🔒 Zipper Specifications in Garment Production: BOM, Components & Technical Details
Accurate zipper specifications are essential in professional garment manufacturing. As part of the Bill of Materials (BOM) and process sheet, zipper details must be clearly defined to avoid production errors, functional failures, and aesthetic inconsistencies.
Because a zipper contains multiple structural components, every detail — from teeth type to slider finish — must be documented precisely.
🔹 Why Zipper Specifications Matter
A zipper is not just a fastening strip. It includes:
- Zipper tape
- Teeth (coil, metal, molded)
- Slider (zipper head)
- Puller
- Top stops
- Bottom stop or pin-and-box (open-end type)
Failure to clearly specify these elements may result in:
- ❌ Wrong zipper length
- ❌ Incorrect insertion direction
- ❌ Mismatched color
- ❌ Inconsistent hardware finish
- ❌ Functional failure
🔸 What Must Be Included in the Zipper BOM
A professional zipper process sheet should include:
| Specification Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Zipper Type | Closed-end / Open-end |
| Location | Front placket, sleeve, pocket |
| Supplier | Approved brand (e.g., YKK) |
| Model Code | Supplier reference number |
| Zipper Head Type | Auto-lock / Non-lock |
| Teeth Type | Metal / Nylon coil / Molded plastic |
| Teeth Shape | Standard / Heavy-duty / Decorative |
| Tape Color | Matched to garment |
| Head Finish | Nickel, matte black, antique brass |
| Length | Inches or cm |
| Quantity | Per garment |
| Function | Detachable / Decorative / Structural |
🔹 Example: Open-End Zipper Specification
Company: XYZ Product Development Company
Style Code: CFO-56-DA (LEFT INSERT)
Location: Front Placket
Supplier: YKK
Zipper Head: DA 580
Edge Color: EL-BLK-2
Length: 25 inches
Quantity: 1 piece
This example describes an open-end zipper used on the front placket.
🔸 Yoshida (YKK) Zipper
YKK (Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha) is widely recognized for:
- High durability
- Smooth operation
- Consistent quality
- Global supply chain reliability
For premium garments, specifying brand-approved zippers ensures product stability and customer satisfaction.
🔹 Detachable Sleeve Zipper (Convertible Garment)
When specifying zippers for detachable components (such as sleeves):
- Zipper must align perfectly on both sides
- Teeth density must support repeated use
- Length tolerance must be precise
- Reinforcement tape may be required
Convertible garments require stronger zipper components due to repeated detachment cycles.
🔸 Closed vs Open-End Specification Differences
| Feature | Closed-End | Open-End |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom Stop | Fixed | Pin-and-box |
| Common Use | Skirts, pockets | Jackets, sleeves |
| Function | Partial opening | Full separation |
| Spec Detail | Bottom stop required | Insertion box required |
🔹 Critical Technical Points in the Process Sheet
The zipper description must clearly define:
- Appearance when closed (teeth visibility)
- Functional purpose (decorative vs structural)
- Direction of insertion (Left-to-Right in U.S.)
- Strength requirement
- Hardware finishing (match buttons & trims)
🔸 Quality Control Checklist for Zippers
Before approving bulk production:
- ✔ Test smooth sliding motion
- ✔ Check color consistency
- ✔ Confirm correct insertion direction
- ✔ Perform pull strength test
- ✔ Inspect alignment of detachable components
