Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
YKK AquaGuard is a nylon coil zip whose tape is coated with a polyurethane film and whose coil is turned to the inside, so that from the outside you see a smooth, almost seamless surface. That is why it is called a YKK water-resistant zip. Strictly speaking, it is water-repellent: it stops rain and splashes much better than an ordinary zip, but it is not airtight like the zips used on diving suits.
YKK water-resistant zip – how it is built
An ordinary coil zip lets water through in two places: through the woven tape and through the gap between the coils. AquaGuard solves both problems:
- Tape coating – the face side of the tape is laminated with a polyurethane film that does not let water through the textile.
- Reverse coil – the coil is on the inside, and the two coated tapes meet on the outside and close the gap.
- Special slider – adapted to the reversed construction; an ordinary slider does not work on such a zip.
The result is a smooth line on the face of the garment that, besides being functional, also looks modern – which is why AquaGuard is used in urban jackets too, not only in technical clothing.
Waterproof or water-repellent
When choosing, it is important not to overestimate what the zip can do. YKK AquaGuard is designed for rain, snow and splashes in normal wear. It is not designed for immersion or for constant water pressure. That is why, on jackets with a high level of protection, the zip is usually combined with:
- an inner storm flap behind the zip that catches water in heavy rain;
- a zip garage for the slider at the top end, where water often gets in;
- seam taping on membrane fabrics.
Airtight zips for dry suits and special equipment are an entirely different class of product and should not be confused with AquaGuard.
Where AquaGuard is used
| Product | Typical application |
|---|---|
| Rain jackets and hardshell jackets | Centre front open-end zip, pockets |
| Ski jackets and trousers | Pockets, ventilation openings |
| Urban jackets and parkas | Centre front zip with a smooth look |
| Backpacks and bags | Top opening, outer pockets |
| Cases for electronics | Openings that must protect from splashes |
For heavier outdoor products that require a strong, easy-to-grip chain, also consider YKK Vislon moulded zips – they too have versions with water-repellent properties.
Sizes and versions
AquaGuard is available in coil sizes common in clothing – most often No. 3 and No. 5 for pockets and centre front zips, and coarser sizes for backpacks and technical products. There are closed-end, open-end and two-way versions, as well as different types of sliders. The availability of a specific size, version and colour is confirmed on inquiry, because not every combination is standard.
How to sew in a water-resistant zip
- Do not pierce the coating more than necessary. Every stitch is a potential path for water; sew with a suitable needle and the stitch density recommended for laminated fabrics.
- Use seam tape on the inside if the product has a membrane.
- Keep the visible part of the zip clean – the smooth surface is part of the look.
- Iron carefully. The polyurethane coating does not tolerate high temperature; do not iron directly on the zip.
- Test a sample under a shower or with a spray before you start the production run.
AquaGuard or an ordinary zip with a flap
Before water-repellent zips, the standard solution was an ordinary coil or moulded zip hidden under a double flap of the main fabric. This approach is still used and has its advantages: it is inexpensive, works reliably and allows any type of zip. The disadvantages are greater weight, a bulkier front and more sewing operations. AquaGuard allows a cleaner design with fewer layers of fabric.
| Criterion | AquaGuard | Ordinary zip with flap |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Smooth, minimalist | Classic, with a visible flap |
| Weight and bulk | Less | More |
| Rain protection | Good, without extra layers | Good, depends on the flap |
| Sewing operations | Fewer, but requires precision | More |
| Ease of movement | Stiffer slider movement | Easy |
In practice, the two approaches are often combined: AquaGuard for pockets and ventilation openings, and for the centre front zip AquaGuard with a narrow inner flap. The choice depends on the product category and the expectations of the end customer.
When deciding, also think about how the product will be presented. If you sell a jacket as “waterproof”, every opening must live up to that promise – one ordinary pocket zip without a flap is enough to soak the contents of the pocket and lead to an unhappy customer. That is why the zip specification is made for the whole product, not just for the centre front zip.
Care of products with AquaGuard
The coating is durable, but over time it can wear from friction and aggressive detergents. On the care label, recommend washing at a moderate temperature, without fabric softener and without solvent-based dry cleaning if the fabrics do not allow it. The slider moves less easily than on an ordinary zip, because the tapes are denser – this is normal and not a defect. If movement becomes too difficult, clean sand and salt from the zip.
Colour
With AquaGuard, the coating affects how the colour is seen: the surface is smoother and either glossy or matte depending on the version. That is why the colour is approved with a zip sample, not just from a card. The number from the YKK colour card remains the reference point for a consistent shade on repeat orders.
Ordering through Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags that also offers original YKK zips, including special lines. See YKK nylon coil zips and send an inquiry with the product, size, length and colour. We will check availability and send a quote; minimum quantities and lead times depend on the item.
