Things With Velcro

• Velcro can be found on almost any item, from shoes to tents and safety equipment.Geir Pettersen/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  Since its invention in 1948, Velcro has become a major component of clothing, accessories and equipment. The brainchild of Swiss engineer George de Mestral, Velcro was inspired by grass burs that stuck to the inventor's wool socks when he was hunting in the countryside. The Velcro fastener consists of two inward-facing pieces that cling to one another: One piece with hooks, one with loops.
  
  

Velcro Shoes

• Velcro shoes aren't just for the young: They come in a variety of styles, colors and designs for all ages. Unlike shoelaces, Velcro fasteners allow the customer to tighten the shoes to fit their feet quickly, without having to cinch up individual laces. While shoelaces tend to slip and loosen over time, the hook-and-loop technology of Velcro shoe fasteners offer a continuously tight hold around your feet and ankles. Instead of struggling to untie shoelaces, Velcro allows the customer to quickly release the fasteners.
  
  

Velcro Clothing

• Instead of struggling with zippers or buttons, Velcro fasteners allow a customer to easily slip in and out of their clothing. When used on skirts or pants, Velcro fasteners are usually combined with a chord wrapped internally around the waist of the product to ease stress on the Velcro. Velcro can also be used in combination with zippers to create a water and wind-tight seal on raincoats and polar fleeces, or on its own to provide easy access in and out of clothing.
  
  

Outdoor Gear

• Velcro fasteners are no strangers to outdoor equipment. You can find them everywhere from the tent rain cover to hiking boot gaiters. Velcro is used to cinch the bottoms of rain pants and the sleeves of raincoats to make them water-tight, and it is used on many accessories, such as gloves, to offer easy tightening and loosening. Velcro is used on outdoor gear because it is a very strong fastener and will work in most weather conditions. Because the hook and loop pieces of Velcro stick together and release so efficiently, an outdoor enthusiast can easily adjust their Velcro clothing quickly, even if they are wearing gloves or layers.