ZIPPERS - Types and Uses

For those who are new to the world of zippers, there are 4 important pieces of information you need to know to find your perfect zipper. The guide below walks you through all of the information you should consider to find your specific zipper.

1. Type of Zipper Teeth

Coil Zippers

These are the most common type of zippers. They used to be made from nylon and are still commonly referred to as nylon coil zippers even though now they are typically made from polyester. Coil zippers are lightweight, heat resistant, and rustproof.

Metal Zippers

They have two lines of metal teeth which can be made from metal (aluminum, nickel, or brass) and a low-profile slider so the covering flap can lay smoothly. They are most commonly found on jeans.

Plastic Molded Zippers

Same as metal zippers except the teeth have been molded out of plastic.

Invisible Zippers

Most often used in dresses and skirts. The coil on an invisible zipper is located on the back side of the zipper and will not be visible from the front of a garment after the zipper has been installed. Invisible zippers are usually coil zippers with a tear drop pull.

2. Type of Ending and Uses

Closed End

The sides of a closed-end zipper are closed together at one end to keep the zipper sides from separating. Closed-end zippers are commonly used in skirts and pants. The closed-end zipper is often attached to the front, back or left side seam of the garment.

Open-End -or Separating Zipper

Separating zippers have a pin and box at the bottom, allowing the zipper to separate fully into 2 pieces. There are many type of clothing that requires this kind of zippers: sweet hoods, cardigans, jackets, coats and any kind of outwear; also skirts, bags and shoes.

Two-way Separator

It comes completely apart with two pulls on it (one zips up from the bottom). This type of zippers is good for long tops such as jackets and cardigans.

Double Slider -X and O form

It could be opened either from the tops to the centre or from the centre to the tops, depending on the uses. These zippers are mainly designed for accessories such as purses, handbags and totes.

3. Zipper Size

The gauge in a zipper’s title refer to the width of the chain. For example a nr3 zipper will have a chain that measures 3mm, and a nr5 zipper’s chain will measure 5mm. If you look closely at the back of a zipper slider you should be able to see this number.

4. Measures and lengths.

Zippers are measured from the top stop to the bottom stop. The extra tape is not counted when measuring a zipper.

Zippers come in a variety of lengths but there still may be times when you would like toshorten a zipper. An easy way to do this is by stitching over the coils a few times where you want the new stop to be.

Zipper Structure