When it comes to choosing a zipper, you can sometimes become confused about a number of things, for example, what brand to go with, what color, length, type etc. It’s certain that you would want the zipper to be trendy, match-y, durable and of good quality. So how do you make a good choice and ensure this quality in a zipper? Well, regardless of the type of project you are working on, here are some useful tips:
1. Type of Project and Where to Purchase Zippers
Always, the first thing to consider when choosing a zipper is the type of project[1] you are working on. The zipper could be for a top, covers, pillows, luggage, shoes, tents, bags etc. When you have selected a zipper for your project, know where to find them, as it can be better to see the variations and the options in person instead of online, lowering the chance of being overwhelmed.
Zipper Size
To choose the best zipper, you have to know the size you want to work with. The guiding questions you should ask and research before deciding on any zipper should include what is the best zipper for my specific project? What are the different types? Sizes? Styles? The reason behind these questions is to help you narrow your search to the right zipper for your project or outfit.
Know a good zipper manufacturer
Know a good zipper manufacturer that produces different sizes, styles, types and qualities. This will give you a wider selection in choosing the right zipper required for your work.
Teeth
Another important tip in narrowing down your zipper selection is by taking note of the type of teeth that the zipper has. The type of teeth will depend on the type of project you are working on and if such project or outfit requires zippers with larger or smaller teeth. You also have to be sure of how well the manufacturer makes the different types of zipper teeth; some manufacturers can make invisible teeth zippers while some can make large teeth zippers; some others can make them both well.
Types of Zippers
The two main types of zippers are Coil and Vislon.
Coil Zippers
Made of spiral plastic elements like nylon and polyester, this is a very popular zipper and is a favorite for designers when making purses, luggage, apparel garments and even sporting goods because of its versatility and usability in most projects. This type of zipper is available in sizes #4.5, #5, and #10 sizes.[2]
Vislon Zippers
Made of injected plastic, vision zippers are lighter than most metal zippers and are practically waterproof. This makes it a favourite for apparel, automobile cover tarps, boat covers, and other products that must tolerate diverse weather conditions. It is available in sizes #5 and #10.
Final Thoughts
No matter what zipper you choose for your project, the most important step is research—always do your research beforehand. That way, you can walk into a fabric store and are confident about what zipper you want or what specific questions you want to ask about zippers. That said, hopefully this guide has helped you in finding the perfect zipper for your project. Featured photo credit: Liam Byrnes via liambyrnes.com
