It is difficult to imagine life without zippers, from handbags and jackets to pants and boots. It is easy to assume that zippers are commonplace. National Zipper Day is a day to remember the history and origin of this truly ubiquitous invention.

Although the exact date of the zipper’s birth is still unknown, National Zipper Day is usually celebrated on April 29. Gideon Sundback, a Swedish-American scientist and inventor, received a patent in 1913 for a strange contraption that he called “hookless fastener”. While similar inventions have been in existence since the 1850s but his design is widely recognized as the first modern zipper.

This continuous fastening line was used in many applications and gained popularity thanks to the US Army, who was an early adopter. Sundback’s design is functional, fashionable, and infinitely adaptable. These qualities have helped to popularize the invention, making every day National Zipper Day.