Zipping It Up: Learning the Varied Types of Zippers and Closures

In dressmaking and sewing, zippers are very important.technology to manufacture such types. These types
Zippers are types of fasteners or closures widelyof metal zippers are mostly used in work-wear, high
used in joining two edges of fabric. They are also usedgrade jeans wear, and others where high strength,
for clothing, bags, luggage, sporting goods, and textiles.durability, and the ability to withstand tough washing is
A zipper is composed of two different strips of fabricrequired.
tape. Each strip is attached to a piece from the twoPlastic-molded Zippers
parts to be joined. It carries tens or even hundreds ofThese types are the same with the metal zippers but
specially designed plastic or metal teeth. Operated byits teeth are plastic. These zippers can be
hand, the slider moves along the teeth of the slide.manufactured in varied colors of plastic and commonly
Inside the slider, there is a Y-shaped channel thatuse polyacetal or polyethylene resin.
separates or joins the opposing rows of teeth.Open-ended zippers
Romina Abrigo Editor of the "Sewing MachineThese zippers use a particular mechanism called a
Reviews" website -- -- pointed out;box and pin to securely lock in place the two sides of
"…There are different types of zippers which arethe zipper. These are mostly found in jackets.
categorized according to their uses, some are moreClosed-ended zippers
common…" Added Romina AbrigoThese are the types of zippers where both its ends
Coil Zippersare close. These are commonly used in baggage.
These are the most common types of zippers usedWhat is a Hook and Eye Closure?
worldwide. The slider of the zipper runs on twoAnother type of fastener is called the hook and eye
different coils on both sides. The teeth of these typesclosure. This is commonly used on undergarments like
of zippers are the coils. Additionally, there are twobrassieres. The hook and eye closure is very easy to
basic types of coils that are used. The first one hassew in because of its design which makes it easy to
coils in a spiral form, normally with its cord running insidehandle. This closure can be efficiently used in wide
the coils. The second one is the ladder form called thevarieties of garments, and comes in a wide variety of
Ruhrmann type. This is used in specific parts of thesizes and colors.
world, particularly in South Asia. Coil zippers areThe hook and eye is made from metal. It consists of
generally made of polyester coils, which is why theytwo basic parts, the metal hoop and the eye loop
are also called polyester zippers.where the metal hook slips through. Once it has slipped
Invisible Zippersthrough, the eye loop then firmly holds the hook and
The teeth of these types of zippers are placed behindeye closure together. What makes this closure tightly
the tape. The color of the tape matches with the colorsecured is the pulling of the two sides against each
of the garments. The zipper is virtually invisible, exceptother. Brassieres, corsets, and snug dresses use the
the slider. These types are common in dresses andvery small hook and eye closure while the larger ones
skirts and are mostly polyester.are ideal for jackets, cloaks, or shirts.
Metallic ZippersButtons
These are the most classic types of zippers found inButtons are also another type of closure. Used in
jeans today. Its teeth aren't coil but rather individualfashion design and clothing, buttons are those small
pieces of metal that have been molded into shapedisc-shaped objects that are usually attached to a part
before set on regular intervals on the zipper tape.of a clothing to secure an opening. Buttons are
Metal zippers can be made from aluminum, brass, ormanufactured in a broad variety of materials that
nickel, depending on the type of metal used in makinginclude natural materials like wood, vegetable ivory,
the teeth. All the metal zippers are made basicallyshells, bones, or horns. There are also some made
from flat wire.from synthetic materials such as plastic, metal, glass or
There are also some specialized metal zippers thatcelluloid.
are made from heavy duty pre-formed wires, usually"In any dressmaking or sewing, keep closures handy.
brass. However, only few companies have the