When Were Zippers Invented?

Although it lacked a catchy name at the time, Sundback's early "Hookless Fastener" design was patented on April 29, 1913. He continued to develop it, and eventually patented a much improved version called the Separable Fastener in 1917.

When did zippers start being used?

Zippers began being used for clothing in 1925 by Schott NYC on leather jackets. In the 1930s, a sales campaign began for children's clothing featuring zippers.

What did they use before zippers?

Before zippers, clothing was held together with buttons and buttonholes or, as the case of women's clothing in the 18th and 19th centuries, laced together at front or back — not exactly a convenient way to dress. It took about 20 years for the zipper to evolve after Whitcomb L.