Stuff You Should Know Zippers: Humans’ Greatest Invention? No, But Still Good
May 7, 2020
Ever wondered how zippers revolutionized fashion? Discover the transition from clunky buttons to the sleek zipper and the hurdles inventors faced along the way. Dive into the life of Gideon Sundback, the mastermind behind the modern zipper, and his impact on the industry. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about zipper malfunctions and their significance in everyday life. The discussion also touches on personal stories linked to bags, showcasing the nostalgia and practicality in our choices. Who knew zippers had such a rich history?
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Zippers: A Recent Invention
- Zippers are a relatively new invention, only about 100 years old.
- Before zippers, buttons and clasps were the primary methods for fastening clothes.
Buttons: From Ornament to Function
- The earliest known button, a curved shell, dates back 5,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilization.
- Initially, buttons served primarily as adornments rather than functional fasteners.
Howe's Early Zipper Concept
- Elias Howe Jr., inventor of the sewing machine, patented an "automatic continuous clothing closure" in 1851.
- This invention, using clasps and cords, foreshadowed the zipper but wasn't pursued due to Howe's focus on the sewing machine.