Q: Which zipper works on a cycling jersey?
A cycling jersey takes a size 3 nylon coil, closed-end at the hem, running the full length of the front, with a locking or cam-lock slider. The jersey fabric is light and close-fitting, so the tape must be thin and the slider small; a reverse coil is often the better choice because the teeth sit inside and do not rub against the chest or catch on a gilet worn over the top. A 3 mm to 5 mm wide slider body keeps the profile low when the rider is bent over the bars.
- Size 3 coil, closed-end, full-front length.
- Locking slider, because a plain pull creeps down at speed.
- Short pull cord so it does not flap in the wind.
The classic pitfall is a non-locking slider: the jersey unzips itself on descents and the rider has to stop to close it. The second is using a heavy tape on stretch jersey, which produces a stiff, wavy placket. Sew with the fabric relaxed and avoid stretching the zip as it goes under the needle.