Nylon Coil Zippers for Apparel, Bags and Outerwear
What Is a Nylon Coil Zipper?
A nylon coil zipper uses a continuous spiral element rather than separate individual teeth. The flexible chain can be used on straight seams and many curved closures in apparel, bags, cases and home textiles.
Coil zippers may be supplied as completed ready-length products or as continuous chain. Continuous chain still requires compatible sliders and secure end finishing before use.
Application Guide
| Application | Suggested Zipper | Important Check |
|---|---|---|
| Wallet, coin purse and inner pocket | Short #3 closed-end coil zipper | Match the functional opening and chain profile. |
| Trousers, shorts and skirts | #3 closed-end zipper | Measure the actual fly or garment opening. |
| Bag, pencil case and equipment case | #3 or #5 closed-end / continuous chain | Test curves and one- or two-slider operation. |
| Dress and formalwear | Invisible coil zipper | Check tape visibility and sewing performance. |
| Jacket, coat and vest | #5 open-end separating zipper | Verify the insertion pin, retainer box and length. |
| Abaya and long outerwear | 100–160 cm / 39.37–62.99 in open-end zipper | Verify reverse-coil and two-way features separately. |
| Technical bag and outdoor textile | Reverse-coil or coated nylon zipper | Test coating and seam construction on the real product. |
#3 and #5 Nylon Coil Zippers
#3 Nylon Coil Zipper
#3 corresponds to the Turkish Type 5 nylon coil family. It provides a lower-profile chain for wallets, inner pockets, trousers, skirts, cushions and lightweight bags.
#5 Nylon Coil Zipper
#5 corresponds to the Turkish Type 10 nylon coil family. It may be used for bags, cases, jackets, coats, vests and long-garment closures requiring a more visible chain profile.
The nominal size is not a universal strength rating. Tape, slider, end hardware, sewing method and application load must also be considered.
Standard, Reverse-Coil and Invisible Zippers
| Construction | Appearance | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard coil | The spiral chain remains visible on the front. | Bags, pockets, jackets, cases and home textiles |
| Reverse coil | The spiral faces the reverse side, creating a flatter front line. | Sportswear, technical outerwear and modern bag designs |
| Invisible zipper | The coil folds behind the tape and is concealed inside a seam. | Dresses, skirts and formalwear |
A reverse-coil zipper is not the same as an invisible zipper. Tape and stitching may remain visible on a reverse-coil closure.
See dedicated garment options in the invisible zipper category.
Closed-End and Open-End Coil Zippers
A closed-end zipper remains joined at the bottom and is used for pockets, trousers, skirts, bags, cushions and cases.
An open-end or separating zipper uses an insertion pin and retainer box so that both tapes detach completely. It is used for jackets, coats, vests and long outerwear.
Separating does not automatically mean two-way. A two-way or combi zipper must have two sliders and verified lower-opening operation.
Metallic-Look Nylon Coil Zippers
A nylon coil may receive a nickel, antique, gold or other metallic-looking finish. The chain remains nylon even though its visible surface resembles metal.
Use “genuine metal teeth” only when the chain elements are actually manufactured from metal.
Ready-Length and Continuous Coil Chain
| Feature | Ready-Length Zipper | Continuous Chain |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Supplied at a defined functional length | Cut during manufacturing |
| Slider | Normally installed | May be separate or included in a set |
| End construction | Already completed | Prepared after cutting |
| Best use | Repairs, samples and standard sizes | Variable-size and repeat production |
Browse cut-to-length options in the continuous zipper-chain 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 for sewing.
For replacement work, also compare the zipper size, tape width, slider count, end type and bottom hardware.
Coated Nylon Coil Zippers
TPU- or PU-coated coil zippers may help reduce water passing through the zipper face in technical garments, bags and equipment cases.
A coated zipper alone does not make the finished item fully waterproof. Fabric, seams, stitch holes, zipper ends, slider and installation method also affect protection.
Common Selection Errors
- Do not interchange #3 and #5 zipper products.
- Do not use a closed-end zipper where the garment must separate completely.
- Do not describe every separating zipper as two-way.
- Do not describe a reverse-coil zipper as invisible.
- Do not describe metallic-look nylon coil as genuine metal teeth.
- Do not confuse ready-length zippers with continuous chain.
- Do not choose a replacement from length alone.
- Do not assume every slider with the same nominal size fits every chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are nylon and coil zippers the same?
Yes. Coil describes the continuous spiral chain construction, while nylon zipper is the common name used for this product family.
What is the difference between #3 and #5 coil zippers?
#3 provides a lower-profile chain, while #5 provides a more visible chain profile. Select according to the product, fabric and closure size.
Is a reverse-coil zipper an invisible zipper?
No. Reverse-coil construction turns the spiral toward the back. An invisible zipper is designed to conceal the chain inside a garment seam.
Can nylon coil zippers be used for bags?
Yes. #3 and #5 coil zippers can be used for wallets, pouches, bags, organisers and equipment cases.
Is every open-end coil zipper two-way?
No. Open-end means the tapes can separate. A two-way zipper must also have two sliders and lower-opening operation.
Is a coated nylon zipper completely waterproof?
Not by itself. Seams, fabric, zipper ends, slider and installation also affect the finished protection level.
How is a nylon zipper measured?
Measure the functional chain between the top stop and lower end. Do not include additional sewing tape.
Last updated: July 22, 2026
Business: E-Fermuar — zipper, slider and textile accessory supplier, Istanbul, Türkiye.