Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Metal zip pullers are better suited to fashion jackets, leather goods, bags and wallets, where the zip is a visible accent. Rubber (PVC or silicone) pullers are the better choice for sportswear, childrenswear and outdoor clothing, because they are light, quiet, soft and allow a multi-colour logo. The choice between metal and rubber zip pullers depends mainly on the product, the conditions of use and the brand's style.
Metal or rubber zip pullers – comparison table
| Criterion | Metal puller | Rubber puller (PVC/silicone) |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Premium, classic, "jewellery-like" | Sporty, technical, colourful |
| Weight | Heavier | Light |
| Noise | Rattles in the slider and in the wash | Quiet |
| Grip | Hard, can be slippery | Soft, easy to grip even with gloves |
| Logo | Raised, recessed, enamel, engraved | 3D, many colours |
| Cold | Gets cold, unpleasant to touch in winter | Stays soft |
| Wear | The finish can rub off over time | Colour is in the material, but rubber can scratch |
| Typical products | Leather jackets, bags, wallets, fashion collections | Ski and hiking jackets, backpacks, children's and sportswear |
Metal pullers: advantages and limitations
When metal is the right choice
- When the zip is part of the design – for example the diagonal zip of a leather jacket or a bag zip.
- When the other accessories are metal – eyelets, rivets, buckles, rings. The same finish ties the details together visually.
- When the brand is positioned in the upper segment and weight is perceived as quality.
What to watch out for
- Weight. A heavy puller on a thin coil zip can pull the slider down if it is not auto-locking.
- Noise. Metal rattles in the dryer and when walking. On backpacks and sports jackets this is irritating.
- Finish. Plated finishes (nickel, gold, antique) wear at the edges with heavy use. Dark and antique tones, which hide wear, are more durable.
- Edges. The puller must be well finished, without sharp edges that could cut the fabric or lining.
Rubber pullers: advantages and limitations
When rubber is the right choice
- On cold-weather clothing and with gloves – rubber grips securely and does not get cold.
- On childrenswear – it is soft and does not hurt.
- On backpacks and sports bags – it does not rattle or scratch.
- When the logo is multi-coloured – rubber reproduces several colours in one part.
PVC or silicone
Soft PVC is the most common material for pullers: it allows bright colours and relief at a reasonable price. Silicone is softer and more elastic, more pleasant to the touch and stays flexible in the cold. The choice depends on the budget, the desired feel and the conditions of use.
What to watch out for
- Very fine details in the design are lost in rubber – a minimum line thickness is needed.
- Light colours can darken from rubbing against jeans or dark fabrics.
- A rubber puller is most often attached with a cord loop or a built-in metal hook – the method is chosen to suit the slider.
Combined solutions
You do not have to choose just one. Common combinations are:
- Metal body with rubber coating – the look of metal, but with a soft touch and no rattle.
- Cord with a metal end – light, quiet and with a premium detail at the end. You will find a suitable cord among our cords.
- Metal for visible zips and rubber for pockets – one product can use two types of pullers, as long as they are in the same colour range.
How to decide: 5 questions
- Is the zip a visible accent or purely functional?
- Will it be used with gloves or in the cold?
- Does noise matter (backpack, sportswear, childrenswear)?
- How many colours does the logo have?
- What are the other accessories on the product?
If the answers point to "fashion, visible, one colour, metal accessories" – choose metal. If they point to "cold, movement, quiet, colourful logo" – choose rubber. The zip pullers category covers both types, and you can choose suitable zips to go with them.
Washing and care by material
The puller goes through every wash with the garment, so its material also affects how the product is cared for.
Metal pullers
Close the zip and turn the garment inside out before washing. That way the puller does not hit the drum or scratch itself or other garments. For delicate fabrics use a laundry bag. Aggressive chlorine-based detergents can damage the plated finish, so check the symbols on the label. On bags and leather goods, a metal puller is cleaned with a dry cloth.
Rubber pullers
PVC and silicone tolerate normal washing but do not like high temperatures. Avoid ironing directly on the puller and drying on a radiator – the rubber may deform or stick to the fabric. Light-coloured rubber pullers are cleaned with mild soap and water.
If the product will be washed often and at high temperatures, like workwear or sportswear, check how the puller behaves at the sample stage – with one or two real washes.
Price: what determines it
It cannot be said outright that one material is cheaper. The price depends on the size, the complexity of the shape, the number of colours, the finish, whether a new mould is needed and the quantity. For a specific comparison it is best to request a quote for both versions of the same design.
Metal and rubber pullers from Polkom
Polkom manufactures and supplies metal, rubber and cord pullers – standard styles and logo pullers to your design, with a sample before the production run and delivery within the EU. If you are torn between metal and rubber, send us the type of product and the logo via the contact page – we can prepare a proposal for both options.
