Zipper Types and Prices – Metal, Nylon, Molded Plastic & Invisible Zippers

How to Choose the Right Zipper

The right zipper is not chosen by colour or length alone. A zipper must match the product’s opening function, fabric structure, expected use, tooth profile, tape width, slider type and end construction.

A jacket that needs to open fully at the front requires an open-end separating zipper. A trouser fly, skirt closure, dress back, wallet compartment or pocket usually requires a closed-end zipper. A long parka may benefit from a two-way zipper, while a tent, tarpaulin or custom bag project may require continuous zipper chain cut to the exact length needed.

Use this simple selection order before purchasing:

1. Identify the application: jacket, trousers, dress, wallet, bag, tent, tarpaulin or technical textile.
2. Choose the end type: open-end, closed-end, two-way, reversible or continuous chain.
3. Select the tooth construction: nylon coil, molded plastic, nickel, invisible or coated water-repellent structure.
4. Measure the real closure line: do not estimate zipper length from the total garment or bag size.
5. Check the slider system: the slider must match the exact zipper type, tooth construction and intended use.

Zipper Categories by Application

Jacket, Coat, Parka and Vest Zippers

Jacket Zippers are designed for jackets, coats, parkas, vests, hoodies, sweatshirts and other front-opening outerwear. Most outerwear front closures require an open-end separating zipper, which allows the two zipper tapes to detach completely at the lower end.

Jacket zipper selection should consider the garment length, fabric thickness, tooth visibility, intended weather exposure, slider arrangement and whether lower opening is needed for sitting or movement.

• Nylon Coil Jacket Zippers are suitable for flexible, lightweight and everyday outerwear applications such as hoodies, sweatshirts, vests, children’s jackets and casual coats.
• Antique Brass Jacket Zippers can suit denim jackets, workwear-inspired garments, vintage outerwear and designs where the zipper should remain visually noticeable.
• Molded Plastic Jacket Zippers provide a more structured and visible tooth profile for jackets, parkas, bags, sportswear and outerwear designs.
• Water-Repellent Jacket Zippers can help reduce direct water entry along the zipper line in rainwear, softshell garments, parkas and technical outerwear.

Trousers, Skirts and Dress Zippers

Pants, Skirts and Dress Zippers are primarily used in products where the lower end of the zipper remains fixed. These include trousers, jeans, skirts, dresses, tunics, eveningwear, children’s garments, pillow covers and selected home textile products.

For these products, the zipper is usually closed-end. The zipper does not separate at the bottom because the garment or accessory opening remains connected by the lower stop.

• Nickel Zippers can be selected when a visible metallic tooth detail is desired for trousers, denim, skirts, bags or fashion-led accessories.
• Invisible nylon zippers are appropriate for dresses, skirts, eveningwear, tunics and projects where the zipper should remain visually discreet after installation.

Wallet, Bag, Pouch and Organiser Zippers

Wallet Zippers are suitable for compact closures in wallets, card holders, pouches, cosmetic bags, organisers, pencil cases, inner bag compartments and small textile accessories.

When selecting a wallet zipper, check the required opening length, material thickness, lining structure, tape width, slider size and how frequently the compartment will be opened. A zipper that is too large can make a compact product look bulky, while a zipper that is too light may not suit thick leather, coated fabric or heavy bag construction.

Continuous Zipper Chain for Tents, Tarpaulins and Custom Lengths

Continuous Zipper Chain, also called zipper tape by the metre, is supplied as an uncut zipper chain rather than a finished zipper in a fixed length. It is useful for tents, tarpaulins, awnings, covers, outdoor equipment, bags, cases, upholstery, storage products and custom textile production.

Continuous zipper chain must be planned as a system. The chain is cut according to the actual closure line, then completed with compatible sliders, stops, sewn ends or project-specific finishing components.

For tarpaulins, tents and flexible textile covers, nylon coil chain can provide a flexible closure line. For products requiring a more visible and structured tooth profile, molded plastic zipper chain may be more suitable. PU- or TPU-coated zipper chain can be considered where the zipper line may be exposed to rain, splash or outdoor moisture.

Specialty Zippers

Specialty Zippers cover zipper systems designed for non-standard applications, special garment constructions, unusual access requirements and selected design-led projects.

Before choosing a specialty zipper, confirm the closure shape, zipper length, tape width, slider direction, garment construction and whether the product requires a standard straight opening, a curved line or a wraparound access system.

Zipper Parts, Sliders and Pulls

Zipper Parts & Accessories and Zipper Pulls and Pullers are used for zipper repair, replacement, product development and design customisation.

A slider is the functional part that joins and separates zipper teeth. A zipper pull or puller improves grip and can change the visual style of the finished product. The puller alone does not determine compatibility; the slider must match the exact zipper size, tooth system and channel structure.

Discounted and Assorted Zipper Options

Discounted Zippers & Assorted Zipper Options may include different zipper types, lengths, colours and constructions offered under campaign conditions. This category should be used as a value-shopping area after confirming the exact application, end type, length and construction required for the project.

