As one of the most common fastening devices in daily life, the zipper may appear simple, yet it is composed of precisely engineered parts and processes. From the chain teeth and slider to the puller, every detail influences the zipper’s function and user experience. Based on “Zipper 101,” this article provides a systematic introduction to zipper structures, style variations, slider mechanisms, measurement methods, and standards for colors and plating finishes. Whether you work in the apparel or luggage industry, or are simply curious about how zippers are made, this overview will help you quickly grasp the essential concepts and build a solid foundation for future selection, design, or application.
| Section 1 | Zipper Structure |
| Section 2 | Zipper Styles |
| Section 3 | Structure of Slider & Pull |
| Section 4 | List of Slider Functions |
| Section 5 | Dimensions/ Measuring of Zippers |
| Section 6 | Tolerance of Zipper Measuring |
| Section 7 | Color Standard |
| 7-1 | Barrel Plating Series |
| 7-2 | Rack Plating Series |
| 7-3 | Enamel Painting Series |
| Section 8 | Zipper Tape Color Reference |
Section 1：Zipper Structure
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1.Top stop
2.Top Extension 3.Slider 4.Pull-Tab 5.Element (Teeth) 6.Tape 7.Bottom Extension 8.Bottom Stop 9.Insert Pin 10.Box 11.Reinforced Tape 12.Teeth Width |
| Main Components of a Zipper | ||
| Part | Description | Function |
| Tape | The fabric strip (usually made of polyester, nylon, or cotton) located on both sides of the zipper. | Provides the base for attaching zipper elements and is sewn into the garment or product. |
| Teeth (Elements / Chain) | The interlocking parts made of metal, molded plastic, or nylon coil attached along the inner edge of the tape. | Each tooth has a hook and hollow that interlock to form a continuous, secure closure. |
| Slider | The moving mechanism made of metal or plastic that travels along the teeth. | Uses internal channels to lock or separate the teeth as it moves up or down. |
| Pull Tab | The handle attached to the slider. | Provides grip and leverage, allowing the user to open or close the zipper easily. |
| Top Stops | Small metal or plastic pieces at the upper end of the zipper. | Prevent the slider from sliding off the top. |
| Bottom Stop | A fixed metal or plastic bar at the lower end of a closed-end zipper (e.g., on pants or bags). | Keeps both sides permanently joined and prevents the slider from detaching at the bottom. |
| Pin & Box (for separating zippers) | Found at the bottom of open-end zippers (e.g., jackets). The pin inserts into the box to engage both sides. | Allows the zipper halves to separate completely and rejoin smoothly. |
Section 2：Zipper Styles
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A closed-end zipper is a type of zipper that remains connected at the bottom when unzipped. It has a stopper that prevents the two halves from fully separating.
Common Uses:
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| An open-end zipper, also known as a separating zipper, is a type of zipper that allows the two halves of the garment or item to fully detach when unzipped. It has a special mechanism at the bottom (a box and pin system) that enables easy reattachment.
Common Uses:
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A 2-way open-end zipper is a type of zipper that allows both halves to fully detach, with the added feature of two sliders that can move independently from each other. This type of zipper can be opened from both the top and the bottom, offering more versatility and control.
Common Uses:
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| A 2-way closed-end zipper with double sliders (O-type) is a zipper that allows two sliders to move independently, but unlike the open-end zipper, the two halves of the zipper stay connected at the bottom. The "O-type" refers to the closed-end structure, meaning the zipper is designed to stay fully closed when zipped up, and both sliders can move in opposite directions for added flexibility.
Common Uses:
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A 2-way closed-end zipper with double sliders (X-type) is a zipper that features two sliders that can move in opposite directions, allowing for adjustable access points. The "X-type" refers to a specific design where the zipper teeth interlock in a cross-like pattern, providing enhanced strength and durability. Like the other 2-way zippers, this zipper remains closed at the bottom, ensuring that the two halves do not detach completely.
Common Uses:
Offers flexibility for temperature control and ease of movement.
Allows for adjustable opening points to access different compartments.
