Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
To order YKK zippers, you need to specify seven parameters: product line, chain size, type (closed-end, open-end, or two-way), length, tape colour from the YKK colour card, teeth finish or colour, and slider model with puller. Add quantities by length and desired delivery time. A full specification is the fastest way to get an accurate quote.
Incomplete inquiries cause delays, questions, and risk receiving the wrong item. Below is a practical checklist you can use directly in your technical sheet.
Ordering YKK Zippers – The 7 Parameters
1. Product Line
Metal, polished metal (Excella), moulded plastic (Vislon), invisible (Conceal), or coil. The line determines appearance, weight, flexibility, and application. If unsure, describe the product and fabric – the line can be recommended.
2. Chain Size
Indicated by a number – for example, No. 3, 5, 8, or 10. The number roughly corresponds to the width of the closed chain in millimetres. For an existing model, measure the zipper with calipers.
3. Type
- Closed-end – for trousers, skirts, pockets, bags;
- Open-end – for jackets, vests, sweatshirts;
- Two-way – with two sliders, open-end or closed-end, for long jackets, parkas, sleeping bags, and luggage.
4. Length
Measure from the top stop to the bottom stop, or for open-end zippers, to the bottom edge of the box. Do not include free tape ends. For size ranges, specify length for each garment size.
5. Tape Colour
Specify the colour number from the YKK colour card. If you don’t have the card, send a physical fabric sample – not a photo. Screens distort colours, and the same tone looks different on various devices.
6. Teeth and Finish
For metal zippers – finish (e.g., nickel colour, brass, antique, black oxide). For moulded plastic zippers – teeth colour, which can match or contrast with the tape. For coil and invisible zippers – usually matching the tape colour.
7. Slider and Puller
Type of locking (automatic, semi-automatic, no lock, pin lock), reversible or standard slider, puller material and finish, and whether a larger puller for gloves or a textile puller is needed.
Inquiry Template
| Parameter | Example |
|---|---|
| Line | moulded plastic zipper (Vislon) |
| Size | No. 5 |
| Type | open-end, two-way |
| Lengths | 65 / 68 / 71 / 74 cm |
| Tape Colour | number from YKK colour card |
| Teeth Colour | matching tape |
| Slider | automatic lock, rubber puller |
| Quantity | by lengths |
| Delivery Date | desired delivery date |
| Address | Bulgaria or another EU country |
The example shows the inquiry format, not a product recommendation.
How to Determine Lengths for a Size Range
- Take the opening length from the pattern for each size.
- Subtract allowances for the top end and hem, according to the design.
- Round to an orderable length – usually whole centimetres.
- Check lengths on the sample of the main size before ordering the batch.
Example Lengths for a Jacket
For a women's jacket in sizes S to XL, the opening length usually increases with each size. Using the same length for all sizes means the zipper will be too short for large sizes or must be shortened in the workshop for small sizes – and shortening an open-end zipper is slow manual work. Therefore, order separate lengths for each size from the start.
Common Specification Mistakes
- “YKK No. 5, black” – missing line, type, length, and slider.
- Colour chosen from a screen photo.
- One length for all garment sizes.
- Closed-end zipper for a jacket or open-end zipper for trousers.
- Slider without lock for an item that must stay closed.
- Teeth finish not coordinated with buttons and eyelets.
- Inquiry sent after the fabric is already in production.
Special Requirements
Besides the main parameters, note anything non-standard for your product in the inquiry:
- Water-repellent tape or special coating for technical garments;
- Reversible slider for double-faced jackets;
- Large puller or puller with cord for use with gloves;
- Coordinated finish with buttons, eyelets, and metal labels;
- Packing and labelling – e.g., separate packages by length to ease workshop handling;
- Client requirements – if working for a foreign brand, attach an excerpt from their technical sheet.
The earlier these requirements are known, the easier it is to check feasibility and avoid last-minute substitutions.
Record the Specification in the Technical Sheet
Once the item is approved, enter the full specification in the model’s technical sheet and procurement system. This way, the next order is a simple copy, not a new round of questions.
Sample and Approval
For a new item, request a sample. Check it in daylight against the fabric, sew it into the product sample, and test opening, closing, and locking. Keep the approved sample as a reference for the batch and future orders. More about the individual lines in YKK metal zippers, YKK coil zippers, and the general category YKK zippers.
Send Your Specification to Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear, and bags. YKK is a third-party brand – we supply original YKK zippers in Bulgaria and the EU and assist you in completing the specification if any parameter is missing. Send a request with the table above; minimum quantities and lead times will be confirmed for your specific item.
