Nylon zippers

Flexible and durable

Characteristics of Coil Zippers

Coil zippers, also known as nylon zippers, are the most common and versatile type of fastener. They work across so many everyday applications thanks to their flexibility and strength. These are the most durable zippers due to their construction, where the zipper elements are either sewn or woven directly into the tape. This results in the strongest connection between the tape and the element in the world of zippers. Below, we’ll outline the basic types of coil zippers.

They are most frequently used in sportswear, cycling apparel, personal protective equipment (PPE), and backpacks. They also serve as essential functional zippers in footwear.

Additionally, coil zippers are widely utilized in the yachting industry.

Standard

Commonly used across the apparel industry, from footwear to furniture and car seats, these zippers are primarily utilized in outdoor and sports applications.

Reverse

This is the same type of zipper (coil zipper), but the slider operates on the tape side, which keeps the zipper elements hidden.

Disadvantages: Coil (nylon) zippers are vulnerable to contaminants that can get between the elements. This can lead to thread damage due to friction from abrasive particles like sand. Contaminants such as hair, leaves, or mud can also cause the zipper to jam, ultimately resulting in its failure.

The best options for dirt protection are water-resistant zippers and plastic teeth, which are very easy to clean of any remaining contaminants.

Our products

CFOR-459 DSYG580 C5 YKK

CFOR-39 DS5YG

CHC-39 DSTYGA

N4 YG Logo

N3 concealed

N3 WR MAT 2WOE

N4 OE YG SLIDER

45FKT10C FLATKNIT® AquaGuard®

N3 WR OE YKK

N3 CFMR3 YKK

N5 CIFOR-56

N5 WR

Two way separating zippers

Two-way opening coil (nylon) zippers are quite challenging for most manufacturers worldwide to design for easy and convenient use. We supply only the highest quality two-way zippers, ensuring the user doesn’t have to struggle to close them.

This is crucial, as many zippers on the market present issues with this basic element of user comfort for the end-consumer. We always provide two-way zippers in our nylon series that are easy to engage and close.

Nylon Zippers for Military and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

We supply all types of zippers used in military applications. Our daily routine involves quickly handling samples, preparing custom colors, and developing products based on client suggestions.

Zippers for military use must feature a reduced Near-Infrared (NIR) signature. This means the zipper or other finishes have a similar light reflection percentage as the base fabric. We produce zippers with a reduced NIR signature in various colors and can also prepare special colors upon client request.

Nylon Zippers for Sportswear / Cycling Apparel

We have extensive experience supplying various types of zippers for cycling apparel manufacturers. We know this industry inside and out, and we can offer both innovative solutions and the best deals on standard zippers!

Concealed Coil Zippers

Concealed nylon zippers are a broad category of nylon zippers used in many different fields—from apparel and outdoor clothing to the automotive and furniture industries. They are categorized based on their intended application and strength.

The main differences between the various types are the kind of tape and the size of the teeth. Lightweight CHC-26 concealed zippers, which use a lace-style tape, create a mesh-like zipper that is ideal for very lightweight garments. However, we recommend using lace tape exclusively for applications requiring minimal load. In all other cases, a woven tape is a better solution, as it provides nearly the same flexibility, and its strength is significantly greater compared to lace tape.

Concealed Coil Zippers with Knitted Tape

Concealed zippers on knitted tape are characterized by exceptional flexibility, which allows them to “work” together with the fabric. Thanks to its knitted structure, this tape is more stretchable and softer to the touch, which makes it ideal for sewing into materials with an elastane blend, as well as in thin and flowing knits.

Lace tape is suitable for lightweight fabrics where no lateral forces act on the zipper, mainly in the case of lightweight dresses.
This means that its delicate construction works best in looser styles or in places where the zipper is not subjected to significant lateral stress. Sewing it into a fitted dress made of thin material could risk damaging it.

Upholstery / Technical Concealed Zippers

A replacement for a plastic profile to close the upholstery of a car seat or sofa in an aesthetic way. It resembles a sewn seam and is a quick, time-saving solution. We provide all the necessary equipment, as well as process coordination and staff training at the client’s facility.

