bags, pouches, backpacks, and luggage, providing easy access and secure closure. Zippers are also used in tents, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear to keep them tightly sealed. Additionally, zippers are used in industrial settings, such as in manufacturing and automotive industries, for their fastening and securing capabilities.
Leave a Reply