Three questions are enough: where does it sit, how much strain does it take, should it be seen?
The chain
Coil is light and flexible – for dresses, cushions and jackets. Moulded teeth are sturdy and cold-resistant – for outdoor. Metal is the choice for jeans, leather and bags.
The number
The number describes the tooth width in millimetres: no. 3 for fine work, no. 5 as the all-rounder, no. 8 for coats and tents.
Separating or not
Jackets need separating zippers with a box and pin, trousers, skirts and cushions closed-end ones. For long coats and sleeping bags there are two-way zippers.
