Choosing The Perfect Zipper For Your Wedding Dress

what kind of zipper for a wedding dress

Wedding dresses can be closed with buttons, laces, or zippers. Zippers are a popular choice for wedding dresses as they are easy to put on and take off and can be placed on any type of design and fabric. There are several types of zippers that can be used in wedding dresses, including invisible zippers, separating zippers, and long separating zippers. When choosing a zipper for a wedding dress, it is important to consider the strength and durability of the zipper, as well as its length and colour.

Characteristics Values
Zipper type Invisible, separating, long separating, heavy-duty, coil, nylon coil, metallic coil, reverse coil
Zipper placement Back, side
Zipper length 7-22 inches (18-56 cm); ideally 2 inches (5.1 cm) longer than the opening
Zipper colour Same colour as the dress
Zipper material Matches dress material; can be used with dense satin, mikado, or soft lace
Zipper maintenance Use pliers or liquid soap for stuck or loose zippers; use a seam ripper, needle and thread, replacement zipper, sewing machine, and scissors for more serious issues

shunbridal

Zippers can be placed on any design or fabric

When choosing a zipper for a wedding dress, it is important to consider the fabric and style of the dress. The zipper should be strong enough to support the fabric and movement of the body inside the dress. For example, a lightweight zipper may not be suitable for a dense fabric, as it may pop when the wearer tries to sit down.

It is also important to choose a zipper that is the appropriate length and colour. The zipper should be long enough to reduce stress on the fabric when the dress is put on or taken off. Opting for a zipper that matches the colour of the dress will help to create a subtle look.

In terms of placement, zippers can be placed at the back or side of a wedding dress. A zipper at the back can be subtle, while a zipper under the arms can ensure a perfect fit.

Additionally, there are different types of zippers to consider, such as invisible zippers, separating zippers, and long separating zippers. Invisible zippers are a popular choice for wedding dresses, as they create a seamless look. Separating zippers, similar to those found on jackets, can be useful for 2-piece gowns, and long separating zippers can be used to remove the tail of the gown for the reception.

Overall, when choosing a zipper for a wedding dress, it is important to consider the fabric, style, length, colour, placement, and type of zipper to ensure both functionality and aesthetics.

shunbridal

Invisible zippers vs heavy-duty zippers

Invisible zippers are designed to be hidden within the seam of a garment, leaving only the zipper pull visible. They are ideal for wedding dresses, as they provide a seamless look. They are also commonly used in formal dresses, skirts, and trousers, where a clean and smooth appearance is desired. However, they are not as durable as other types of zippers and can be prone to breaking under stress.

Heavy-duty zippers, on the other hand, are designed for strength and durability. They are commonly used in garments made with sturdy materials like denim or leather, where a strong zipper is necessary. While they may not be as discreet as invisible zippers, heavy-duty zippers can add an edgy or industrial touch to a garment. They are also ideal for applications where a robust zip is needed, such as cushions, crafts, and upholstery.

When choosing between invisible and heavy-duty zippers for a wedding dress, it's important to consider the fabric weight and intended use. Invisible zippers work best with delicate fabrics like silk, while heavy-duty zippers may be too bulky. However, if the wedding dress is fitted or has beading, a heavier-duty invisible zipper might be a better option to ensure it can withstand the stress of hugging, dancing, and tugging that may occur on a wedding day.

Some sources recommend staying away from invisible zippers for wedding dresses altogether due to their tendency to break under stress. In these cases, a regular zipper or a fine metal zipper might be a better choice. However, others have successfully used invisible zippers in wedding dresses by reinforcing them with hand stitching or machine stitching.

Ultimately, the decision between invisible and heavy-duty zippers for a wedding dress depends on the specific design and fabric of the dress, as well as the level of activity expected on the wedding day. It's important to consider all factors to ensure the zipper is functional and durable while also achieving the desired aesthetic.

shunbridal

How to sew a zipper into a wedding dress

Sewing a zipper into a wedding dress is a straightforward process, but it requires a slightly different approach to sewing a zipper into jeans or a handbag. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sew a zipper into a wedding dress:

Choose the Right Zipper

Select a zipper that is suitable for the fabric and style of the wedding dress. Invisible zippers are popular for wedding gowns, but they must be strong enough to support the fabric and movement of the wearer. The size of the coil equates to the strength of the zipper, so choose a zipper with a larger coil for added strength. It is also important to ensure that the zipper is the correct length.

