For OEMs, designers, and manufacturers across industries, few components are as critical as the zipper. From outdoor gear and marine covers to luggage, uniforms, and industrial safety equipment, choosing the right zipper can determine whether a product performs flawlessly—or fails in the field. That raises an important question: what are zippers made out of, and how does material choice impact performance?
At its core, every zipper consists of two essential parts: the teeth (the interlocking closure elements) and the tape (the woven fabric that secures the teeth to a garment or product). Depending on application, teeth may be made from metal, nylon coil, or molded plastic, while tape is typically woven from polyester or cotton. Together, these materials influence durability, flexibility, corrosion resistance, and strength.
For OEMs, understanding zipper materials and the zipper manufacturing process is key to selecting the right solution for apparel, gear, or industrial applications.
A Brief History of the Zipper
To understand how zippers are manufactured today, it helps to look back at their evolution.
- 1851: Elias Howe patented an early “locking mechanism,” but never commercialized it.
- 1893: Whitcomb Judson introduced the “clasp locker,” used primarily on shoes.
- 1913: Gideon Sundback refined the design into the first modern zipper.
- 1930s: Zippers gained widespread adoption in fashion, uniforms, and luggage.
From novelty invention to industrial necessity, zipper manufacturing has become a precision process. Today, modern zipper factories supply OEMs with engineered closures for industries ranging from outdoor gear to aerospace.
Core Zipper Materials
Metal Zippers
Materials: Brass, nickel, aluminum, or stainless steel.
Advantages: Exceptional durability, tensile strength, heat resistance, and a distinct aesthetic.
Considerations: Heavier than other types; uncoated versions may corrode in marine environments.
Applications: Jeans, leather jackets, luggage, workwear, flame-resistant uniforms, and industrial zippers.
Nylon Coil Zippers
Materials: Extruded nylon monofilament formed into a continuous coil.
Advantages: Lightweight, flexible, corrosion-resistant, smooth, and available in many colors.
Considerations: Less strong than metal; coils may distort under repetitive heavy use.
Applications: Apparel, sportswear, tents, backpacks, upholstery, marine covers, and industrial textiles.
Molded Plastic Zippers
Materials: Injection-molded acetal (POM) or polyester resin.
Advantages: Durable, lightweight, resistant to UV and chemicals, reliable interlock.
Considerations: Bulkier appearance; can become brittle in extreme cold.
Applications: Outdoor jackets, luggage, children’s wear, protective cases, marine gear, and outdoor industrial products.
Zipper Tape Materials
While teeth get most of the attention, zipper tape is equally important. Polyester tape has become the industry standard due to its strength, colorfastness, and resistance to water absorption—making it the go-to option for outdoor, marine, and industrial zippers. Cotton tape is still used in some fashion reproductions and natural-fiber products, but it is less resistant to shrinkage and moisture.
The zipper factory process ensures tape is woven, dyed, and tested to perform under stress, maintaining consistency across large OEM production runs.
Sliders and Zipper Functionality
Every zipper relies on precise engineering. Sliders control how teeth engage and disengage, and their material choice matters. Metal sliders with metal teeth provide maximum strength. Nylon sliders with coil teeth offer smooth glide for apparel. Plastic sliders with molded teeth resist corrosion in wet conditions. For industrial or outdoor products, locking sliders and double pulls are often mandatory.
Quality control during zipper manufacturing ensures sliders and teeth align seamlessly—because even the best tape or teeth won’t matter if the slider jams.
Industrial vs. Everyday Applications
The question “what are zippers made out of” is tied directly to “what will the zipper be used for.”
- Apparel & Fashion: Metal zippers for jeans, nylon coil for sportswear and dresses.
- Outdoor & Marine Gear: Nylon coil and molded plastic for corrosion resistance.
- Luggage & Travel: Molded plastic zippers balance strength with weight reduction.
- Industrial & Safety Equipment: Heavy-gauge metal or plastic zippers with flame-resistant tape.
- OEM Custom Products: Zippers engineered to withstand unique stresses, climates, or regulatory standards.
Custom Zippers and OEM Manufacturing
Modern zipper production relies on automation for tooth molding, coil alignment, and tape dyeing, but not every project is served by off-the-shelf solutions. For OEMs, custom zipper manufacturing is often the answer.
At LenZip, we specialize in custom-engineered zippers:
- Heavy-duty industrial zippers with reinforced polyester tape.
- Marine-grade zippers resistant to UV and saltwater corrosion.
- Lightweight nylon coil zippers for high-performance apparel.
- Oversized molded plastic zippers for luggage durability.
By collaborating directly with OEMs, LenZip ensures every zipper is on-spec, on-time, and engineered for its application—whether it’s outdoor gear, industrial covers, or performance apparel.
Conclusion
So, what are zippers made out of? The answer is straightforward: teeth made from metal, nylon coil, or molded plastic, and tape woven from polyester or cotton. But for OEMs and manufacturers, these are not just materials—they are engineering decisions that affect durability, strength, flexibility, and long-term performance.
LenZip is a U.S.-owned zipper manufacturer trusted by OEMs across industries for decades. Our zipper production process combines legacy expertise with advanced technology, making us the preferred zipper supplier USA for companies that need reliable, application-specific fastening solutions.
Talk to a zipper specialist today and request a quote for your next project.
FAQ
What materials are zippers made from?
Zipper teeth are typically made from metal, nylon coil, or molded plastic, while tape is woven from polyester or cotton.
Which type of zipper is most durable?
Metal zippers provide the highest strength and heat resistance, making them ideal for denim, luggage, and industrial uses.
Are nylon zippers better than metal?
Nylon coil zippers are lighter, more flexible, and corrosion-resistant, while metal zippers are stronger but heavier. The best choice depends on application.
What is the best zipper for outdoor gear?
For outdoor and marine gear, molded plastic zippers and nylon coil zippers perform best because they resist corrosion and UV degradation.
Can zippers be customized for OEM applications?
Yes. At LenZip, we engineer custom zippers for apparel, marine covers, industrial equipment, and more—tailored to OEM specifications.