1823 Waterproof cloth is invented by Mackintosh, a Scotsman. The safety pin is invented by Walter Hunt, an American. The home sewing machine is patented by Isaac Singer, an American. Jeans are made by Levi Straus, an American. The zipper, first used to fasten shoes, is patented by the American Whitcomb Jackson.
Asian pajamas replace nightshirts in Europe.
1917 Keds produces the tennis shoe. 1927 Synthetic fibers are made by combining coal and petroleum. 1930 American women wear trousers for golf and horseback riding. Polyurethane is developed and used for stretch cloth. 1940 Nylon stockings are sold in America.