Zips were developed in 1893 in Chicago by a man called  Whitcomb Judson, the idea was initially just a more advanced version of a continuous shoe hook and eye which was named a 'clasp locker'. This new prototype received little interest from the commercial world at the Chicago World Fair. Judson was not deterred and over the following years he carried on developing his idea. With in 20 years Judson and his Swedish colleague Gideon Sundback had secured deals with a large American based boot making company. This was soon followed by a tobacco company using zips on their pouches. By 1923 clasp lockers had been rebranded and renamed Zipper pulls, with this came the development of the first children's clothing lines containing zips fastenings. Today you can easily buy zips online or in any basic haberdashery shop. Zips are widely used and many everyday items and are readily available. We see zips everywhere these days, they are in clothing garments, hand bags, tents and boots to name a few. They are a cheap and effective option which are readily available. Here at Calico Laine we offer a fantastic range, you can buy our zips online or in either of our 2 shops. Zips are a great option when creating your own clothes or revamping an old garments. Although zips are great option when creating a fastening, there are several different types so be sure to buy the right zip online or in store. One of the most common kinds of zips are the ordinary dress zips, they are ideal for pockets, trousers and skirts as well as dresses. They are sealed at the bottom so they do not separate. If you're looking for a less obvious zip then you can also buy a concealed one.  These almost look like they're back to front and are completely invisible once in. Here at Calico Laine we have a fantastic colour range in both the ordinary dress zips and the concealed ones. You can view all our zips online. The other common zip we sell is the open ended ones, these are used on coats and jackets. They separate at the bottom so you are able to get your garment on and off. Open ended zips come in several styles. You can get plastic zips which are chunky and ideal in large heavy coats, we also do a nylon range which are a lighter weight. We also do reversible zips and two way zips. All of which are available in a fabulous range of colours. If you're not 100% of what you need then have a look at our zips online to familiarise yourself with what's out there.