Hook and Loop 101: Insights from The Pioneers
Everything you need to know about the iconic hook and loop fastener from the original creators at Velcro Companies.
What Is a Hook and Loop Fastener?
Hook and loop fasteners are a simple yet powerful way to hold things together. They use two sides—one with tiny hooks and one with a looped side—that grip when pressed together. This reusable hook and loop closure appears in shoes, medical devices, packaging and outdoor gear. Velcro Companies invented the original hook and loop fastener, and our versatile fastening system continues to support a wide range of industries and everyday life.
Industries use hook and loop fastening systems for their versatility, adaptability and ease of use. You’ve likely seen them in sneakers, diaper tabs, blood pressure cuffs and other products where reusable closure matters.
While many use our hook and loop technology, only fasteners with the VELCRO® Brand name guarantee our quality.
How does hook and loop work?
Hook and loop fasteners work by interlocking tiny hooks with loops to create a secure hold. The design was inspired by burdock burrs, which cling to fur and fabric. When the two sides are pressed together, the hooks catch the loops. To release them, you simply pull the sides apart.
Originally made from nylon, hook and loop fasteners now work with many materials and support a wide range of indoor and outdoor uses.
Here’s a microscopic look at both sides of a VELCRO® Brand fastener.
Woven hook
Woven loop
Types of Hook and Loop Tapes
We have many different types of closures, and through ORIGINAL THINKING®, these designs continue to evolve. Fasteners can vary in size, shape, strength and flexibility to meet various needs.
Variations of VELCRO® Brand Fasteners
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Textile Hook & Loop Fasteners
Read MoreThe original VELCRO® Brand fastener—known worldwide for high quality and strong performance. It offers endless solutions across industries.
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High Technology Hook Fasteners
Read MoreDesigned for a precise grip and strong hold. Works well on many surfaces, from diapers to car seats.
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Hook To Hook “LOK” Fasteners
Read MoreA one-piece fastener that connects to itself. Great for flexible packaging, building materials and infrastructure support.
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Self-Engaging & Back-to-Back Products
Read MoreReusable and adjustable. Ideal for bundling cables, organizing wires and handling both high-use and disposable needs.
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Converting Options
Read MoreChoose from a wide range of standard and custom hook and loop closures. Backed by over 60 years of design and manufacturing expertise.
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Finished Products
Read MoreFrom ready-made items to custom fasteners. Built to solve problems and support supply chains around the world.
The History of Velcro Companies
Our story began in 1941 when Swiss engineer George de Mestral noticed burrs sticking to his dog’s fur on a walk in the woods. Curious about how they worked, he created a fastening system that copied this natural hook design. He named his invention “Velcro,” a mix of the French words “velours” (velvet) and “crochet” (hook).
De Mestral’s genius idea quickly took off and was adopted by many industries, including aerospace. In fact, NASA utilized it during the Apollo missions.
NASA and VELCRO® Brand Solutions
VELCRO® Brand fasteners played a key role in the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 1969—the day humans first walked on the moon. NASA used around 3,300 square inches of our hook and loop fasteners in the command and lunar modules to meet the demands of space travel.
These fasteners helped secure instruments to spacesuits, anchor boots, organize tools and store breathing equipment, proving essential in the harsh conditions of space.
Want to see how our fasteners helped make history?
Industrial Uses of VELCRO® Brand Fasteners
Velcro Companies is all about inspiring creativity and innovation. For decades, we’ve partnered with businesses to craft custom solutions.
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Personal Care
Read MoreVELCRO® Brand Personal Care Solutions offers superior softness for babies, diapers, feminine care and adult incontinence products.
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Transportation
Read MoreWe help manufacturers simplify assembly, improve ergonomics and lower production costs. Discover our product on airplane seats, acoustic thermal insulation and more.
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Industrial
Read MoreVELCRO® Brand fasteners serve various industries and applications, including furniture, signage and Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO).
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Footwear & Apparel
Read MoreOur fasteners have become synonymous with kids’ footwear. We also collaborate with those creating outdoor gear products for the harshest conditions.
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Military & Government
Read MoreTrusted by the US military and government for over 50 years, you can find VELCRO® Brand fasteners on backpacks, knee pads, patches and more.
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Construction
Read MoreOur fasteners help people work faster and safer, without needing as many chemicals. One example is creating fasteners for permanent fixtures like solar panels.
VELCRO® Brand Fasteners in Everyday Life
VELCRO® Brand products offer solutions not only to businesses but to consumers, too.
Ready to see how hook and loop can transform your business?
Connect with our team to explore custom solutions powered by the VELCRO® Brand’s ORIGINAL THINKING®. Whether you’re designing a product or solving a challenge, we’re here to help.
FAQs
No, NASA didn’t invent them. VELCRO® Brand fasteners were created in the 1940s by Swiss engineer George de Mestral. NASA used them during space missions to handle challenges like extreme temperatures and zero gravity. They used about 3,300 square inches of VELCRO® Brand tape to secure tools, organize equipment and support astronauts.
In 1941, Swiss engineer George de Mestral noticed burrs sticking to his dog’s fur during a walk. Curious about how they clung so well, he studied them and saw tiny hooks on the burrs. That discovery inspired him to create a fastener that worked the same way.
Not exactly. VELCRO® Brand fasteners use hook and loop technology, but not all hook and loop products are made by Velcro Companies. Only fasteners with the VELCRO® Brand name meet our quality standards.
George De Mestral created the iconic VELCRO® trademark by combining the French words “Velours” (meaning velvet) and “Crochet” (meaning hook).
The generic name is a hook and loop fastener. It has two sides: one with tiny hooks and one with soft loops. When pressed together, the hooks grip the loops to hold things in place.
It depends on the specific fastener. Some VELCRO® Brand fasteners are water-resistant, like those in our Kitchen and Bath line. Businesses can also work with our engineers to create custom waterproof solutions.
Contact us for recommendations on the most suitable fastener for your specific application.
The fuzzy side is the loop side. The rough side is the hook side.
“Hook and loop” is the generic term. VELCRO® Brand fasteners use this technology, but not all hook and loop fasteners are made by Velcro Companies.
They’re usually made from nylon or polyester. The hook side has stiff hooks, and the loop side has soft loops. These materials are strong, lightweight and long-lasting.
Over the years, several advancements have been made to our fasteners:
– Heat-Resistant Fasteners: Developed to maintain holding power even in high temperatures, making them suitable for automotive and aerospace applications.
– Low-Profile Fasteners: Thin and flexible, ideal for electronics and fashion.
– ECO Collection: Made from recycled materials to support sustainability.
– Smart Fastening Systems: Used in wearable tech and medical devices, with features like infrared camouflage for defense.
Yes. Our engineers are always finding new ways to use VELCRO® Brand fasteners to solve problems for businesses and consumers.