description George de Mestral Overview
George de Mestral was a Swiss electrical engineer who invented the hook-and-loop fastener commonly known by the brand name Velcro. The idea came to him in the 1940s after returning from a hunting trip and noticing how tenaciously burdock burrs clung to his clothing and his dog's fur. After examining the burrs under a microscope, he replicated the natural hook-and-loop mechanism using nylon materials. He patented the invention in 1955, and it has since become a ubiquitous fastening solution utilized across diverse industries.
insights Ranking position
George de Mestral ranks #270 of 429 in the Inventor ranking, behind Francois Hennebique, ahead of Peter Henlein.
help George de Mestral FAQ
What did George de Mestral invent?
The Swiss engineer invented Velcro in 1955. He based his invention on the mechanism of natural seed dispersal.
How did George de Mestral get the idea for Velcro?
He was inspired after noticing how burdock burrs clung tenaciously to his clothing and his dog's fur after a mountain hike. Under a microscope, he discovered the burrs were covered in tiny hooks that caught onto loops of fabric and animal hair.
What is Velcro made of?
De Mestral's original patent utilized a hook-and-loop fastener made from nylon. He specifically chose nylon because, when sewn under infrared light, it created highly durable, rigid hooks.
When was George de Mestral's Velcro patent granted?
George de Mestral submitted his idea for a patent in the early 1950s, and it was officially granted in 1955. He later formed the Velcro company to manufacture and market the product globally.
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