How zippers are revolutionizing the fashion industry

When we put on a jacket, boots, skirt or pants, we instinctively go straight to the zipper and zip it up, you almost certainly have clothes in your closet with the zipper as a fashion detail. But zippers didn't always exist, so how did zippers revolutionize the fashion world? Let's take a look at how it all started and where it is today.

Where it all started

Before we delve into the rise of the zipper, it's nice to learn about its storied history, so let's take a brief look at how the zipper came about. It all started with one man in the fashion industry, Elias Howe. The innovator deserves high credit for inventing the sewing machine, but five years later he created the "automatic continuous garment closure" known as the zipper.

Since then, the concept of the zipper has worked on two others. Whitcomb Judson made "buckle lockers" to help people in pain bend over to tie their shoes. Gideon Sundback, chief engineer at Whitcomb, made the toothed zipper we see today.

Rising popularity

Who would have thought that the assassination of Franz Ferdinand would become one of the greatest fashion miracles in history? While this is not a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it wasn't until World War I that the BF Goodrich Company saw value in this mechanism. When an executive working with Goodrich heard the sound it made, the word "zipper" became part of the lexicon.

The "Rubber King" proved its worth in clothing and equipment by wearing the zipper on the troops' boots and other equipment. The zipper appeared on children's clothing in the 1930s, gaining traction as a way for children to dress themselves. The zipper's acclaim spread across the Atlantic, with French fashion designers wearing it over gentlemen's trousers to keep everything together.

The zipper is not only important to the fashion world, but without it, we wouldn't have some of the common items in today's world. This is a key part of designing resealable bags and Velcro.

Various types of zippers

Today, you can find three versions of zippers on items from luggage to pants. If you need replacements, knowing what they are and where they are most commonly used can help you.

Metal

Some 100+ years later, old-fashioned metal zippers still have their place in the fashion world. Fortunately, it has made progress since its inception. The best thing about a metal zipper is how it looks. The metallic look sets it apart from other zippers and is an essential part of many items like leather or denim.

Designers steer clear of metal zippers if the item is in constant use due to its lack of flexibility. However, for items that you rarely wear or need an edge, using a metal zipper is the right choice.

Coil

There are many types of coil zippers , the most common of which are invisible (hidden) zippers. It got its name because the zipper is hidden behind the tape and its teeth are invisible to the naked eye. You'll most likely see this type of zipper on skirts and dresses, although they're also prominent in the military and medical fields.

Invisible zippers typically use lighter lace-like textiles than other types of zippers, which typically use thicker woven material over tape, making them ideal for a variety of garments. There is another form of invisible zipper known as invisible identical zipper. The same zipper is the reverse coil zipper that disappears. You'll see these fasteners on items that require a larger gauge than a true invisible zipper.

Plastic

Over time, plastic zippers became popular because fashion designers could choose from colorful options, and no one had to worry about plastic zippers snagging their clothes. The molded polymer material helps make the zipper more durable and waterproof. One disadvantage of plastic zippers is that they are expensive due to the materials required to manufacture them.

You can find plastic zippers on jackets, waterproof boots, children's clothing and stationery. Because of their custom colors, they are popular on items aimed at children, adding some character to boring school items and clothing.

Smart Zipper Tips

Once you have an idea of ​​the types of zippers you see on your clothes in your head, it's time to consider these fashion tips when you're putting on clothes with zippers.

Shape your body

The more the zipper outlines your body, the better your body will be. You don't want to distort your body parts due to misplaced zippers. Instead, you can use a midline zip to your advantage and make you look slimmer. Also, zippers can give the optical illusion of elongated body, making you appear taller than you actually are.

Allow customization

One of the things that makes zippers useful is that they allow for constant customization. If you need to look professional, you can take it to the top for a commercial look. If you're out of town with your friends, you can be more stylish. Skirts, shoes, tops or coats can look important no matter the occasion, giving you confidence in your stylish look.

Short skirts and long coats

In harmony with the custom aspect of the zipper, it can be beneficial to find a knee-length zipper for the front skirt. This zipper style has two sliders instead of one, offering a variety of options to find the length you want. You can wear the same dress on multiple occasions and it will look different every time.

Don't be too wild

Assuming you're not the next "King of Pop," chances are you're not going to look cool with a leather jacket with lots of zippers. So don't overdo it when crafting or buying items with multiple zippers, and avoid wearing multiple items with zipper cornucopias. The best strategy is to mix and match your style. If you have a leather jacket with a zip, choose a pair of standard pants or a simple skirt. Look in the mirror and use your best judgement before you leave to determine if it looks too busy.

With other items

While most designers focus on adding zippers to top-of-the-line garments like skirts, jackets, and pants, they diversify their portfolios by adding zippers to shoes and other handy accessories. A pair of leather boots will go well with a well-cut suit, and a tote bag that ties at the hip. You can do anything to look stylish and take advantage of the unique look of the zipper.

I doubt Elias Howe can imagine how zippers are going to revolutionize the fashion industry, but we're a bunch of people who depend on making these zippers make our lives easier. ZIPHOO also wants to make your life easier with our finest zippers. Browse through our zip guides and color cards to find the one that suits you best!