Basic components of zip fastener

Zips are a common fastening device and failure on a high leg boot, for example, will render the footwear unusable.

Zips should be laid straight and unless special curved zips are used, can only accomodate a very gentle curvature.

To avoid failure in wear, SATRA recommends that zips close under lateral load of 30N and once closed will stand a lateral load of 400N. A fatigue life of minimum 1000 cycles and bursting load of atleast 160N are also recommended.

Attachment of zip fastener

Attach zips using two rows of stitching, making sure the zip's teeth clench togeather smoothly, are not puckered and do not distort the outer material. The end stop should be in the cut-out section and not in the underlay.

On functional zips, a protective guard is essential.

More on zippers...

Do you know the history of zippers?

Types of zippers