It’s a seemingly insignificant accessory that we tend to take for granted. You probably use it every day without even noticing it, let alone wondering about its origins. But the zipper was, at one point, a game-changer in the fashion world, and not just for its functionality. It went on to be used as a statement accent on clothing even in non-functional ways, simply to add a touch of distinction to a piece. You almost certainly have clothes in your closet that have zippers as fashion details!
A Bumpy Start
The zipper didn’t start out making waves, however…in fact, it seemed like it was going to be a giant flop. American inventor Whitcomb Judson came up with a design similar to our modern zipper in 1893 as a method to fasten the button-up boots that were so popular at the time. He even had his device exhibited at Chicago’s World Fair, but to little acclaim. It wasn’t until another innovator named Gideon Sundback improved on his idea and had it picked up by a major boot manufacturer that the zipper became more widely used. In 1937 a “Battle of the Fly” took place to determine whether buttons or zippers were better fasteners for men’s pants: the zipper won, and its place in the fashion world was solidified as French designers sang its praises.
The Worldwide Phenomenon
America and France weren’t the only nations to realize the zipper’s potential. Japanese businessman Tadao Yoshida recognized the usefulness of this little device and began innovating better, more efficient machines for manufacturing zippers, leading to worldwide success in the zipper industry. YKK, as his company later was called, is still one of the leading manufacturers of zippers in the world, making the zipper an accessible fashion item for people around the globe.
Turning The Fashion Tides
As zippers increased in popularity and efficiency, they would be seen on more than just boots and men’s pants. They became the closure of choice for women’s dresses, and in the 1940’s and 1950’s zippers began to be used not only just for functional fastening, but as detailing pieces. Zippers were now exposed on the fronts of dresses, on sleeves and necklines, rather than discreetly tucked into a side-seam. Emerging bold fashions for women called for bold details, and the zipper filled that void.
In the fashion world, zippers are often used to give a sort of “hardware” feel to an article of clothing. This can be seen especially in women’s clothing, where zippers on pockets and other unusual areas add a metallic toughness and structure. A zipper can take an otherwise dull article of clothing and transform it into an eye-catching piece. For instance, a zip up the back adds a sexy dimension to your ordinary pencil skirt or sheath dress, giving it a unique, fresh appeal. Zippers are also a fantastic touch to women’s pants, where zip front pockets or ankle zips amp up a “plain Jane” pant into a stunning fashion statement.
Every piece of clothing can be said to contain a unique character and feel. What gives a piece its identity is the small details that separate it from the ordinary. The zipper may have started out as a functional practicality, but over the years it has transformed into a method of expression that pervades all of the fashion industry.
What are your thoughts on zippers? Comment below.
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