Quick answer: Hook and loop fasteners are two-sided fastening systems made from tiny hooks on one strip and soft loops on the other, which grip together when pressed and pull apart when peeled. Indigo Supplies stocks the award-winning Rip 'n' Grip range in tape, dots, squares, coins, and cable tie formats—perfect for exhibitions, workwear, cabling, and general repairs.
You've almost certainly used one of these before, even if you didn't know its proper name. That satisfying rip sound when you pull apart a wallet, a shoe strap, or an exhibition display panel? That's a hook and loop fastener doing its job. One side is covered in tiny plastic hooks, the other in soft looped fibres, and when pressed together, they lock tight until you decide otherwise.
There's a well-known brand name most people default to when talking about this type of fastener—but that's a registered trademark, not a generic term, so we won't be using it here. What we will do is show you everything this clever little invention can do, and why the Rip 'n' Grip range at Indigo Supplies has picked up industry awards for good reason.
Whether you're setting up an exhibition stand, organising cables behind your desk, or fixing a costume for the school play, this guide will help you choose the right product for the job.
What Exactly Is a Hook and Loop Fastener?
A hook and loop fastener is a two-part fastening system. One strip is textured with thousands of tiny hooks; the other is covered in soft, fuzzy loops. Press the two together, and the hooks catch on the loops, creating a surprisingly strong hold. Peel them apart, and they release cleanly, ready to be used again and again.
It was invented in the 1940s by a Swiss engineer who got the idea after picking burdock burrs off his dog's fur (true story). Decades later, it's used everywhere from spacecraft to school shoes—which tells you something about how genuinely useful this design is.
The beauty of it lies in its simplicity. No tools, no mess, no sticky residue if you choose the sew-on version, and no need to swap it out after one use. It's reusable, adjustable, and endlessly practical.
Why Businesses and Households Rely on Hook and Loop Tape
The appeal of hook and loop tape goes well beyond convenience. Here's why it's become a staple across so many industries:
- Reusability: Unlike single-use adhesive tape, hook and loop can be opened and closed thousands of times without losing its grip.
- Strength: High-tack adhesive backings mean it can hold serious weight, from cabling to display panels.
- Versatility: Available in tape, dots, squares, coins, and cable tie formats to suit almost any application.
- Speed: No drying time, no curing time—press it together and you're done.
- Adjustability: Because it's not a permanent fix, you can reposition items as needed, which is ideal for exhibitions and temporary setups.
Choose the adhesive-backed version if you need a permanent or semi-permanent fix to a clean surface. Choose the sew-on or iron-on version if you're working with fabric and want something that survives regular washing.
What Are the Main Types of Hook and Loop Fasteners?
Hook and Loop Tape: The All-Rounder
Hook and loop tape is the most flexible format in the range, sold by the metre or roll, and available with adhesive backing for instant application. It's ideal for larger surfaces where you need continuous contact along an edge—think exhibition panels, curtains, or workshop dividers.
Hook and Loop Squares and Dots: Precision Fastening
If you only need to secure a small point rather than a whole edge, hook and loop squares and hook and loop dots do the job neatly. They're commonly used to mount lightweight signage, secure remote controls, or hold small components in place without wasting material on a full strip.
Hook and Loop Coins: For Heavier Duty Jobs
Hook and loop coins offer a larger surface area than dots or squares, making them a good choice when you need extra holding power in a compact, circular fixing point.
Adhesive Hook and Loop: Stick First, Ask Questions Later
For anyone in a hurry (and let's be honest, that's most of us), adhesive hook and loop and hook and loop adhesive products come with a high-tack rubber backing that sticks straight onto most clean, dry surfaces. No sewing machine required.
Hook and Loop Cable Ties: Tidy Cables Without the Fuss
Traditional plastic cable ties are cheap, but they're also single-use and a nightmare to remove without cutting. Hook and loop cable ties solve this by offering the same bundling strength with the flexibility to loosen, adjust, or remove cables whenever you need to. IT departments and AV technicians tend to love these for exactly that reason.
