Zipper Gets Its First Major Upgrade in a Century

In Japan, YKK has unveiled the first major redesign of the zipper in over 100 years, replacing the traditional fabric tape with a lighter, sleeker fastening system.

“We wanted to address the challenges involved in zipper sewing,” said Makoto Nishizaki, Vice President of YKK’s Application Development Division.

Called AiryString, the new zipper removes the need for woven tape, making it more flexible, durable, and sustainable. Developed in collaboration with sewing machine maker JUKI, the design streamlines manufacturing processes, reduces material usage, dye consumption, and CO₂ emissions. Already adopted by brands like The North Face, this innovation marks a milestone in the evolution of one of fashion’s most enduring inventions.