A Quick History of Fastenings
To understand why a zipper in Westeros or Middle-earth feels so wrong, we have to appreciate just how modern it is. While an early concept for a “continuous clothing closure” was patented by Elias Howe in 1851, it went nowhere. The precursor to the modern zipper,
a clunky hook-and-eye device, debuted at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. It wasn't until 1913 that engineer Gideon Sundback created the interlocking teeth system we'd recognize today, patenting his “Separable Fastener” in 1917. Even then, its first uses were for boots and tobacco pouches. The fashion world didn't truly embrace the zipper until the late 1930s, when it began to replace buttons on trousers and dresses. So, when you see one on a character in a setting based on anything before the 20th century, it’s as out of place as a smartphone at a Roman banquet.
The Psychology of Broken Immersion
The problem isn't just about historical pedantry; it's about the psychology of storytelling. When we watch a historical drama or a high-fantasy series, we enter into an unspoken contract with the creators. We agree to suspend our disbelief, and in return, they promise to build a consistent, believable world. An anachronism like a zipper is a breach of that contract. It’s a technical glitch that pulls us out of the narrative and reminds us that we’re watching actors on a set. The human brain is wired to spot things that don't belong. That jarring flash of modernity creates a moment of cognitive dissonance, forcing the viewer to reconcile the fictional world with the real-world object. In that split second, the illusion of a dragon-filled sky or a Victorian ballroom shatters, and the magic is lost.
But Does It Really Matter?
Some argue that in a world with magic and mythical creatures, complaining about a zipper is absurd. After all, fantasy isn’t a documentary. Furthermore, costume designers often work under immense pressure, dealing with tight budgets and the need for quick costume changes that zippers facilitate. An actor might have only seconds to get out of one elaborate gown and into another, a feat made nearly impossible with a row of period-accurate hooks or laces. However, the best productions find clever ways to hide these modern conveniences. Zippers can be concealed beneath a placket or a seam, preserving the external silhouette. The argument isn't for 100% historical accuracy in every aspect—it's for maintaining the internal logic of the world. If a story asks you to believe in a talking direwolf, it must do everything possible to ensure you're not distracted by a misplaced fastening.
The Telltale Teeth in Pop Culture
Eagle-eyed fans have become adept at spotting these costume blunders, and online forums are filled with screenshots. From zippers peeking out of the back of gowns in medieval-inspired shows to suspiciously modern-looking boot closures, these mistakes get noticed. Sometimes it’s a subtle seam on a character’s back; other times it's a fully exposed zipper pull in a close-up. While many productions go to great lengths to ensure accuracy, these small slip-ups serve as a constant reminder of the challenges of world-building. They underscore how every single element, no matter how small, contributes to the overall believability of a production. The less the audience has to consciously ignore, the deeper they can sink into the story.
