Today marks the 63rd anniversary of velcro. A brief look back at the hook-and-loop fastener invented in 1948 by a Swiss engineer, which would, a decade later, revolutionise day-to-day living
Today marks the 63rd anniversary of velcro. A brief look back at the hook-and-loop fastener invented in 1948 by a Swiss engineer, which would, a decade later, revolutionise day-to-day living
It's hard to imagine a world without Velcro, given its ability to secure almost anything from shoes, clothes and backpacks to diapers. Its journey from obscurity to popular culture, however, was not as easy. In 1948, Swiss electrical engineer George de Mestral was on his way back from a hunting expedition when he noticed burdock seeds or burrs stuck on his clothes and his dog's fur. 
On closer examination, he noticed the unique hook-like formation of the seeds, which caught on to the loop-like structure of fabric and fur. He tried duplicating the phenomena with synthetic fabric and material, finally zeroing in on nylon, which led to the formal discovery of Velcro.
A portmanteau of French words 'velours' or velvet and 'crochet' meaning hook, 'Velcro' was initially regarded with skepticism. It came to be utlilised primarily in the aerospace industry on bulky suits worn by astronauts as well as to stick food packets and equipment on solid surfaces in a weightless environment. 
The mechanism behind velcro
Over time, it was incorporated in ski apparel, in hospitals on waist belts that provide support to the back, blood pressure cuffs and on patient gowns. It is also used in automobiles for bonding floor mats and headliners.
The use of Velcro inside homes to hold drapes and carpets in place, and to attach upholstery is testament of its popularity.
It is also a preferred choice for some as a shoe fastener, especially for children, who haven't yet learnt how to tie laces. Popularised as "the zipperless zipper" in American journalist Sylvia Porter's column in August 25, 1958, Velcro is valued for its low-maintenance and, interestingly, the noise it produces when opened, serving as a deterrent to pickpockets.
When velcro saved the (Royal Wedding) Day
Prince William's wedding uniform was made from heat-absorbing material to prevent him from fainting, while his younger brother Harry had a tiny Velcro compartment sewn into his wedding uniform to keep the ring safe, during the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's big day.
Other uses of velcro 
On astronaut suits
As a fastener in bags
In floor mats in cars
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