There are a lot of decisions to make when purchasing a YKK zipper, but choosing the right YKK slider is very important for the design and functionality.
So, what do you need to consider when choosing a zipper?
- Type of zipper
- Tape color that matches the fabric (YKK Color Card)
- Element/Teeth size
- Element/Teeth color
- Length
- Slider(s)
There are various factors to consider. In this article, let’s walk through a list of must-know knowledge to consider when selecting a slider.
The Standard ‘DA’ Slider
When you don’t have a preference or just want the standard slider, you’re going to want to get the DA.
The DA slider is slightly different for each type of zipper so don’t assume that just because you ordered a Vislon Aquaguard with a DA slider that it will be the same DA on a Metal Zipper.
I think it’s crucial to know the codes and what the letters mean when selecting a slider. YKK slider codes can be very similar and sliders/pullers can look similar so be sure to double and triple check what you need to order before completing the purchase. (see the next photo)
The first letter is typically the material, “D” is Zinc Alloy.
The second letter is often “A”, “F”, or “N”. These three letters are often used in the same design but the functions are different!
A – Automatic Lock
Automatic lock sliders are automatically locked by removing your hand from the pull, and unlocked by pulling on the pull.
Automatic lock type YKK slider are mainly used on clothing and are used on the fronts of blousons/bomber jackets, pants, skirts, etc., as the slider will not drop and the zipper will not open by itself when the user lets the puller go.
F – Non-Lock
Non-locking slider is a YKK slider that… do not have a locking mechanism.
Non-Lock, also known as “free slider,” is a slider that is mainly for bags. Bags, for example, are often opened by pulling with both ends of the element.
However, when this is used for pants, skirts, or the fronts of blousons, it can be frightening. It is still fine for blouson fronts, but pants and skirts will open on their own…
This is exactly the kind of clothing that will open all the way up the zipper, so please don’t choose this when making clothes.
N – Notch Lock
Notch locks are a notch attached to the body shoulder opening, and locks when opened so that the chain touches the shoulder opening.
The notch lock is a YKK slider that has a notch at the part of the body where the chain hits the body, and if the item inside is panned, it locks to prevent it from opening by itself. This type of slider is mainly used for wallets. Please do not choose this type of slider for ordinary clothing, as it will open on its own.
YKK Slider (Japan) and ApparelX
These are some of the resources we use when handling YKK orders.
They are what we refer to as account managers when talking with our customers.
Digital (Free) Catalogs
‐ Slider Catalog
‐ Fastening Catalog
– Asia Slider Catalog and Fastening Catalog(ENG)
** For accurate images pertaining to YKK Japan, use the top two catalog links, but if you’re looking to read the descriptions, go ahead and use the International Asia Catalogs
When ordering on ApparelX, please keep in mind that the images of the sliders are for reference only. If you want to see an accurate representation of the slider code for a specific type of zipper, please refer to the online digital catalogs.
ApparelX is a BtoB ecommerce platform for brands, tailors and the like to order from small MOQs from a variety of manufacturers in one order. And we ship worldwide!
Check out our FAQ page, Youtube, and LinkedIn if you have basic questions or looking to stay connected.
If you are looking to bulk order, custom order, or have any other questions, contact us through our contact form and a member on the Global Strategy Team will get back to you within the next business day. (Please understand that we are based in Japan and our office hours are 9am-6pm so we are only able to answer during that time).