26 Everyday Things Sweden Gave the World

Zipper

A common feature of most of our wardrobes, backpacks, and more, the zipper was designed by Swedish-American inventor Gideon Sundbäck. Patented in 1917, the zipper’s interlocking teeth and slider have touched nearly every textile industry on Earth. (Fun fact: Originally, the zipper was called the hookless fastener – boring!).