Molded Plastic Zippers for Jackets, Bags and Outerwear
-100x100.webp "70 cm Bone Combi Jacket Zipper - PR0070t6C")
-100x100.webp "90 cm Bone Jacket Zipper Open End (Separate) - PR0090T6")
What Is a Molded Plastic Zipper?
A molded plastic zipper is manufactured with individual plastic teeth attached directly to woven textile tape. The slider brings both rows of molded teeth together to form the closure.
The Turkish trade name “bone zipper” does not describe the real material. The teeth are plastic and must not be presented as natural bone.
Application Selection Guide
| Application | Suggested Zipper | Important Check |
|---|---|---|
| Jacket, coat and vest front | Open-end separating molded zipper | Check the functional length, tooth profile and bottom box-and-pin system. |
| Jacket or coat pocket | Short closed-end molded zipper | Measure the actual pocket opening and slider direction. |
| Children's outerwear | Lower- or medium-profile molded zipper | Confirm that the chain does not add excessive stiffness. |
| Long coat and outerwear | Long open-end molded zipper | Use a verified two-way construction only when lower opening is required. |
| Bag or equipment case | Closed-end or continuous molded chain | Test corners, curves and one- or two-slider operation. |
| Decorative outerwear | Crocodile-tooth or metallic-look molded zipper | Keep the decorative finish separate from the actual tooth material. |
Closed-End and Open-End Molded Zippers
A closed-end zipper remains joined at the bottom. It may be used for pockets, bag compartments and accessory closures.
An open-end or separating zipper uses a box and insertion-pin system so that both tapes detach completely. It is normally selected for jackets, coats and vests.
Separating does not automatically mean two-way. A two-way separating zipper must have two sliders and verified lower-opening operation.
See additional products in the open-end zipper category.
Standard, Crocodile-Tooth and Metallic-Look Designs
Standard Molded Plastic Teeth
Standard molded teeth provide a regular, clearly defined tooth line for jackets, coats, vests, pockets and bags.
Crocodile-Tooth Design
Crocodile-tooth describes a larger or patterned tooth appearance used as a visible design feature. It does not identify a different natural material and does not by itself guarantee higher strength.
Metallic-Look Molded Teeth
Metallic-look molded teeth retain a plastic construction while using a gold, silver, brass, copper, antique or black-metal appearance.
Metallic-look molded teeth are not genuine metal teeth. Genuine metal zippers form a separate chain category.
Molded Plastic and Nylon Coil Zippers
| Feature | Molded Plastic Zipper | Nylon Coil Zipper |
|---|---|---|
| Chain construction | Individual molded plastic teeth | Continuous spiral coil |
| Visible profile | Defined and chunky tooth line | Smoother continuous chain line |
| Curved sewing lines | Depends on tooth size and radius | Often provides greater flexibility |
| Slider | Must match the molded tooth profile | Must match the coil profile |
| Common use | Jackets, coats, outerwear and visible bag closures | Bags, pockets, garments and home textiles |
Size-Family Verification
The category contains several Turkish product families described as Type 5, Type 6 and Type 9. English size names must be standardised only after the real molded chain profile has been verified.
Existing product titles should not mix #3, #5 and other size descriptions for the same physical product. The approved chain and slider sample must be treated as the final reference.
How to Choose a Jacket Zipper
- Measure the functional centre-front opening.
- Select an open-end zipper when both front panels must separate.
- Match tooth size to the outer fabric, lining and placket construction.
- Test the insertion pin and retainer box on a complete sample.
- Confirm smooth slider movement through repeated cycles.
- Compare tape and teeth with the actual garment fabric.
- Select a verified two-way model only when lower opening is required.
See more options in the jacket and coat zipper category.
How Is Zipper Length Measured?
Measure the functional chain from the top stop to the bottom stop or separating retainer box. Do not include additional tape left beyond the working zipper section.
Replacement selection must also match tooth profile, tape width, slider count and bottom hardware.
Continuous Molded Zipper Chain
Continuous molded chain may be used for tents, tarpaulins, covers and large textile panels. It is cut to the required length during production.
Cut chain is not a finished zipper. It still requires a compatible slider, secure end preparation and appropriate stops.
Common Selection Errors
- Do not describe molded plastic teeth as natural bone.
- Do not describe metallic-look plastic teeth as genuine metal.
- Do not use a closed-end zipper where the garment must separate completely.
- Do not describe every separating zipper as two-way.
- Do not interchange sliders for different molded-tooth profiles.
- Do not select a replacement from zipper length alone.
- Do not use crocodile-tooth appearance as a strength certification.
- Do not bulk-produce before testing the actual zipper and garment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Turkish bone zippers made from natural bone?
No. The Turkish name refers to molded plastic zippers. Their teeth are manufactured from plastic material.
Are molded plastic and bone zippers the same product?
Yes. “Bone zipper” is the common Turkish trade name for a molded plastic zipper.
Are metallic-look molded teeth made from metal?
No. The teeth remain plastic and receive a metallic color or surface finish.
Should a jacket use an open-end or closed-end zipper?
Use an open-end separating zipper when the jacket front must open completely. Closed-end zippers suit pockets and fixed-bottom closures.
Is every separating molded zipper two-way?
No. A two-way zipper must also have two sliders and verified lower-opening operation.
What does crocodile-tooth zipper mean?
It describes a larger or patterned molded-tooth appearance. The teeth remain plastic.
Can molded and coil zippers use the same slider?
No. Their chain profiles differ and require matching slider-channel designs.
Last updated: July 22, 2026
Business: E-Fermuar — zipper, slider and textile accessory supplier, Istanbul, Türkiye.
