Who Invented Velcro

Velcro, the world-renowned hook-and-loop system, was invented by Swiss electrical engineer George de Mestral in the late 1940s. It all started when Mestral took his dog on a walk in the countryside one day. After coming back home, he noticed burrs (a seed pod) clinging to his trousers and his dog’s fur, and became fascinated by the tiny hooks that allowed the burrs to cling so tightly. He studied the burrs under a microscope, and saw that they had tiny hooks that allowed them to stick to anything with a loop, such as fur, clothing, or even hair.

Mestral thought to himself that these tiny hooks would be perfect for use in the fastening of two objects together, so he began to experiment with different materials to re-create the burrs’ hook system. After much trial-and-error testing, Mestral eventually found success by inventing a hook and loop fastener made of nylon, which he then patented in 1955 under the name of “Velcro.”

The name Velcro is derived from the two French words “velours” and “crochet” which mean “velvet” and “hook” in English. Mestral had based the hook and loop system on the burrs because he thought the burrs’ system of hook-and-loop fastening was reliable and secure. He thought that by inventing a hook and loop system made of man-made materials, he could produce a fastener that was durable and secure as well.

Today, Velcro is used in a variety of applications, including clothing, bags, sneakers, and many other items. It’s a well-known name, a household fixture, and a true symbol of innovation.