Zippers

Zippers are closures that join two edges of fabric or other material. They consist of two fabric tapes carrying interlocking elements—metal teeth, plastic teeth, or a molded coil—plus a slider that moves to engage or disengage the elements, and end stops to prevent separation. Some designs include a pull tab.

The modern zipper developed from late 19th and early 20th‑century experiments. Whitcomb Judson patented an early “clasp locker” in the 1890s, but it was cumbersome. Gideon Sundback improved the concept, producing a robust, continuous chain and a practical slider in 1913; the device came to be known as a zipper and soon found use in apparel.

Zippers vary by material and construction. Metal zippers use metal teeth, coil zippers use a braided plastic coil, and plastic mold zippers use molded teeth. Invisible zippers hide their teeth behind the fabric for a smooth exterior, while separating zippers can open into two halves, common on jackets. Zippers are widely used in clothing, bags, footwear, tents, and other equipment.

Care and maintenance: avoid forcing a stuck slider; keep zippers clean and dry; lubricants are rarely needed and should be used sparingly. When teeth or the slider wear, repair or replacement is often necessary; damaged tapes or misalignment may require replacing the zipper unit rather than the slider alone. Proper design and installation extend service life in challenging applications.