Zippers are available in different types and there are times when shopping for one can be a confusing and daunting task with a lot of options to choose from.
One of the fastest and easiest ways to distinguish zippers is by studying their teeth and the specific material they are made of. Below, you will learn more about these different types and where each type is usually applied to.
Invisible Zippers
Invisible zippers are technically still nylon coil zippers that are considered a special mention because of their unique functionality and design.
There are manufacturing methods for invisible zippers. The first is by sewing pleats of the zipper tape on the seam of a garment, usually a skirt or a dress. It creates a clean finish with the zipper categorized as a true invisible zipper. Some of its common applications are on apparel items for the ladies such as skirts, dresses, and blouses.
Another way is by reversing a nylon coil zipper for it to have a backward orientation that gives it an invisible appearance from the outside. This type of zipper is typically used when there is a need for a bigger gauge that a true invisible zipper cannot manage, and is known as an invisible identical zipper. Even if it is a bit uncommon, this is a type of zipper that you can find on luggage as well as apparels.
Metal zippers could be made with various kinds of metal and are also available in different gauge sizes. The most common metals used for making these zippers are gunmetal, aluminum, antique nickel and nickel, and brass with its antique variety.
The most common reasons why metal zippers are used are based on aesthetics and fashion, with the zipper completing the apparel’s overall look. A good example of this is jeans that are almost exclusively characterized by the relatively large gauge metal zipper.
The metal zippers are usually found on overalls, handbags, and as stated above, jeans and denim. Some metal zippers go through a special processing to create shining and smooth finish and are called luxury zippers.
With these zippers, the elements or teeth are crafted from coiled nylon monofilament. Even though polyesters are more commonly used instead of nylons these days, the name nylon coil zippers remained. The coil gets sewn on the zipper tape to create the final product.
Due to their versatility and durability, nylon coil zippers are the number one choice among the other types, and can be used in anything from luggage and garments to sporting equipment as well automobiles. But due to its durability, this is mainly used in luggage and outdoor apparels such as tents and other apparels for camping, suitcases, and backpacks.
Based from their name, the elements or teeth of this zipper are made using high-performance resin, like acetal polymer that extruded, molded then injected individually on the tapes.
These are often found on handbags and apparels. Due to the ability of the plastic to be dyed to match the colors of the garment, plastic molded zippers are normally chosen for aesthetics purposes.
By knowing more about zipper teeth materials, you will now find it easier to shop for zippers by the yard.
