Different projects ranging from fashion wears, boat coverings, traveling luggage bags, pillows and anything we can think in the fashion world uses zippers. Every entrepreneur in the fashion world sector could tell how overwhelming it is making a choice of zipper for a project which is one of the most important choices to make. There are different questions to ask about the different types of materials needed to get a finished project in the fashion industry if the desired success must be met.
Here are a few tips for entrepreneurs in the fashion world to guarantee perfect project completion and take lead in the fashion industry among competitors.
Let’s discuss these guides below:
ZIPPER SELECTION
The choice of zipper sometimes become so overwhelming that one can hardly tell which is suitable for a particular project from the numerous ones available in zipper shops. The best choice left is contacting zipper manufacturers or providers with perfect knowledge of zippers to avoid a wrong selection. It is very important to know that different sizes of zippers, shapes, length and material make-up suits different fashion projects and much knowledge about them is required.
While a fashion entrepreneur may neglect this very aspect of their project, the market out there won’t. In fact, this is a very special aspect every buyer pays much attention to while desiring to buy any fashion material because one way or the other, they may have witnessed a failed zipper on their most adorable gown wear, jean trouser, travel luggage, pillows, jackets, shoes, boat covers and so on. What happen next? They become very careful when a new one is desired. If nothing else would be considered for their next choice, the zipper size and material make-up definitely would be. Can you see why this is very important?
Now let us consider the different types, sizes, styles, shapes make-up of zippers.
1. Types of zippers
There are two main categories of zippers in the market, the Coil and Chain Zipper.
Coil zippers
These zippers are commonly called nylon zipper since they are made from nylon. Not only is this zippers durable, they are also lesser in prizes possessing self-healing power which guarantee their ability to return to their original shape when handled wrongly. These zippers should be a great choice for luggage manufacturers because of this self-sustaining ability.
Also, their teeth are flexible and strong which make them a good choice for curved surfaces like small windows on enclosures, dolls, pockets locks e.t.c
Chain zippers
Because these zippers are made from metal or molded plastic, they provide perfectly interlocking teeth, highly durable and secured. When compared with the coil zippers, they are inflexible because of their metallic teeth and more expensive. Chain Zippers are less considered by luggage manufacturers because of their inflexibility and high cost ignoring their durability and security.
2. Zipper styles
Talking about styles of zippers, the continuous and finished zippers are the two major categories to make a choice. Continuous zippers have no end point or starting point and are a great fit for luggage, cushion and tent projects as they are sewn on both ends for a perfect fitting. Continuous zippers come singly without the slider so; purchasing a slider should be another consideration. Creating a stop on the chain keeps the slider in position if both ends of the zipper aren’t sewn completely.
Contrary to continuous zippers, a finished zipper has a stop at one end and a pin and starter box on the other end. Unlike the continuous zippers, they have sliders fixed with them. Before using finished zippers, it’s very important to know which fashion project they fit best. For project where you desire both zipper chains to come separated completely, finished zipper is a better choice. Examples are Cockpit enclosures, coats, Jackets, genoa sleeves.
Also, visible and invisible zippers are in this category and check more details here.
Zipper sizes
Zipper sizes should be another important consideration before embarking on any project. Sizes ranging #(1-4) for the small sizes, #(5-7) medium sizes and #(8-10) large sizes. The range in minimum is #2. Determining the sizes of zippers shouldn’t be too difficult as its approximate width when closed is the size. If this measurement poses a challenge, look under the tab on the zipper product page, the size should be there. Also, some zippers have their sizes inscribed on the hidden side of the slider for easy measurement. If a slider fits in the zipper perfectly, that’s the zipper size. This directly points out that, the larger the sipper size, the bigger the zipper teeth.
Considering zipper sliders “Locking Vs unlocking sliders”
Before selecting sliders for any zipper, it’s important to check the slider’s compatibility with the zipper type and sizes. And, it can be confusing sometimes using a locking slider for a non-locking zipper project. The terms may sound strange but not to potential fashion entrepreneurs because you need to understand them before embarking on your project.
A locking slider has a small lock tackle made on them to prevent the slider unlocking itself except it’s unlocked by the user. The slider can’t move on its own no matter the force or pressure is applied to it. These zippers should be used on projects that doesn’t require easy access or not in use often.
Unlike the locking sliders, unlocking sliders can open on its own with little pressure. The locking mechanism in locking sliders is absent and this makes it move freely by simply pulling the zipper teeth apart or applying any pressure on the zipper. These sliders are commonly used on project that requires easy zipper opening or often accessible, on sleeves and coats.
It is very important that all fashion entrepreneurs note this: leading the fashion market doesn’t cost much than perfect material choices for your fashion projects.
