Backzip

Backzip refers to a type of garment closure in which a zipper runs along the back seam of a garment, most often centered at the back of dresses, skirts, and some jackets. The design is chosen to provide a secure closure while keeping the front of the garment smooth and uninterrupted. Back zips are a common alternative to side or front closures and may appear in both modern ready-to-wear and made-to-measure clothing.

Common variants include the center-back invisible zipper, which conceals the teeth within the seam, and the visible or exposed back zipper, where the teeth or tape are intentionally shown as a design element. A lapped back zipper is another construction option that overlaps a back seam for closure.

Construction considerations include creating a back opening in the fabric, installing the zipper with appropriate seam allowances, and possibly adding a facing, lining, or topstitching to finish the area. Some patterns assume a back seam and provide instructions for inserting a zipper before completing the garment sides.

Advantages of a backzip include a clean front profile, a secure closure for fitted silhouettes, and the ability to achieve a tailored look without visible closures on the front. Disadvantages include potential difficulty dressing a back-opening garment without assistance and more complex sewing, especially with delicate or bulky fabrics.

Backzips are one option among garment closures, alongside side zippers, center front zippers, buttons, and hooks. In garment design references, “back zip” is typically described in relation to the back seam and closure type.