The three types at a glance
| Type | How it is made | Strengths | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon coil | Polyester coil sewn onto tape | Flexible, light, smooth, works on curves | Garments, bags, cushions, tents, home textiles |
| Metal | Individual metal teeth (brass, aluminium) | Very strong, classic look, heavier | Jeans, leather jackets, heavy-duty workwear |
| Moulded plastic | Plastic teeth moulded onto tape | Chunky, sporty look, weather resistant | Sportswear, outdoor jackets |
Why nylon coil zippers are the most used
- Flexible — bends easily around curved bag corners and cushion edges.
- Light and smooth — comfortable on garments and quiet to open.
- Cut to any length — sold on rolls, so one roll covers many product sizes.
- Many colours — the tape and coil can be dyed to match your fabric.
- Economical — usually lower cost than metal for the same length.
When to choose something else
If you need the look of exposed metal teeth (for example jeans or leather goods), metal zippers are the usual choice. For most bags, jackets, home textiles and furniture covers, nylon coil gives the best balance of strength, comfort and cost.
What Unicorn Zippers makes
We manufacture nylon coil zipper rolls in No. 3, 5, 8 and 10, with matching zinc alloy and plastic sliders. Not sure which size? Read the zipper size guide.
Need nylon coil zippers for your products?