The best alternatives for a zipper are velcro, snaps, and buttons. These are great closures to use for anything from clothing to bags, says Latta. Here are Latta's tips on how to replace a zipper ...

The first patent for a zipper-like fastener was issued to Elias ... Howe was never able to make his “Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure” a workable product, and Howe shifted his inventive ...