Velcro

Velcro is a brand name for a type of fastener known as a hook-and-loop fastener. It consists of two components: a hook tape and a loop tape that adhere when pressed together and can be separated by pulling apart.

The system was invented by Swiss engineer George de Mestral in 1941 after he noticed burrs sticking to his clothes and his dog’s fur during a walk. He examined the burrs under a microscope and saw tiny hooks that attached to fabric fibers. After years of development, the first practical hook-and-loop fastener was patented in 1955. The name Velcro is a coined brand name, derived from velours (French for velvet) and crochet (hook). The Velcro Companies produce and distribute the fastener worldwide.

The two components are typically made with a stiff hook tape and a softer loop tape, commonly using nylon or polyester. When pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops and create a fastening that resists separation; pulling apart in opposite directions releases the hooks from the loops. The strength and durability depend on factors such as hook density, fiber material, and fabric weave, as well as the cleanliness of the mating surfaces.

Velcro is widely used in clothing, footwear, consumer textiles, medical devices, automotive interiors, and aerospace equipment. It offers quick, repeatable fastening but can be affected by lint, hair, or dust buildup, and its performance may degrade with repeated opening and closing or exposure to high temperatures or certain chemicals. The term Velcro is a brand name, while “hook-and-loop fasteners” is the generic designation used in many contexts.