11 Types of Zippers & a guide to different parts
of a zipper
Dependable, reliable,
quality zippers are worth their weight in gold. They can make or break a
garment or accessory.
When choosing the
appropriate zipper for your particular project you will have to look at many
factors like length of the seam, design and type of fabric. You can check out
the posts – 3 different
ways for attaching zippers and how to attach exposed
zippers for
more details on how to attach them to fabric
Anatomy of a zipper
1. Teeth – This is
the central part of a zipper- The track of the zipper which can be of plastic
or metal. The zipper is opened or closed by means of this teeth
2. Tape – This is the fabric on either side of the zipper teeth. It is usually made of polyester. This is stitched to the fabric to attach the zipper
3. Pull and slider – This is the metal/plastic piece which opens and closes the zipper teeth by moving along the teeth track. The pull is used to move the slider
4. Stopper – this is the metal thing at the edge of the zipper teeth which stops the zipper teeth from separating fully. There are stoppers on top of the teeth and at the bottom
( For a separating zipper, instead of a bottom stopper there is a box and pin mechanism which closes the zipper and slides it open)
Types of zippers
1 Closed end zipper
These are zippers that do
not separate at the bottom; they have a stopper at the bottom end stopping the
pull going further and separating.
2 Separating zippers
This zipper has both ends
open with one slider – they have a lock (a box and pin mechanism) at the bottom
which can be used to attach the zipper teeth. You can use this type of zippers
on jackets jackets, construction clothing, coats, sweatshirts, hoodies,
blouses, vests where the whole two parts have to be opened. They usually come
in long lengths. These zippers are also called open ended zippers
3 Two way separating zippers
These are also called
dual zippers, double zippers, or two-head zippers. They have two sliders/
pulls. When the zipper is installed, the bottom slider can move up the teeth of
the zipper, unzipping the lower portion of the zipper. They are great when used
on jackets. You also see them on luggage
4 Continuous zipper chain
These are extra-long
zippers which you can cut in any length you want – they are as long as 100 –
300 plus inches long. The extra-long zipper chains are used for tents, cushions,
garment bags, mattress covers etc or anywhere that you want that needs longer
than average zippers.
According to the type of
material with which the zippers are made they are classified as follows
5 Nylon coil zippers
These are thin zippers
made of plastic with polyester sides. They are very lightweight and are
available as separating or closed or two way separating and in different
lengths
6 Metal teeth zippers.
These come in many
lengths and in many makes. The short zippers used on jeans has a shiny
gold/brass finish. They are available in 4 -9 inch lengths then there are aluminum
zippers. These are heavy duty heavy gauge zippers. Nickel ones have a shiny
silver finish and is more durable than aluminum ones
7 Molded plastic zippers
These plastic zippers are
also called parka zippers and look almost like metal zippers. These are used on
jackets, Parkas, bath robes, coats, hoodies, sweaters, sportswear, fleece jackets
etc. They look very attractive and at the same time are lightweight, heat
resistant and rust proof.
According to the use to
which they are put to, the zippers are classified as
8 Pant Zippers
These are short nylon
coil zippers; also called pants zippers in my part of the world – because this
is the type of zippers used on a pant fly. They are made of plastic with
polyester sides. You can use them on skirts, pillows, purses and blouse backs.
They usually have a stopper at the bottom to prevent them from getting
separated. If you have a zipper in which you have cut out this stopper you will
have to manually sew the zipper teeth together to prevent them separating.
9 Invisible zippers
This is a type of zipper
which looks almost invisible when applied on a seam except for its small narrow
pull. An invisible zipper foot is generally used. You can sew this with a
zipper foot as well. You can use this on the back of dresses and the side seams
of tight fitting dresses, skirts etc. And it will look almost as if there is no
zipper there, just a seam.
10 Bag zippers
These zippers are coil
zippers which has a non-lock slider/pull. These zippers do not separate at the
bottom. These are available at a lengths of 9 inches and 14 inches
11 Water repellant
zippers
These are best for using
on tents, outdoor gear etc. These are sturdy weather proof zippers which will
survive all rough weather
