YKK Zip Colour Card

What is the YKK zip colour card?

The YKK zip colour card is a catalogue of real zip tape samples, each marked with a standard colour number. Unlike on-screen photos or printouts, the card shows the actual material – its texture, sheen and the way the dye reflects light. That is why it is an essential working tool for designers, garment technologists and sourcing teams who order YKK zips. Polkom supplies original YKK zips and helps its customers work with the YKK colour system when ordering.

Why zip colour is specified by number

Descriptions such as "navy" or "beige" mean different things to different people, and screen colours depend on the monitor and its settings. A colour number from the card is unambiguous: when you give a number, the supplier knows exactly which shade you mean. This has three practical benefits:

• Accuracy – no mismatch between the expected and the delivered colour.
• Repeatability – the next order for the same model repeats the colour without sending new samples.
• Fast communication – the number goes into the garment's tech pack and is easily passed between design, production and sourcing.

How to use the card correctly

• Compare the tape sample with the fabric in daylight or under standardised lighting – artificial light in the workroom can change how colour is perceived.
• Place the sample on the fabric, not next to it, to see how the zip will look in the seam.
• Take particular care with invisible zips – very little tape shows, but the colour must match almost perfectly.
• If you are torn between two numbers, choose the darker one – a lighter zip stands out more against the fabric.
• Record the chosen number together with the zip model and size in the tech pack.

Which YKK zips it applies to

The colour system applies to the tapes of all main lines – metal zips (where for Metal and Excella you also choose the tooth finish), coil, Vislon moulded and Conceal invisible zips. With moulded zips a separate tooth colour can also be specified if the model allows it. Availability of a specific colour for a specific line and size is confirmed on enquiry.

If you do not have a colour card

Not every customer has an up-to-date card. In that case, send us a physical fabric swatch – a piece at least a few centimetres in size – and we will select the closest standard YKK colour. We do not recommend choosing from a photo alone, as screen colours rarely match real ones. If needed, we can offer a zip sample before the production order so you can approve the colour in person.

Lead times and ordering

Zips in standard card colours are usually made to order according to model and length, so lead times are on request. The earlier you send the colour numbers, the easier it is to align delivery with your production. Minimum quantities depend on the article – send an enquiry. All lines are gathered in the YKK zips category, and for questions about samples, get in touch via our Contacts page.