The fastener is a general name for any element that joins the edges of clothing and keeps it closed: a button, zip, hook-and-bar, snap, hook, magnet or hook-and-loop tape. The fastener is one of the most important functional details, on which the ease of dressing and the security of the fit depend. Its choice is never accidental: a concealed fastener keeps the clean silhouette of an evening dress, decorative hooks become an accent, snaps give a sporty character, and hooks and eyes discreetly hold delicate fabrics. Historically complex fastening systems (rows of tiny buttons, lacings) even required another person's help to dress. A good fastener is an invisible but decisive element of clothing quality.
