What are the different sizes of zippers (and how do I pick the right one)?

But before you go and fully replace your product just because of a broken zipper, take a look at this simple guide to understanding zipper sizes.

In no time at all, you’ll be more than ready to do a simple zipper replacement on your own!

Understanding Zipper Sizes

Fortunately, many zipper manufacturers have made it very easy to identify a zipper size by simply stamping a number on the back of the slider. This number will tell you the width of the zipper teeth when the zipper is closed as measured in millimetres and is often written out as #3, #5, #8 or so on.

Generally speaking, lightweight garments will use a thinner zipper (indicated with a smaller number) while heavy-duty items such as tents and luggage will have wider zippers (indicated with a larger number).

What happens if there isn’t a number on my zipper?

What happens if you simply can’t find a number? Well, don’t panic — just reach for your tape measure and measure the width of the zipper teeth in millimetres. Again, you can already have a hint about the size of the zipper based on the type of product and its use.

What type of zipper should I get?

After you’ve got the size of the zipper figured out, you’ll also need to make sure that you’re matching the right material. This can range from nylon zippers, which are typically used for more flexible and lightweight purposes, to metal zippers, which will be used when durability is needed.

Where can I buy a replacement zipper?

It’s never been easier to quickly find and purchase a zipper repair kit! With all the information in hand, you can now visit an online retailer like Clip & Zip and search through their options to find a match.

A zipper repair kit will come with all the supplies you need, as well as handy instructions for exactly how to remove the old zipper (if necessary) and how to correctly attach the new one.

Soon enough, you’ll have learned a new trick and you’ll have a fully functional zipper ready for use!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our helpful support team and we can help find the right zipper repair kit for you.