Do you know how to measure a zipper? When you are looking to place an order for cut unit zippers, you want to make sure you are receiving the right length for your application. Making a mistake in the measuring process can cost you a great deal of money, not to mention leave you with a pile of useless zippers.

Knowing how to measure a zipper can make all the difference and save you money and stress. It is not as straightforward as you might think; simply measuring the length of a zipper will leave you with an inaccurate measurement.
There are two main types of zippers, closed bottom and separating bottom. Here’s how to accurately measure these two zipper types:

With a closed bottom zipper, the two sides of the zipper are always attached at the bottom and cannot be separated. This is the kind of zipper you would find on a duffel bag or pocket of a raincoat.

To properly measure a closed bottom zipper, ignore the tape that extends past the top and bottom stops of the zipper. You are only measuring the chain. With the zipper closed (or “zipped up”), record the distance between the top stop and the bottom stop.

A separating bottom zipper allows for the two halves of a zipper to be completely separated, like the main zipper of a jacket. This zipper features a box and pin instead of bottom stop, and will also not have any tape extending past the bottom of the zipper.
Accurately measuring a separating bottom zipper is similar to the process of measuring a closed bottom zipper; you measure the distance between the top stop and pin box. Again, pay no attention to any tape that extends past the top of the zipper as this will leave you with an order of zippers that you cannot use.

Use this information to ensure you are ordering the correct zipper for your application. If you have any questions, contact Dunlap Industries and we’ll be happy to help!