Zippers: The Unsung Hero of Running Apparel

We take zippers for granted on a daily basis. Take a moment to count the number of zippers in your current outfit. Chances are, you are wearing at least one right now. And if not, your backpack, purse, or gym bag most likely features a zipper in some shape or form. Zippers are pretty amazing, and they have been around for over 100 years since the modern-day zipper was invented in 1913.

It’s no wonder zippers have made it into almost every facet of our clothed lives. Even running clothes feature zippers in various forms, from ankle zippers to half-zip long sleeves to zippered jackets to zippered sports bras. When it comes to running gear, however, there is a greater demand for zippers. Ankle zippers allow you to easily get those running tights (men’s | women’s) on and off. Half-zip long sleeves are perfect for giving you extra ventilation when you need it. And zippered jackets (men’s | women’s) provide you with a layer of protection. These zippers have an important job, and they are often overlooked because they do their job so well. Let’s look at a few features of zippers found on running apparel that you may not have realized – until now.

A zipper garage is this little fabric that houses the zipper pull tab and holds it in place as you run, preventing the zipper from slowly opening up. The zipper garage also provides a comfortable buffer between your skin and the zipper car, which could cause an abrasion or chafing as you run. For an irritation-free neck, look for running jackets, vests, and half zips with a zipper garage.

The wind flap is an extra fabric that keeps the cold out and acts as an added barrier between you and the zipper. Since zippers don’t form a perfect seal, if you don’t have another layer underneath, the zipper could irritate your skin! The extra flap also acts as a wind guard to prevent the wind from blowing through the zipper teeth.

For ensuring complete waterproof and windproof protection, zippers need an extra treatment on the outside so that they form a more complete seal. Waterproof zippers often have invisible teeth and sliders when closed to help keep you dry. Waterproof rain jackets will come with these protective treated zippers to prevent water exposure.

The lock-down zipper, also called a “semi-automatic slider,” is a zipper pull tab that stays securely locked down to the zipper itself when in the down position. The pull tab isn’t literally “locked,” but this mechanism helps keep it from getting caught on anything to prevent snagging. The slider also prevents the zipper from moving around while you run for a stay-put fit.