An assorted or discounted zipper is not automatically interchangeable with another zipper of a similar length. Check the zipper type, end construction, tooth style, tape colour, slider system and intended application before ordering.

Open-End, Closed-End and Two-Way Zippers

Nylon, Molded Plastic, Nickel and Invisible Zippers

Does a Water-Repellent Zipper Make the Product Waterproof?

No. A water-repellent zipper can help reduce direct water entry along the zipper line, but it does not make the entire jacket, bag, tent or textile product fully waterproof by itself.

Overall water performance depends on the main fabric, seam construction, needle holes, seam sealing, zipper-end finishing, lining, flap design and the complete product assembly. Choose a coated zipper as part of a full weather-protection design rather than as the only protection element.

Ready-Made Zipper or Continuous Zipper Chain?

A ready-made zipper is supplied in a fixed length with its end construction already prepared. It is practical for jackets, trousers, skirts, dresses, pockets, wallets, bags and standard garment applications.

Continuous zipper chain is better suited to workshops and projects that require custom lengths. It is especially useful for tarpaulins, tents, awnings, covers, bags, upholstery, long storage products and production lines where one project needs several different zipper lengths.

When ordering continuous chain, plan the required chain length, compatible sliders, end stops, sample allowance, cutting allowance and the final installation method together.

How to Measure Zipper Length

Measure the actual closure line rather than estimating from the overall garment or bag size. For zipper replacement, measure the existing zipper while closed.

• Open-end jacket zipper: Measure from the top stop to the bottom starter box.
• Closed-end zipper: Measure from the top stop to the bottom stop.
• Invisible zipper: Consider the usable closure length and the sewing start/end points in the garment construction.
• Continuous zipper chain: Measure the real sewing route and add allowance for testing, cutting and end finishing.

Why Slider Compatibility Matters

The slider is the part that joins and separates the zipper teeth. A slider must match the exact zipper size, tooth construction, chain profile and intended opening direction.

Using a visually similar but incompatible slider can cause uneven closure, resistance, tooth separation, zipper opening under load or premature damage. This is especially important when working with continuous zipper chain, coated zipper tape, molded plastic chain and repair projects.

• Match the slider with the correct zipper size and tooth construction.
• Check whether the product needs a single slider, double pull slider or two-way system.
• Confirm the slider direction before installing it on zipper chain.
• Use a compatible slider for coated water-repellent zipper systems.
• Test slider movement with the actual zipper tape before full production or final sewing.

Common Zipper Selection Mistakes

• Using a closed-end zipper for the front of a jacket or coat that must open completely.
• Using an open-end zipper for trousers, skirts, dresses, wallets or fixed pocket closures.
• Choosing a zipper only by colour or length without checking end construction.
• Ignoring fabric thickness and seam construction when selecting tooth size.
• Using an invisible zipper where a visible heavy-duty zipper profile is required.
• Assuming a coated zipper makes the complete product waterproof.
• Using continuous zipper chain without planning compatible sliders, stops and finishing components.
• Replacing a slider without confirming the exact tooth-system compatibility.
• Starting production without testing the zipper on the actual fabric, lining and seam construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which zipper should I use for a jacket or coat?

Use an open-end separating zipper when the jacket, coat, parka or vest front needs to open completely. Choose nylon coil for flexibility, molded plastic for more visible structured teeth, antique brass for a metallic design effect or water-repellent construction for weather-exposed outerwear.

Which zipper is suitable for trousers and skirts?

Trousers, skirts and dresses usually require a closed-end zipper. Nylon coil, invisible zippers and nickel zippers can be selected according to the fabric, desired appearance and garment construction.

What is the difference between nylon coil and molded plastic zippers?

Nylon coil zippers have flexible coil teeth and create a lighter, softer closure line. Molded plastic zippers use structured plastic teeth and create a more visible, stronger zipper profile.

When should I use an invisible zipper?

Use an invisible zipper for dresses, skirts, eveningwear, tunics, cushions and textile products where the zipper should remain discreet after installation.

What is continuous zipper chain used for?

Continuous zipper chain is used for custom-length closures in tents, tarpaulins, awnings, bags, covers, cases, upholstery, storage products and technical textile projects.

Does a water-repellent zipper make a jacket fully waterproof?

No. A water-repellent zipper helps reduce direct water entry through the zipper line. Full water performance also depends on fabric, seams, needle holes, seam sealing, zipper-end finishing and complete garment construction.

How do I measure zipper length correctly?

Measure the actual zipper closure line. For an open-end zipper, measure from the top stop to the starter box. For a closed-end zipper, measure from the top stop to the bottom stop.

How do I choose a zipper slider?

Choose a slider that matches the zipper size, tooth construction, chain profile and intended opening direction. Slider compatibility is essential for smooth closing and reliable zipper performance.

Can I use a jacket zipper for a bag or wallet?

Only when the zipper length, end type, tooth size, tape width and slider system suit the bag or wallet construction. A long open-end jacket zipper is not automatically suitable for a short fixed bag or wallet closure.