What Is Velcro in Fashion?

Velcro sandal straps are easily adjustable.

Velcro wasn't patented for use until 1955. As the newest fastener in fashion, Velcro is unmatched for its ease of use and versatility. Clothing designers are continually finding new ways to use Velcro. Consumers buy not only clothes but shoes that incorporate Velcro, although there is debate on whether or not the hook and loop fastening strips are fashionable.

History of Velcro

A 1941 hunting trip in the Alps inspired Swiss engineer George de Mestral to create a new kind of fastener. De Mestral observed how grass burrs stuck to his clothing. Looking closer at the burrs, he noticed they contained tiny hooks. This became the foundation of his invention. Velcro, a fastener that uses tiny hooks on one side which stick to tiny loops on the other, was named by combining the words "velvet" and "crochet."

Adjustable

Velcro is easily adjustable by varying where one strip meets the other. This makes it useful on clothing items that demand a good fit. Velcro is used in belts and adjustable waists. It can be used to adjust shoulder straps on sports bras and other tops. Velcro is found on the cuffs of outerwear, allowing a custom fit at the wrists. Sport sandal straps incorporate Velcro to be easily adjustable. The fastener adds little bulk and no hardware, allowing for clean lines and comfort for the wearer.

Easy Manipulation

Velcro is easier to open and close than most other fasteners. Hook and eye closures, belt buckles, ties and buttons can be difficult for young children or people with physical hindrances. This makes Velcro a popular fastener for children's shoes, replacing shoelaces that could be problematic for small hands. Velcro can be used instead of buttons on shirts, making dressing easier for people with arthritis or other disabilities.

Versatile

Velcro is used for optional components in clothing, like removable shoulder pads. It holds pockets closed to keep contents from falling out while still allowing easy access. Thin strips of Velcro can be hidden in the design so only the wearer knows it's there.

Limitations

There is some debate regarding whether Velcro has a place in fashion. Designer shoes rarely use the hook and loop closures, at least not in an obvious way. The U.S. Army stopped using Velcro on its uniforms in 2010 after complaints from soldiers that the fasteners were too noisy and stopped working when clogged with dust from the desert.

References

• University of Mary Washington; The History Behind the Invention and the Inventor
• "Time"; A Brief History of Velcro; Claire Suddath; June 2010
• Velcro: Consumer Products
• New Shoe Style: Velcro: Can it Still Be Fashionable?