If any of us goes to look through our wardrobe, we’ll probably see our fair share of zippers. Zippers are on many of our dresses, boots, jeans, skirts, jackets, and even handbags. We always use these fasteners, but how many of us know where they originated and how zippers changed the fashion industry? Don’t worry! Thoughtful Misfit has the answers for you.
Origins of the Zipper
The earliest origins of the zipper date back to the late 1800s, when inventors wanted to create a fastening device with a closing slide. While early designs were rough, an inventor named Gideon Sundback made a sturdy example of the modern zipper that soldiers used for their uniforms in World War I. These uniforms set a precedent for zippers as a helpful alternative to other fasteners on clothing items.
Early Popularity
While the zipper had gained some popularity on uniforms, we wouldn’t see it grow too much in day-to-day fashion until the late 1930s. Back then, most men’s trousers used a button fly that is similar to what we see on modern-day boxer shorts. However, a debate arose over whether the button or zipper was the best option for men’s slacks. After the success of the zipper, it became the hottest thing with French fashion designers, and we always focused on what the French considered the height of fashion.
Further Usage
For many years, the zipper was a staple of men’s clothing options with jeans, slacks, jackets, and more. In the 1940s, zippers changed the fashion industry by appearing on many more women’s clothing options, mainly thanks to the invisible zipper that allowed for different colors, styles, and more seamless options. Zippers were more commonplace on dresses, sleeves, or necklines. While the zipper began as an attempt to conveniently fasten clothes, within only a few decades, it became an essential piece of modern clothing and often an accessory in its own right.