Hook-and-loop fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners or touch fasteners (often referred to by the genericized trademark velcro, which was the original name it was given by the inventor), are a method for allowing two surfaces to be repeatedly fastened and unfastened, useful for clothing or other purposes. The fastener consists of two components: typically, two lineal fabric strips (or, alternatively, smaller segments) which are attached (sewn or otherwise adhered) to the opposing surfaces designed to be fastened together. The first component features tiny hooks and the second component features smaller loops; When the two are pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops and the two pieces fasten or bind temporarily. When separated, which can be done by pulling or peeling the two surfaces apart, the strips make a distinctive ripping sound.