What is VELCRO®?
VELCRO® stands for adhesive strip or burlap fastening. VELCRO® is a brand of a US company Velcro IP Holdings LLC, but similar products are also available from other manufacturers. However, today consumers also commonly use the name VELCRO for adhesive tapes from other manufacturers.
Adhesive stripe was invented in 1941 by Swiss engineer George de Mestral after burdocks stuck to his pants while walking a dog. After examining burdocks under a microscope, Mestral developed a adhesive strip, one side of which consisted of small hooks like a burdock and the other side of a soft loop-like material like cloth.
The advantages of adhesive stripe are easy and quick adjustability and the strength of the attachment. That's why velcro straps are especially used, for example, in military, hobby and outdoor equipment, where speed and adaptability are crucial.
