Ever since they were introduced to the world of fashion during the early 1900s, zippers have now become one of the most popular fastening items together with the buttons. Usually taken for granted, zippers are used on a daily basis without really noticing their importance, much less their interesting history.
However, the zippers were considered a phenomenal game-changer when they were initially made. This is not just for their functionality in dramatically simplifying the process of fastening but also the role they play in adding a new dimension and touch to the design itself as they give accents in non-functional ways.
Browse your closet and for sure, you will see fashion items that only use zippers as details for fashion, such as jackets or jeans zippers that are durable and fashionable at the same time.
The Rocky Beginnings
The early days of the zipper were not really as smooth as how it is zipped. In the humble beginnings of the zipper, it was considered as failure by that era’s so-called experts. Whitcomb Judson, an American inventor, came up with a design in 1893 that is similar to those zippers related to the Chicago World Fair and generated insignificant interest for it.
It was only during the early 1900s when the zipper started gaining worldwide attention and recognition. Gideon Sundback made improvements on the design in 1914 and scored a deal with the large boots maker B.F Goodrich Company that changed the game at that time. Gideon’s use of the fastener on a boot garnered worldwide interest and it was actually the B.F. Goodrich Company that came up with the name zipper, a name that remained to this day.
A debate called Battle of the Fly in 1937 was done to know if zippers and buttons were better options for men’s trousers. This battle was won by the zipper that kick-started the endorsement of the fashion designers from France for the fashion zipper and praised this as the latest tailoring idea for the gents back then.
The Changing Point
Zippers became efficient and popular from then on and this was used in many other fashion items aside from trousers and boots. Zippers have become the primary choice for fastening women’s dresses, specifically with the rise of the invisible zippers. During the 40s and 50s, the use of zippers changed from pure functionality into a piece for design detailing. Zippers were used on sleeves, fronts of dresses, necklines, and not hidden within the side seam. The trend in fashion for fiercer and bolder women’s fashion required bold details and accents and this is where the zipper played a significant role.
All fashion pieces like jeans and jackets must have their own uniqueness in terms of design, feel, and character. Small details such as how fashion zippers fill the void bring out the character in big ways to transform an ordinary fashion item into a distinct and unique piece.
Metal zipper choices at ZipperShipper.com are no doubt your best option if you need fashionable and durable options.