Clothing Fasteners

 

A fastener is a component of a fastening system that is used to connect at least two pieces of material. It is usually a single item (button) that works in conjunction with another device (buttonhole). Clothing fasteners can be permanent or temporary. Permanent fastenings, such as stitching and fusing, give tailored garments form and shape. Temporary fasteners can take many forms, including basting, which is used to hold fabrics in place before applying permanent machine stitching. Temporary fasteners, such as hook and eye bra closures, can be used to adjust the size of a garment. Men's trousers with zippered fly front openings allow access to bodily functions. However, most people think of apparel fastening as a method of "donning and doffing" garments for everyday wear.

Using Force to Fasten Clothing

Friction is the basis for holding solid materials together using one of two methods, applied force or restraining force, in physics. Forces can be bidirectional, such as the two opposing threads of a lockstitch holding fabric layers together, or radial, such as the circular pressure exerted by the female side of a snap fastener. Restraining forces in clothing are determined by mechanical principles that rely on either random surface texture, as in hook-and-loop tape, or functionally configured parts, such as zipper teeth.

History of Clothing Fasteners

The earliest clothing fastenings can be traced back to the Mesolithic era, when needles were used to stitch materials together, and to the age of metals, when bone buttons and a safety pin-like device were discovered. The brooch and pin concept, as well as the penannular, a sliding pin on a U-shaped element, were introduced during the Bronze Age as forerunners of the buckle. Buttons were first written about in the twelfth century (Epstein and Safro 1991). Modern advancements have improved on old concepts, adding ease and efficiency to garment fastening. The sewing machine sped up the process of sewing fabric pieces together and streamlined production. Since its inception in the late 1800s, the zipper has evolved from a bulky mechanism of metal hooks and eyes to interlocking metal teeth, plastic coils, and extruded all-in-one devices. Velcro, which was invented after WWII, has applications in industry and fashion. New adhesive and fusible technologies have influenced the speed and appearance of apparel production.

Variety in Closures

Modern clothing contains numerous fasteners. Thread, glue, or fusible substances are used to "stitch" garments together. Shoes and corsets use lacing through grommets or eyelets. Fabric ends that are tied or tucked in secure sarongs, saris, and wrap skirts. Jewelry is fastened to the body using clamping devices. Hook and eye fasteners can be used to give outerwear an industrial look. Industrial fasteners such as C-clamps and D rings are used in fashion apparel. Zippers have teeth made of metal, plastic, or cut-crystal. Buttons, the long-standing epitome of the fashion fastener, combine function with limitless form, color, and texture options. Fasteners provide function in garments and are frequently used as a fashion finishing touch.