Over the past 26 years, we’ve seen fashion trends come and go, then come back around. It’
s been interesting to see how
zippers have been trending as well. In some instances, a
designer wants nothing of the zipper to be seen. “Make it INVISIBLE!” Then in other
designs, the zipper is front and center (or back center for women’s dresses) for everyone
to see. With that, we’d like to share some of our insight as to what we see as zipper
trends coming for 2016.
MATTE MOVING FORWARD
Any time a trend swings too far one way, the natural reaction by the market is to go the
other. For the past 3-5 years, we’ve seen highly polished, bright, shiny zippers move like
hot cakes. The market was demanding the high end zippers to complete the designers’
fashion piece. Late in 2015 and into 2016, we see more and more designers are moving away
from the bright, highly polished look, to more matte and antique finishes. To keep the
luxury feel, designers have continued with the high end zippers, but have requested the
finishes of the teeth to be toned down.
MULTI-COLORED ZIPPER TEETH
Truly, the devil is in the details. Especially when it comes to the
zipper teeth. One
zipper tooth measures only in the millimeters, however when they are joined together, it
makes a strong impact. Enter the multi colored zipper teeth. This trend has been on the
fringes for a while, but we’re seeing a swath of interest and orders for it. Why is it so
special? Well the manufacturing of the zipper is literally made one tooth at a time. One by
one, a pre-formed zipper tooth is attached to the tape in a bit of a random pattern. This
makes each yard of zipper chain completely unique. A zipper this special, paired with a
one-of-a-kind apparel or handbag piece is a show stopper.
ATHLEISURE WEAR
This isn’t your “cut at the knee” sweat pants here. The athleisure segment has boomed
and more and more brands are creating “high end” gym clothes. Even if you’re not going
to the gym, or don’t workout at all for that matter, these apparel pieces are what
designers are creating. We’re seeing a big move of reverse coil zippers (IIZ is what we
call them) that are being applied as a contrast color to the body fabric. Why reverse coil?
Most designers like the flat look and it keeps the lines very clean on the garment. Here
are some examples:
Black leggings with a pop of color at the ankles to zip the ankle cuff closed
Heather gray hooded jacket with a center front
zipper that is a contrasting color
Sports bras with a contrast color zipper on the center front
TWO TONE PLASTIC MOLDED
Plastic molded zippers are a staple in the
zipper industry. They’ve been around for
decades. We’ve noticed that designers have been taking a bit of a twist with plastic
molded zippers. As of the end of last year, two-tone plastic molded has been taking off.
This is where the tape is one color and the teeth have been injected with a contrast color.
It’s a great way to add some color pop and give the final piece a more sporty look.
These trends usually get picked up by the mainstream in a year or two. In the mean time,
the designers that are currently incorporating these trends enjoy 1st to market benefits
for a short time. If you’re seeing other trends, we’d love to hear. Comment below.
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