Hook and loop is a product better known by the term VELCRO®. VELCRO® is actually the name of the company that first designed and created these fasteners. The product name is hook and loop, and it has an interesting history.
What is a Hook and Loop Closure?
Hook and loop is a two component fastener, meaning there are two different sides that must be pressed together to fasten. One side is called the hook. The hook is the rough, scratchy side. This side sticks to lots of things, but it sticks best to the other side, called the loop. The loop side is the soft, fuzzy side. When you press the hook side to the loop side, you get a bond that is strong and reusable.
Hook and Loop History
George de Mestral developed the idea in the 1940s. After a hunting trip, he studied the burrs that stuck to his clothing and noticed tiny hooks that latched onto the loops in fabric and other surfaces.
De Mestral imagined making a fastener from two pieces of material, using hooks on one piece and loops on another. He experimented with cotton fibers but eventually decided to use nylon because it didn't degrade, and its threads could be made in various thicknesses. After numerous trials, and also developing a way to mechanize production, de Mestral received a patent for his design in 1955 and began production under the VELCRO® Brand. The actual name VELCRO® is derived from the French words for velvet and hook: velours and crochet.
De Mestral soon obtained patents in several countries and began international production. The original patent expired in 1978, which opened the door for other companies to produce hook and loop products. Some exist under trademarked names, such as DuraGrip®.
Hook and Loop Variety
Hook and loop material is extremely versatile and has many applications. It comes in different grip strengths to accommodate specific needs, however, the strongest hook and loop tends to have the shortest lifespan. Most combinations maintain a balance of strength and reusability, or cycle life. Hook and loop material is available in a variety of widths and is sold in several formats including by the continuous roll, rolls of round circles called coins, or by the yard, as in VELCRO® Brand Wide Loop
Peel-and-Stick Hook and Loop Options
Pressure sensitive adhesive backed hook and loop, also known as peel and stick, comes with adhesive backing and allows the material to expand its usefulness in places where sewing isn't ideal or possible. These adhesives, most commonly rubber based or acrylic based, have different bonding strengths. They bond better with some surfaces, or substrates, than with others and they also withstand a variety of temperature and humidity conditions. What works in the home or office may not be what works best outdoors.
What is Hook and Loop Sandpaper and How Does It Works?
Hook and loop sandpaper uses the same fastening principle as other hook and loop products. The sanding disc has a loop backing, which attaches to a hook-faced sanding pad on power tools. This allows users to quickly switch between sandpaper grits without adhesives or tools. The bond is strong enough for high-speed sanding but easy to remove or reposition. It's commonly used in automotive, woodworking, and metalworking applications for its efficiency and convenience.
What is a Hook Loop Patch?
A hook loop patch refers to a badge or label that uses hook and loop backing for easy attachment and removal. These patches often feature embroidered logos, names, or insignia and are popular in military, tactical, and service uniforms. The hook side is usually sewn onto the garment, while the patch has the loop side (or vice versa), allowing it to be removed or replaced quickly without damaging the fabric—ideal for personalization or role-specific identification.
Specialty Hook and Loop Fasteners
Special applications demand specially engineered hook and loop systems:
- VELCRO® Brand HI-GARDE®: Flame-retardant, designed for first responder gear, withstanding temperatures up to 800°F
- VELCRO® Brand VELSTRETCH®: A flexible loop material suited for orthopaedics and adjustable wearables
- VELCRO® Brand ONE-WRAP®: Features hook on one side and loop on the other, enabling self-wrapping functionality—ideal for organising cables
These variations expand the versatility of hook and loop far beyond basic fastening.
Other Uses of Hook and Loop Fasteners
Hook and loop technology has permeated countless industries:
- Military: Used in uniforms, gear patches, and load-bearing equipment
- Aerospace: NASA uses modified hook and loop to anchor tools and instruments in zero gravity
- Automotive & Marine: Used to secure removable panels, mats, and upholstery
- Education & Crafts: Teachers and artists use coloured DuraGrip® strips for interactive displays, decorations, and sorting tasks
With endless colour options and formats, hook and loop continues to inspire innovation. From pet collars to sports gear and industrial equipment, its potential is limited only by imagination.
