What Is Hook and Loop？

Hook and loop systems are essentially comprised of two components: a "hook" side and a "loop" side. The hook side is rougher and filled with very tiny hooks. The loop side is less coarse with clusters of hairy loops. When these two components are pressed together, the hooks catch the loops and bind the strips together. The strips are easily separated by pulling or peeling them apart, which creates that distinct ripping noise synonymous with touch fasteners.

The inspiration for hook and loop fasteners came from an unlikely source: seeds and dog hair. Back in 1941, Swedish electrical engineer by the name of George de Mestral went on a hunting trip with his dog. Throughout their outing, De Mestral was constantly yanking cockleburs seeds off of his clothing and his dog's fur. Like any good scientist, De Mestral put the seeds under a microscope and saw that the seeds were covered with hundreds of spiny hooks that attached to anything with a loop.