Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Vislon or coil zip? The moulded YKK Vislon is stronger in crosswise pull, more resistant to wear of individual teeth and easier to use with gloves, so it is preferred for the main zip of jackets, workwear and backpacks. The coil zip is lighter, more flexible, follows curves and is more discreet, so it is better for pockets, hoodies, lightweight products and curved seams.
The two constructions often appear on the same jacket – and that is no coincidence. Each has strengths that complement the other. Below we compare them by construction, properties, application and processing in the factory, so you can choose the right zip for every position in the style.
How they are made
Moulded zip (Vislon)
Individual plastic teeth are moulded directly onto the thickened edge of the tape. Each tooth is separate and grips the tape firmly.
Coil zip
A continuous nylon or polyester filament is wound into a coil and sewn or woven onto the tape. The teeth are part of one continuous coil.
Vislon or coil zip – comparison
| Criterion | Moulded (Vislon) | Coil |
|---|---|---|
| Crosswise strength | very high | high in larger sizes |
| Flexibility | medium, stiffer | high, follows curves |
| Weight | light to medium | very light |
| Use with gloves | very good | good with a large slider |
| Abrasion resistance | high | medium |
| Self-repair | no | a slight split often closes again with the slider |
| Look | chunky, sporty, visible | fine, discreet |
| Versions with water-repellent tape | limited | widely available |
| Bending around corners (bags) | difficult | easy |
When moulded Vislon is the better choice
- Main jacket zip – especially on winter, ski or work jackets, where the zip is opened often and under strain.
- Products used with gloves – the chunky teeth and stable slider help.
- Backpacks and holdalls with heavy contents – lower risk of splitting under load.
- Harsh conditions – sand, mud, snow: the individual teeth are easier to clean.
- Visible design – when the zip is part of the style's sporty image.
When the coil zip is the better choice
- Pockets and vents – light, discreet and flexible.
- Curved seams – bags with corners, cases, backpack lids.
- Lightweight products – windbreakers, thin hoodies, childrenswear.
- Technical clothing with a water-repellent zip – where the tape is coated and the seam must be clean.
- Reverse mounting – when the coil faces inwards for a smoother outer surface.
Combining both in one product
A typical technical jacket uses both: the main zip is a No. 5 or No. 8 moulded zip, while the pockets, vents and hood use No. 3 or No. 5 coil zips. The product is then strong where it needs to be and light everywhere else. The logic is similar for backpacks: the main compartment with a chunkier zip, the outer pockets and lid with coil zips that go round the corners.
When combining the two types, match the tape colours using the YKK colour card and coordinate the finish of the sliders and pullers so the product looks cohesive.
Durability and repair
With a moulded zip, a damaged tooth usually means replacing the whole zip, but this rarely happens because the teeth are solid. With a coil zip, individual teeth don't break, but the coil can wear from abrasion or deform from excessive load. The good news is that a slightly split coil often "closes" again when the slider is run over it. With both types, the most common cause of problems is a worn slider, which can be replaced.
Look and positioning
Visually, the two zips say different things. A moulded Vislon with chunky teeth immediately suggests "sport", "mountains", "gear". It suits when the zip should be seen and underline the character of the style – for example in a contrast colour to the jacket. The coil zip is quieter: it doesn't draw attention and leaves the focus on the fabric and cut. That is why urban jackets, minimalist styles and details such as chest pockets often use coil, even when the main zip is moulded. If in doubt, make two samples with the same tape colour and compare how the front looks from a distance – the difference is bigger than it seems on paper.
Sewing and processing
A moulded zip is stiffer and requires careful positioning of the seam relative to the teeth so the tape doesn't catch in the slider. On heavy fabrics and padded jackets this is easier than on thin ones. A coil zip sews faster, follows curved lines and is more tolerant of small deviations. For high-volume factories, this is also a factor in the choice.
What to state in your inquiry
- The product and the zip position (main, pocket, hood, vent).
- The preferred construction – moulded or coil, or ask for a recommendation.
- Size, type (open-end, closed-end, two-way) and lengths.
- Tape and tooth colour.
- Slider and puller.
YKK moulded zips are in the YKK moulded zips category, and coil zips in YKK coil zips. If the brand is not a requirement, see also the general nylon coil zips range.
Advice from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags. YKK is a third-party brand – we supply original YKK moulded and coil zips, and for projects with no brand requirement we also offer our own zips with logo sliders. Send an inquiry describing the product – we will recommend the construction and size for every zip in the style.
