Diapering wasn’t always as simple as peel, stick and toss. It started with cloth, safety pins and a whole lot of laundry, making every change a hands-on, time-consuming task.
With the arrival of the disposable diaper, everything changed. Parents could simply toss them out after each use—no more soaking, scrubbing or pin pricks. But that was only the beginning. Over time, diaper fasteners shifted from sticky tape to soft, flexible tabs, improving how diapers fit, feel and perform.
Table of Contents
- Before Hook and Loop: The Early Fasteners
- The VELCRO® Brand Reinvents the Diaper Tab
- FLEX-ZONE™ Technology: A Patented Leap Forward
- 360° Hook Technology: A Softer, Smarter Solution
The History of Diaper Fasteners
1940s−60s
1. Before Hook and Loop: The Early Fasteners
In the 1940s and 50s, cloth diapers were the standard, held together with safety pins. Fastening them was tricky, and they usually needed a water-resistant cover to prevent leaks. But the real time-consuming part was managing the used diapers—emptying, storing and washing them until laundry day.
As the 60s rolled in, the history of disposable diapers began to take shape, with new diapers featuring built-in absorbent pads. This was a major leap forward, but they still required safety pins.
By the late 60s, several new ideas were introduced, including adhesive tape fasteners and a triangular shape contoured to a baby’s body.
However, adhesive fasteners had a major drawback: once they were stuck, they couldn’t be repositioned. That challenge sparked the need for a smarter, more flexible solution—one that would change diaper design for good.
1990s
2. The VELCRO® Brand Reinvents the Diaper Tab
In 1992, diaper fasteners took a major leap forward. That’s when the VELCRO® Brand introduced plastic High Technology Hook (HTH) tabs to the market—the first time our fasteners were used in personal care. This innovation greatly improved comfort, fit and ease of use for both babies and caregivers.
Unlike adhesive tape, these hook and loop diaper tabs could be opened and closed multiple times, making it easier for parents to adjust the fit without wasting a diaper. As a result, babies stayed more comfortable throughout the day, and caregivers could check for soiling more frequently, helping improve skin health. What’s more, hook fasteners aren’t affected by powders or lotions, and they don’t accidentally stick to skin like adhesive tape.
Soft and flexible, the tabs held securely without pinching or slipping. They were designed to be gentle, helping reduce irritation and meet high safety standards, especially important considering a baby’s skin is 20–30% thinner than an adult.
As fasteners evolved, so did landing zones. Early disposable diapers used straight film landing zones compatible with adhesive tape. Over time, manufacturers shifted to knit loop materials and eventually to nonwoven landing zones, including our own Fork Needle Loop (FNL) nonwoven, introduced in the early 2000s.
The VELCRO® Brand didn’t just improve the fastener—we reimagined diaper design. Our ORIGINAL THINKING® made it easier to check for changes, helping keep babies drier, happier and free from irritation.
2000s
3. FLEX-ZONE™ Technology: A Patented Leap Forward
After introducing HTH fasteners in the 1990s, Velcro Companies kept pushing diaper design forward. In 2004, we introduced FLEX-ZONE™ technology—a new way to make fasteners that didn’t rely on glue and used fewer chemicals during production.
What made FLEX-ZONE™ tabs different was how they moved with the baby. They were soft, flexible and designed to reduce red marks and pressure points, especially important for delicate skin. No raised edges, no risk of delamination—just a smoother, more comfortable experience.
For manufacturers, FLEX-ZONE™ fasteners offered greater design flexibility and worked well with lightweight materials. When paired with our FNL nonwoven loops, they created a secure closure that held up to wriggling, crawling and napping, all while meeting safety standards like OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100.
It’s another example of how Velcro Companies turns everyday challenges into smarter, more thoughtful solutions.
2020s
4. 360° Hook Technology: A Softer, Smarter Solution
Over the past few years, Velcro Companies has expanded its product portfolio to include hook technologies that perform effectively across a variety of landing zone loops. This includes our innovative 360° soft petal-shaped hooks, which offer premium softness while maintaining strong holding power—even with flex and movement.
Though small in size, 360° hooks deliver big performance. Paired with soft nonwoven loops, they stay secure through naps, playtime and overnight wear. Their size helps reduce bulk, improve comfort and cut down on raw materials, making them a smarter choice for both babies and the planet. Because they’re soft and gentle, they’re kind to even the most delicate skin.
A Small Tab with a Big Impact
From cloth and pins to 360° hooks and FLEX-ZONE™ technology, diaper fastener design has come a long way, proving that small innovations can lead to big change.
VELCRO® Brand fasteners are a key part of that evolution. Supporting cleaner manufacturing, reducing raw materials and meeting global safety standards, these adhesive-free tabs make diapers more comfortable, reliable and sustainable.
This is more than a diaper story—it’s a reflection of how Velcro Companies approaches innovation: solving everyday challenges with smart, adaptable solutions. Our ORIGINAL THINKING® continues to shape not just personal care, but how industries everywhere rethink design.
Learn More About Our Personal Care Products
Diaper tabs were only the beginning. Discover how our solutions continue to shape personal care design.
