All About Zippers: Parts, Materials, Functions, Sizes
A zipper is a mechanical slide fastener: two rows of interlocking elements (teeth, scoop, or coil) are drawn together by a slider to close a placket. Zippers accept more seam stress than buttons or snaps, which is why they're used on denim, jackets, jogging suits, bags, and even knit sweatshirts. Here's the anatomy and how to spec one correctly.
The six parts
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Slider | Moveable part that interlocks/disengages the two stringers into a chain |
| Elements | Interlocking parts on each side (teeth, scoop, or coil) |
| Tape | Narrow fabric the elements attach to (cotton/synthetic/blend); its durability drives performance |
| Chain | The two interlocking stringers that lock/unlock as the slider moves |
| Stops | Top and bottom devices that keep the slider from leaving the chain |
| Pull | The handle on the slider used to move it |
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All About Zippers: Parts, Materials, Functions, Sizes
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