Q: Which zipper is used on soft luggage?
Soft luggage uses a size 8 or size 10 coil with two sliders, one at each end, so the case can be opened from either side. The size 10 is standard on a checked suitcase, where the zip is the structural closure and takes the load of a full pack; a size 8 is adequate on a cabin bag. Tape should be a heavy woven quality, and the sliders should be lockable if the case is sold as check-in luggage.
- Size 8 for cabin bags, size 10 for checked cases.
- Two sliders, one at each end of the opening.
- Lockable sliders and reinforced tape ends.
Overpacking is the usual cause of failure: the case is forced shut, the coil spreads behind the slider and the zip splits in the airport. The second pitfall is the expansion gusset, which doubles the load on the same chain when it is opened. Reinforce the corners, use a tape that will not shrink and check the slider alignment after the case has been packed to its stated volume.