12 Different Types of Zippers Used in the Apparel Industry

A zipper is a device of clothing that is used to bind two fabric parts together, an important part of a cloth or bag. A zipper is used in a product of the apparel industry as an important trims though it is a very small part in size, and functionally zipper is a very critical part of the cloth. There are many different types of zippers found in the apparel industry. Here is a discussion about 12 different types of zippers; these 12 will cover almost all types of zippers used in the apparel industry.

A zipper, zip fastener, formerly referred to as a clasp locker. A zipper is a device used to open and close parts of clothes and bags. It is used in clothing jackets and jeans, bags, and other items. It may be utilized for functional or decorative purposes. It can be specific in types and sizes. The function of 1 zipper is different from another.

12 Different Types of Zippers You Should Know

There are 12 types of zippers that are used in the Apparel industry are mentioned below:

  1. Concealed zipper
  2. Continuous zipper
  3. Coil zipper
  4. Molded Plastic zipper
  5. Metal zipper
  6. Waterproof zipper
  7. Exposed zipper
  8. Separable zipper
  9. Non-separable zipper
  10. Two-way zipper
  11. Fly zipper
  12. Lapped zipper
Concealed zipper- Invisible Zipper
Concealed zipper ( Invisible Zipper)

Detailed explanation, technical details, and uses of 12 Different Types of Zippers Used in the Apparel Industry in the following:

Concealed zipper

The concealed zipper is an invisible zipper where the teeth component is not visible from the inside or top side. It doesn’t cover the design of the garments. So it is a suitable zipper for different ladies’ dresses, frocks, and skirts. This is a kind of zipper that looks nearly invisible when implemented on a seam, except for its small, slim pull. They are flexible and strong. Use an invisible zipper foot to insert. Use in skirts, blouses, dresses; anywhere you want an invisible closure with a clean finish.

Continuous zipper
Continuous zipper

Continuous zipper

It is a widely used zipper in garments around the world. These are used for long coats or dresses. But especially used for large suitcases. The Zipper is spooling continuously without pulling the slider, which is called a continuous zipper. A continuous zipper is a little different. These zippers no longer have a beginning or an endpoint. Continuous zippers are generally sewn into a project at both ends, like on a bag, tent, or cushion, anywhere that you need a zipper longer than average.

Coil zipper

A coil zipper is also known as a nylon coil zipper. It is a type of zipper whose components are made from coiled monofilament, which is traditionally nylon. The coil is sewn on zipper tape to create the final product. The nylon zipper is very soft in hand feel and is used in formal dresses, jackets, and bags.

The coil is sewn to a zip tape to make the final product. The sliders can be fixed in either direction of the zipper chain, and they’ll still function smoothly. This versatile zipper may be used in everything from clothing garments to luggage or wearing goods to automobiles.

Different Types of Zipper
Plastic Zipper

Molded Plastic zipper

Molded plastic jacket zippers are lightweight and are flexible, matching the color of the teeth, tape, and slider. Plastic zippers are perfect for outdoor, sports, and casual wear. Molded plastic zippers are available in different tooth sizes and lengths. This is a plastic zipper made through plastic injection molding, which is why called a molded injection zipper.

Metal zipper

The metal zipper is the oldest type of functional zipper. Metal zippers are mainly made of brass, nickel, and aluminum, and due to their durability, they are mostly used in jeans, denim pants, denim jackets, workwear, heavy luggage, and heavy-duty clothing.

A metallic zipper consists of two rows of protruding teeth fabricated from metal. The metal teeth may be made of Brass, Aluminum, or Nickel, and they may be designed to interlock like clasped hands.

Waterproof zipper

Waterproof zippers are made of nylon, which maintains a high-density element to protect against water. These zippers are usually used to protect garment products from rainwater. We see the use of these in the case of raincoats, rain jackets, waterproof bags, tents, etc. These are best for the usage of tents, outside gear, etc. These are sturdy, climate-proof zippers with the purpose of surviving all rough weather.

Exposed zipper

Exposed zippers are zippers that sit right on top of dresses, and they can also highlight a casual outfit.

Separable zipper

Separate zippers are zippers with two completely separate units of stringer that have a bottom assembly to attach to each other, and they can work as a single unit. Separating zippers are designed for jackets, coats, hoodies, sweatshirts, and any makes use of where the zipper wishes to split completely. They feature a pin and a box at the bottom, which allows the zipper to separate and come together with ease.

Non-separable zipper

The bottoms of these zippers are closed with a stopper so that they do not become detached. It is used in clothing, pants, pillows, seat cushions, skirts, etc. Those zippers that don’t separate at the bottom; they have a stopper at the lowest end preventing the pull from going in addition and separating.

Two-way zipper

These types of zippers can be closed or opened in two opposite directions at the same time. It is also called a double or dual zipper. These can be made of metal, plastic, or nylon. A two-way zipper, also called a double or a dua,l is a zipper comprised of plastic or metal that can be closed or opened in two opposite directions at the same time. The stops can be located at any point along the zipper, but they’re generally discovered at the ends, particularly in items like bags and luggage. For clothing, way zippers are typically incorporated into pieces that have long closures.

Fly zipper

The zipper fly is more commonly used in ready-to-wear clothing. It is mostly used in the case of pants. The area of pants used for the zipper is fly, which is why this is called a fly zipper.

Lapped zipper

The zipper is covered with fabric by the clever use of sewing in a certain way so that the zipper does not visible from the outside.

Bag zipper:

These zippers are coil zippers that have a non-lock slider/pull, generally mainly transparent, made of polyethylene or comparable plastic, which may be sealed and opened many times by a slider that works in a comparable way to a zipper fastener.

Final Thought

We have covered all 12 types of zippers used in the garment manufacturing process. Zipper playing important role in the clothing process. Its functioning part.