Types of Zippers

Choosing the right zipper for your garment or project can be tricky. There are a lot of options available from tooth size to slider functionality and color, but one of the most important factors is the material your zipper is made from. Nylon zippers are the best choice for curved seams and can tolerate horizontal stress better than metal or polyester. They also tend to be cheaper than some of the higher end choices like molded plastic and invisible.

Coil Zipper
Nylon coil zippers (also referred to as nylon coil) are the most common and flexible of all zipper types. They have spiral plastic teeth that are sewn to zipper tape and come in open-end and closed-end versions—perfect for coats and jackets (open end) or great for craft projects like duffel bags, purses, and luggage (closed end). They are available in a wide variety of colors, tooth sizes, lengths, and styles to match the look of your project perfectly.

Molded Plastic Zipper
molded plastic zippers are the most common in  work well for outdoor, kid's, or casual clothing. These are also commonly used in formal dresses and other garments where a hidden zipper is preferred. They are much lighter than coil zippers and have a stronger horizontal pull strength against separation but they do not have the same flexibility as nylon coil. This makes them a good choice for heavier fabrics that are not prone to overstuffing and thicker materials like pillows or duvet covers.