Which zipper is safe and durable for a kids jacket?

Q: Which zipper is safe and durable for a kids jacket?

A kids jacket should use a size 5 plastic vislon zipper, open-end, with a plastic slider and a pull attached by a fabric loop rather than a metal chain. Plastic avoids nickel release against a child's neck and keeps the weight down; a size 5 is strong enough for a padded jacket but still flexible enough for a small wearer to close alone. Add a chin guard and make sure the top stop is fully covered when the jacket is zipped up.

• Size 5 plastic vislon, open-end, plastic slider.
• Fabric pull loop instead of a metal pendant.
• Chin guard and a covered top stop.

The common pitfall is a decorative metal pull, which is both a nickel risk and a small-part hazard if it works loose. The second is a zip that is too stiff for the child to operate, so the jacket is left open in cold weather. Test the slider force with the garment on a dummy, and bar-tack both tape ends so a pulled slider cannot tear the shell.