Ideal for garments or equipment where variable access is needed while maintaining the zipper's integrity. The X-type design offers a strong, secure closure, while still allowing for independent movement of the sliders for convenience. |
Section 3：Structure of Slider & Pull
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Section 4：List of Slider Functions
| No. | Slider Type | Character | Shape | |||
| 1 | Non-lock | Free to open and close easily |  |
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| 2 | Cam-lock | Cam action of the tab.it will stop the teeth from moving by pressing tab down. |  |
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| 3 | Automatic-Lock | The Lock is automatically locked when no force is placed on the pull tab. |  |
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| 4 | Semi-Automatic lock | When the pull tab is lifted from the slider body, The lock pin disengaged and allows easy movement of the slider. |  |
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| 5 | Double Pull Non-lock | This slider has pull tab on both sides of the slider |  |
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| 6 | Double Pull Auto-lock | |||||
| 7 | Reversible Non-lock | These sliders have one pull tab that can moved and operated from either side of the slider body |  |
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| 8 | Reversible Auto-lock | |||||
| 9 | Auto-lock Free tab (AF) Non-lock Free tab (NF) |
types in which a pull-tab can be attached to the small snap hook attached to the slider - |  |
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| 10 | ZA Auto-lock | types in which a pull-tab can be attached directly to the slider body |  |
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| 11 | Hook connect-1C |  |
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| 12 | Hook connect-1D |  |
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Section 5：Dimensions/ Measuring of Zippers
| ■Closed-End | ||
| Dimension | A | Slider Top End to Bottom Stop End |
| Top Extension | B | Upper Top Stop End to Cut Tape Tip |
| Bottom Extension | C | Bottom Stop End to Cut Tape Tip |
| ■Open-End | ||
| Dimension | A | Slider Top End to Open Parts End |
| Top Extension | B | Upper Top Stop End to Cut Tape Tip |
| ■Two-Way Open End | ||
| Dimension | A | Slider Top End to Bottom End of Reinforced Tape |
| Top Extension | B | Upper Top Stop End to Cut Tape Tip |
| ■Closed-End with Double Sliders (O-TYPE) | ||
| Dimension | A | One Bottom Stop End to The Other Bottom Stop End |
| Top Extension | B | Upper Bottom Stop End to Cut Tape Tip |
| Bottom Extension | C | Lower Bottom Stop End to Cut Tape Tip |
| ■Closed-End with Double Sliders (X-TYPE) | ||
| Dimension | A | One Slider Top End to The Other Slider Top End |
| Top Extension | B | Upper Top Stop End to Cut Tape Tip |
| Bottom Extension | C | Same as Top Extension Length |
| ■Reversible Slider | ||
| Dimension | A | Throat of the Slider to Open Parts End |
| Top Extension | B | Upper Top Stop End to Cut Tape Tip |
Section 6：Tolerance of Zipper Measuring
* Completely close the zipper when measuring.
The indicated zipper dimension has the specified tolerance as follows:
| Product Dimension | Maximum Tolerance |
| ≦ 300 mm | ± 5mm |
| 300 mm < D ≦600 mm | ±10mm |
| 600 mm < D ≦1200 mm | ±15mm |
| 1200 mm < | ±2.0％ |
Section 7-1：Color Standard-Barrel Plating Series
| HG-32 Nickel Silver | HG-34 Antique Silver | HG-35 Gun Metal/ Black Nickel | HG-33 Antique Brass | HG-31 Gold Brass | HG-36 Red Copper Tin |
7-2：Color Standard-Rack Plating Series
| HG-01 Shiny Silver | HG-02 Matte Silver | HG-03 Brushed Shiny Silver | HG-04 Shiny Gunmetal | HG-05 Matte Gunmetal | HG-07 Brushed Shiny Gunmetal |
| HG-12 Shiny Gold | HG-13 Matte Gold | HG-14 Brushed Shiny Gold | HG-15 Shiny Light Gold | HG-16 Matte Light Gold | HG-17 Brushed Shiny Light Gold |
| HG-10 Shiny Imitation Gold | HG-11 Matte Imitation Gold | HG-20 Shiny Guangdong Gold | HG-21 Matte Guangdong Gold | HG-23 Shiny Rose Gold |
| HG-24 Brushed Shiny Antique Copper | HG-25 Brushed Matte Antique Copper | HG-26 Brushed Shiny Antique Siver | HG-29 Brushed Shiny Antique Brass |
| HG-37 Enamel Painted | HG-38 Shiny Hand Painted | HG-30 Matte Hand Painted | HG-39 Rubber Painted |
Section 8：Zipper Tape Color Reference
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