Prepare the Dress Opening

Before sewing, prepare the opening on the dress where the zipper will be placed. This may involve opening the back seam to a point where it is comfortable to put on the dress. Pin the seam in the back of the dress where the zipper will be positioned, ensuring that the seams match from the top to the back of the dress.

Sew the Zipper

Using a matching thread and a zipper foot, start sewing at the notch, sewing straight up to the top on the right side. Stop 2 inches before reaching the pull, then cut the thread. Carefully move the dress so that the bottom is under the needle, and repeat the process on the left side, again stopping 2 inches down from the pull. Always remember to reverse stitch to lock your stitches.

Finishing Touches

After the zipper is attached, you may need to hem the top edge of the dress. Fold over the top edge so that the raw edges are hidden inside the dress, and secure it with pins. Sew a straight stitch along the pinned edges to secure the hem, and then remove the pins and cut any excess threads.

By following these steps, you can securely sew a zipper into a wedding dress, ensuring both functionality and a subtle appearance.

shunbridal

How to fix a broken zipper

Zippers can be placed on any type of wedding dress design and fabric, be it a dense satin, mikado, or soft lace. A broken zipper on a wedding dress can create big problems. However, a "broken" zipper isn't always broken and may just require a simple repair. Here are some ways to fix a broken zipper:

Assess the Damage

Firstly, assess the damage. The zipper may just be malfunctioning, in which case, you can fix it with a few simple tools. The "teeth" are the tracks of the zipper, the "slider" is the mechanism that moves the zipper up and down, and the "zipper tab" is what you hold to zip and unzip.

Use Pliers or Liquid Soap

If the slider is loose, use a pair of pliers to fix it. If the zipper is stuck, use a bit of liquid soap to loosen it.

Realign the Zipper Teeth

If the teeth of the zipper are misaligned, use pliers to adjust them. If the teeth are permanently bent or broken, you will likely need to replace the zipper.

Use a Pin or Paper Clip

If the zipper is stuck, use a sharp pin or needle to stick into the zipper or along the track to move it or force it back together. If you are in a bind, use a paper clip or safety pin to latch the slider onto a top button or clasp.

Sew the Zipper

If you have experience with sewing, you can sew the zipper onto the dress. You will need a seam ripper, needle and thread, a replacement zipper, sewing machine, and a pair of scissors. Use the seam ripper to remove the current zipper by pulling the fabric taut and cutting out the old zipper. Then, sew in the new zipper.

If you are unable to fix the zipper yourself, consider taking the dress to a professional seamstress or tailor.

shunbridal

Zipper length and placement

Zippers can be placed in wedding dresses of any design and fabric, be it dense satin, mikado, or soft lace. They can also be added to wedding jumpsuits or midi cocktail dresses. Zippers can be placed on the back or side of the dress. A longer zipper is usually better for form-fitting dresses, as it reduces stress on the fabric when putting on or taking off the dress. Zippers can range from 7 to 22 inches (18 to 56 cm) in length, but a zipper that goes from the top of the dress to just below the hips is often recommended, which is typically around 16 to 20 inches (41 to 51 cm).

If you are designing your own gown, you may want to consider a zipper that is built to last, such as a heavy-duty invisible zipper. The strength of a zipper is determined by the size of the coil, not the type or width of the tape. A standard coil zipper is always stronger than an invisible zipper, but a heavy-duty invisible zipper can be sturdier without being bulky.

If you are replacing a zipper in a wedding dress, it is recommended to purchase a zipper that is 2 inches (5.1 cm) longer than the opening. This will ensure that you have enough zipper to work with and that the zipper is not too short once it is attached.

It is important to consider the placement of the zipper in relation to the design and style of the dress. For example, a zipper that is too lightweight may not be suitable for a fabric that moves a lot, such as a dress with a full skirt that you need to sit down in. In this case, a separating zipper, similar to those used in jackets, may be a better option.

Additionally, if you are planning to remove the train of your gown for the reception, you may need a long separating zipper that can be easily undone.

Frequently asked questions

There are invisible zippers, separating zippers (like a jacket), and long separating zippers to remove the gown's tail for the reception.

A standard coil zipper is stronger than an invisible zipper. The strength of a zipper is determined by the size of the coil, not the type or width of the tape.

Purchase a zipper that is 2 inches (5.1 cm) longer than the opening. Select a zipper that matches the dress material and colour as closely as possible. Use a seam ripper to remove any existing zippers.

Use pliers on the sliders if the zipper is loose or apply liquid soap if it is stuck.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment