YKK Zips for Bags, Footwear and Luggage

YKK zips for bags and footwear: why the choice is different

In bags, luggage and footwear, a zip carries a different load than in apparel. A bag is filled and closed under tension, a suitcase is dragged and knocked, and a boot zip flexes with every step. YKK lists bags, footwear and luggage among the main applications of its zips, and Polkom, as a supplier of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags with over 30 years of experience, helps you select the right model. We offer original YKK zips; we do not manufacture zips under the YKK brand.

Which YKK zip type for which product

The table is a guide. The final size depends on the material thickness, the load and the look, so we recommend a sample for every project.

Sliders for bags and luggage

You will find more about locking types in YKK sliders and pullers.

Limitations stated by YKK

• mirror-effect VISLON® is not intended for luggage and footwear;
• water-repellent AquaGuard® is not recommended for curved seams, which are common on bags;
• METALUXE® is slightly lower in strength than standard VISLON® and is not for heavily stressed areas;
• closing an overfilled bag overloads the teeth and tape – first bring the two sides of the chain together;
• in metal size No. 8, YKK uses double-slider teeth even when there is only one slider.

Shoes and boots: what to watch out for

A boot zip works under constant flexing and friction, and often in moisture. Choose the type and size according to the shaft height and the density of the material, plan a lining or placket under the zip and check that the puller does not press against the foot. For styles with curves, prefer a flexible coil zip. Also discuss with us the combination with footwear accessories for a unified look.

Metal zips and leather

Leather is a frequent cause of colour change in copper alloys. YKK explains that residual tanning agents and acids from leather processing can darken metal teeth over time, especially with humid storage. Use well-neutralised leather and carry out a preliminary test. For products where discolouration is unacceptable, consider EVERBRIGHT® or metal-look VISLON®, and for contact with the skin of the hands, the nickel-free N-ANTI version.

Strength and zip class

YKK classifies zips by chain width – from ultra-light to extra-heavy class – and for each class defines minimum crosswise strength, stop holding strength and slider lock strength. For bags that are packed tightly and for luggage, choose a zip of a higher class than would be enough for a garment with a similar opening size. For handbags with a light load, the class is less critical than the look and finish, and for backpacks and suitcases the opposite is true.

Length for bags and suitcases

For bags with zips running around three sides, the length is measured along the opening line itself, not in a straight line. State whether the zip has one or two sliders and whether a longer tape end is needed for sewing into the side panels. For suitcases and holdalls, also specify whether the zip will bend around corners.

Zips for furniture and home textiles

YKK also offers coil zips for furniture – mattresses, sofas and cushions – as well as versions for transport upholstery. For these applications, the larger YKK nylon coil zips in long lengths are used most often.

Matching with the other accessories

On bags and footwear, the zip sits next to buckles, rings, eyelets and rivets. The finish of the YKK zip should match them, so send us a sample or photo of the components used. Polkom offers over 10,000 articles, including bag buckles, and can bundle everything into one order. Send us the product, zip type, size, length, colour and quantity – minimum quantities depend on the article. All lines are in the YKK zips section.