The development of the zipper was a long time coming, with the first credited design being made in 1851, with the slightly less sexy name "The Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure." The zipper we know today was invented properly in 1917, and the name came from an advertising executive, trying to use them on gumboots with the phrase 'Zip'er up'. In the years to come, the humble zipper would be criticised by many religious leaders, as it made it too easy for women to take their clothes off.
It's easy for them to criticise, it's not like robes have to contend with zippers on a day to day basis!