Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
A good ski jacket zip must work reliably at sub-zero temperatures, in snow and moisture, and open with a glove on. That is why for the main zip a YKK Vislon moulded zip No. 5 or No. 8 is most often chosen, with an open end, often two-way, a large puller and a storm flap or inner placket against the wind. For pockets and vents, smaller moulded or nylon coil zips are used.
The zip is one of the most heavily used parts of a ski jacket. It is opened and closed many times a day, often by someone wearing gloves, on the lift, in wind and snow. If it jams or splits, the buyer remembers – and rarely buys the same brand again.
What is expected of a ski jacket zip
- Reliability in the cold – the slider should move smoothly at sub-zero temperatures.
- Use with gloves – a large puller and a stable slider that is easy to grip.
- Resistance to snow and ice – the teeth should not hold ice and should be easy to clear.
- Protection from wind and moisture – through the construction of the jacket around the zip.
- Strength in falls and under load – the chain should not split with sudden movement.
- Look – the zip is often part of the sporty design of the style.
Why YKK Vislon is the preferred ski jacket zip
Moulded plastic teeth do not feel very cold to the touch, do not corrode from salt and moisture, and do not stick in the cold the way metal does. The chunky chain is stable and can be felt clearly with a gloved hand. The individual teeth are easily cleared of snow and ice with a shake. In addition, the YKK logo is recognisable to buyers of ski and outdoor clothing, who often look for a branded zip as a sign of quality.
How to choose the size
| Product | Main zip | Pockets and vents |
|---|---|---|
| Adult ski jacket | moulded No. 5 or No. 8 | moulded or coil No. 3–5 |
| Snowboard jacket (looser fit) | moulded No. 8 | moulded or coil No. 5 |
| Children's ski jacket | moulded No. 5 | coil No. 3 |
| Ski suit | moulded No. 5 | coil No. 3–5 |
| Hiking softshell | moulded No. 5 | coil No. 3–5 |
| Down gilet | moulded No. 5 | coil No. 3 |
The table is a guide; the final choice depends on the weight of the fabric, the amount of insulation and the look of the style.
Type of zip
Open-end
Essential for the main zip of a jacket – the two sides separate completely and the jacket is easy to put on and take off.
Two-way open-end
With two sliders: the lower one lets the jacket open at the bottom when sitting on the lift or for leg movement, without undoing the top. Convenient for longer jackets and snowboard styles.
Closed-end
For pockets, underarm vents, a ski pass pocket on the sleeve and inner pockets.
Glove-friendly slider and puller
The puller is the detail the buyer uses most. For a ski jacket choose:
- a larger puller – rubberised, plastic or metal with a textile or cord loop;
- auto-lock – so that the zip does not open by itself during movement;
- a cord with a cord end or stopper – added to the puller for even easier gripping; you will find suitable components among cords and cord stoppers;
- a reversible slider – if the jacket is reversible or the zip needs to open from the inside.
Protection from wind and moisture around the zip
A moulded zip itself is not waterproof – air and water pass between the teeth. Protection is achieved with the construction of the jacket:
- Outer storm flap – with snaps or hook and loop, it covers the zip from the outside.
- Inner wind placket – a strip of fabric or lining behind the zip, along its whole length.
- Chin guard – soft fabric at the top end that protects the skin from the cold slider.
- Zip garage – a small pocket at the top end in which the slider is tucked.
If the style has no storm flap and a clean look, designers often choose a coil zip with a water-repellent coating on the tape instead of a moulded zip. You will find such models among YKK nylon coil zips.
Colour and design
In skiwear the zip is often a design accent. A moulded zip allows a tape in tone with the jacket and teeth in a contrasting colour – for example neon yellow on a black jacket. Another approach is for the zip to echo the colour of the piping, cords and cord stoppers. Colours are specified by the YKK colour card, and tape–teeth combinations are confirmed for the specific article.
Common mistakes with ski jackets
- A metal zip – heavy, cold to the touch and unpleasant next to the face.
- A small puller that cannot be gripped with a glove.
- A zip without an inner placket – the wind gets through the teeth.
- A closed-end zip on a jacket that needs to open fully.
- Too small a main zip on a heavy insulated jacket.
- A different zip colour in the sample and in the run because it was chosen "from a photo".
Planning a winter collection
Winter and ski collections are developed long before the season, and YKK Vislon in a specific colour and length is often made to order. Put the zip in the tech pack at the first sample and send an inquiry as soon as the style is approved. Lead times are on request and depend on the specification and quantity.
Zips for skiwear through Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer and wholesaler of garment accessories. YKK is a third-party brand – we supply original YKK Vislon moulded zips in Bulgaria and the EU, and in the same order you can include cords, cord stoppers, eyelets and labels. Send an inquiry with a description of the style, the sizes and the quantity.