5 CC – A heavy-duty, most durable type of zipper used in extreme applications. It requires high closing forces and is best for straight applications as the zipper is somewhat stiff.
45 ECH – A flexible invisible zipper, excellent for furniture and curvilinear applications thanks to its flexibility and ability to conform to shapes. The woven elements ensure excellent strength and durability. (Photo of the rear of a Mini leather panel)

Water-Resistant Nylon Zippers

These zippers are popular due to their attractive appearance and splash protection. They provide a basic level of water resistance and are commonly used in various types of sportswear and outdoor apparel.

The zipper’s appearance largely depends on the type of film used—ranging from fully glossy to matte. The film is laminated onto the zipper in clear, as well as solid-color, versions. This is crucial for military and generally dark colors, as the lamination process with clear film alters the final color to be darker. Using a solid-color film always yields a consistent result.

Types of water-resistant zippers available: N3, N4, N5, N7, N8, N10

Woven-in S-Tape Zippers vs. Standard Sewn Coil Zippers

The evolution of coil zippers reflects the industry’s continuous drive to enhance durability and reliability. Key differences in construction significantly impact their performance characteristics.

Woven-in S-Tape Zipper

In this advanced construction, the tooth elements are integrally woven into the tape’s structure, rather than just sewn on. This eliminates the potential weak point associated with thread degradation or tooth separation, radically increasing durability.

Standard Sewn Coil Zipper

In a standard sewn coil zipper, the teeth, formed into a coil from nylon or polyester filament, are sewn onto the side tape with polyester thread. The threads can degrade from UV exposure, and the teeth might separate from the tape, creating a potential weak point.

FAQ

What are coil (nylon) zippers and why are they so versatile?

Coil zippers, also known as nylon zippers, are the most common and versatile type of fastener thanks to their flexibility and strength. Their unique construction features zipper elements that are either sewn or woven directly into the tape, creating the strongest connection between tape and element in the world of zippers. This makes them incredibly durable and suitable for countless everyday applications including sportswear, cycling apparel, personal protective equipment (PPE), backpacks, footwear, and the yachting industry.

What's the difference between standard and reverse coil zippers?

Standard coil zippers are commonly used across the apparel industry, from footwear to furniture and car seats, primarily in outdoor and sports applications. Reverse coil zippers are the same type of zipper, but the slider operates on the tape side, which keeps the zipper elements hidden from view. This creates a cleaner, more aesthetic appearance and is often preferred for applications where the zipper should be less visible or integrated seamlessly into the design.

Why are high-quality two-way nylon zippers important?

Two-way opening coil zippers are quite challenging for most manufacturers worldwide to design for easy and convenient use. Many zippers on the market present issues with basic user comfort, making them difficult to engage and close. We supply only the highest quality two-way zippers that ensure users don't have to struggle. This is crucial for end-consumer satisfaction, as a properly functioning two-way zipper should be effortless to use, which is why we always provide two-way zippers in our nylon series that are easy to engage and close.

What are the advantages of woven-in S-tape zippers compared to standard sewn coil zippers?

Woven-in S-tape zippers represent an advanced construction where tooth elements are integrally woven into the tape's structure rather than just sewn on. This eliminates the potential weak point associated with thread degradation or tooth separation, radically increasing durability. In standard sewn coil zippers, the teeth are sewn onto the tape with polyester thread, which can degrade from UV exposure and may allow teeth to separate from the tape. The woven-in construction provides superior reliability and longevity, especially in demanding applications.

Are nylon zippers suitable for military and water-resistant applications?

Absolutely! We supply all types of nylon zippers for military applications, featuring reduced Near-Infrared (NIR) signature, which means the zipper has a similar light reflection percentage as the base fabric. We produce these in various colors and can prepare special colors upon request. For water resistance, we offer water-resistant nylon zippers that provide splash protection and are popular in sportswear and outdoor apparel. These are available in N3, N4, N5, N7, N8, and N10 sizes, with options for glossy or matte film finishes in clear or solid-color versions.