In your tech pack, you’ll want to use correct terminology not only when you’re putting specs together on your fashion flat sketches but also for the various trims that are used in your designs. There are a lot of different parts to a zipper, and knowing what each one is called will help communicate your vision clearly.
This diagram (drawn as a zipper pattern brush in Adobe Illustrator) shows each part of a zipper and its function.
Slider (AKA Car)
The portion of the zipper that connects to the teeth and is what actually zips the teeth open or apart is called a slider or car.
Zipper Pull (or puller)
The portion of the zipper that is attached the the slider which is what the user pulls on to move the slider up or down is called a zipper pull or puller.
Stop
The bottom or top part of the zipper that prevents the slider from pulling off the teeth is called a stop.
Teeth
On either side of the zipper tape, the little pieces that connect together to close the zipper are called teeth.
Tape
The textile portion of the zipper that holds the teeth is called tape; this portion of the zipper is sewn into the garment or product.
Garage
Not actually part of the zipper itself, a garage is a portion of fabric that is sewn at the top or bottom of a zipper insert for the slider (aka car) and pull/puller to “park” in.
Learn More Fashion Industry Terminology
- Ultimate Guide to Fashion Industry Terminology and Abbreviations
- Garment Fit and Cut Dictionary (with pictures)
- Fabric Dictionary (with pictures)
- Fiber Dictionary (with pictures)
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