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A zip closure (known as a zipper in the US) is a fastening used on many products, including custom cushions. Zips are a popular choice for cushions because they are practical and versatile, allowing covers to be removed and replaced easily for cleaning or to change the look of a room.
This guide explains the history of the zip, the main types used in cushions, how to choose the right one and how to look after it.
| Zip Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Coil zip | Flexible and durable; withstands tension; wide range of colours | Cushions that are used and washed regularly |
| Invisible zip | Sleek, seamless look | Mainly decorative cushions |
| Metal zip | Strong, visible feature | Adding interest to simple covers |
The earliest forerunner of the zip was a clasp fastener patented by Whitcomb Judson in 1893 and originally designed for fastening shoes. The modern zip design followed in the 1910s, and zips were later adapted for use in a wide range of products, including cushions, with steady improvements in design, materials and manufacturing.
Zips were not immediately popular. They became widely used in clothing and textiles during the 1920s and 1930s, and later developments such as synthetic coil zips helped make them a standard feature of cushion covers.
The first zips were clunky, prone to failure and difficult to open and close, but they laid the groundwork for the modern zip. They were also expensive to produce, which limited them to high-end products until cheaper manufacturing processes and materials made zips a common feature of everyday items.
Today’s zips are made from materials including metal, plastic and nylon, and come in a range of sizes and styles. They are more durable and easier to use than early designs, and are made to withstand regular opening and closing, making them ideal for removable covers.
The type of zip used can greatly affect a cushion’s function and appearance. The most common types for custom cushions are coil zips, invisible zips and metal zips, each with its own advantages.
Coil zips have teeth formed from a continuous coil of synthetic material, such as nylon. They are flexible and durable, easy to sew into cushion covers and available in a wide range of colours to match any design.
One of their main advantages is that they withstand tension well, making them ideal for cushions that are used and washed regularly.
The right zip depends on how the cushion will be used, the design of the cover and your personal preferences. For a cushion that will be used and washed regularly, a durable coil zip may be the best choice. For a mainly decorative cushion that will see little use, an invisible zip may be more suitable.
If the cover has a complex design or pattern, a zip that blends in may be best, such as an invisible zip or a coil zip in a matching colour (see our guides to pattern design and colour matching).
On a simple, unadorned cover, a more visible metal zip can add a touch of interest. The choice depends on the look you want and the overall design of the room.
Some people prefer the look and feel of metal zips, others the flexibility and durability of coil zips, while invisible zips are popular for their sleek, seamless look. A custom cushion should work well and reflect your style, so it is worth choosing the zip you like best.
Looking after zips helps them last longer and keep working smoothly. Clean them regularly to stop dirt and grime making them stick, use a zip lubricant if they become stiff, and repair any damage promptly to stop it getting worse. Our cushion maintenance tips cover cushion care more generally.
Gently brush the zip with a soft brush to remove dirt, then wipe it with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials, which can damage the zip.
Dry metal zips thoroughly after cleaning to prevent rust: pat them dry with a towel, then leave them to air dry.
Zips play a crucial role in the function and design of custom cushions, making covers easy to remove for cleaning or a change of look. Whether you prefer the durability of a coil zip, the sleek look of an invisible zip or the strength of a metal zip, choosing the right zip and looking after it will help your cushions stay practical and attractive for years.
Continue exploring cushion covers and construction across our glossary:
The Foam & Covers team can make removable, zipped cushion covers to your exact measurements, with foam cut precisely to fit.
Contact Our Foam Specialists or Order Custom Cut Foam Online .
We make custom cushions and covers for settings of all kinds — Benches, Caravans, Windows Seats, Sofas and many more!