The Fastener Inspired by Nature

Velcro, the iconic hook-and-loop fastener, has become a household name for convenience and durability. Found on everything from shoes to spacesuits, it’s hard to imagine life without it. But did you know that Velcro was inspired by human’s best friends?

In 1941, Swiss engineer George de Mestral went hiking with his dog and noticed burrs clinging stubbornly to the dog’s fur and his clothing. Examining them under a microscope, he discovered tiny hooks that latched onto fabric loops. This sparked the idea for Velcro. However, transforming this natural concept into a manufactured product proved difficult. Mestral spent years refining the design and struggled to find materials and processes that could replicate the burr’s hook-and-loop structure.

It took 20 years for Mestral to perfect Velcro, and even then, it didn’t catch commercially on immediately. I was only when NASA adopted Velcro in the 1960s for securing objects in zero gravity during space missions that everything changed. This high-profile use launched Velcro into the spotlight, and its versatility quickly captured the imagination of industries worldwide.

Today, Velcro is everywhere, from medical devices to outdoor gear. While “Velcro” is a trademarked name belonging to the Velcro Company, the technology has become so widespread that it’s synonymous with the concept. Mestral’s creation is a reminder of how nature’s designs can inspire human innovation—and how a simple hike can spark a world-changing idea.

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