Iron-On and Sew-On Hook and Loop: Built for Fabric
If you're working with clothing, costumes, or soft furnishings, hook and loop iron-on and hook and loop sew-on tape are designed to withstand regular washing and handling far better than an adhesive backing ever could. Iron-on is quicker to apply; sew-on tends to be the more hard-wearing option for garments that get a lot of use.
Elasticated Hook and Loop: Fastening With Flexibility
Elasticated hook and loop combines the grip of a standard fastener with a bit of natural stretch, making it especially useful for straps, cuffs, and anywhere a rigid fastening might feel too restrictive.
Hook and Loop Colours: Because Beige Isn't for Everyone
Function matters, but so does appearance. Hook and loop colours come in a range beyond the usual black and white, so you can match branding, colour-code cables, or simply make sure your fastener doesn't clash with the rest of your setup.
Choosing the Right Hook and Loop Fastener for Specialist Settings
What Is Exhibition Grade Hook and Loop?
Exhibition grade hook and loop is built for repeated setup and takedown without losing its grip. Standard tape might weaken after a handful of uses, but exhibition-grade products are designed with exhibition stand builders in mind, where panels and graphics need to go up and come down cleanly, show after show.
Choose this option if you're regularly assembling and disassembling display stands, and standard hook and loop tape has previously let you down mid-show (we've all seen that panel slowly peeling off by hour three).
What Is NEC Approved Hook and Loop?
NEC approved hook and loop meets the specific fire and safety standards required by the National Exhibition Centre and similar large venues across the UK. If you're exhibiting at a major venue, this isn't just a nice-to-have; it's often a contractual requirement.
Choose NEC-approved products if you're booked into a large venue with strict fire safety regulations, rather than risk your stand being flagged during a compliance check.
How to Apply Adhesive Hook and Loop for a Lasting Hold
Getting the best results from adhesive hook and loop products comes down to preparation as much as the product itself:
- Clean the surface thoroughly. Dust, grease, or moisture will all weaken the bond before it's even had a chance.
- Apply firm, even pressure. Press down for at least 10–15 seconds to activate the adhesive properly.
- Leave it to cure. For maximum strength, avoid load-bearing use for the first 24 hours where possible.
- Match the format to the surface. Uneven or curved surfaces often work better with dots or coins rather than long tape strips.
Where Do People Use Hook and Loop Fasteners?
The range of applications is genuinely broad, which is part of why hook and loop fasteners have stuck around (sorry) for so long:
- Exhibition stands and trade show displays
- Workwear, uniforms, and costume design
- Cable management in offices, studios, and server rooms
- Signage and point-of-sale display mounting
- Automotive interior fittings
- Craft projects and home repairs
Get Fastening With Indigo Supplies
Hook and loop fasteners are one of those everyday solutions that quietly make life easier, whether you're managing a tangle of cables, building an exhibition stand, or fixing a strap on a bag. The trick is choosing the right format and grade for the job, rather than reaching for whatever's at the back of the drawer.
Indigo Supplies has stocked industrial materials since 1998, and our award-winning Rip 'n' Grip hook and loop range covers tape, squares, dots, coins, cable ties, and specialist exhibition and NEC-approved grades. Found it cheaper elsewhere? Give us a call and we'll do our best to beat it.
Browse the full hook and loop fastener collection today, or call our team on 01268 768 768 if you're not sure which format suits your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does hook and loop tape cost?
Pricing varies by format and length, with adhesive tape starting from around £6.33 depending on size and quantity. Coins, squares, and cable ties are priced separately based on pack size.
How long does hook and loop tape last?
Standard hook and loop tape can be reused hundreds of times before the grip weakens. Exhibition grade products are built to withstand even more frequent setup and takedown cycles.
Is sew-on or adhesive hook and loop better for fabric?
Sew-on tends to hold up better on fabric that's washed or handled frequently, since adhesive can degrade over repeated washing. Iron-on offers a quicker middle-ground option for lighter use.
Can hook and loop fasteners hold heavy items?
Yes, particularly coins and high-tack adhesive tape, though the exact weight limit depends on the surface and format used. For heavier loads, consider pairing with a stronger adhesive backing or additional fixing points.
What's the difference between exhibition grade and standard hook and loop?
Exhibition grade is designed for repeated, frequent setup and breakdown without losing adhesion, while standard grade suits more occasional or permanent use.