Nothing is worse than finding the perfect vintage jacket and then realizing the zipper is broken… after you already bought it.
Most people would toss it.
Or worse — let it hang in the closet for a year hoping it magically fixes itself.
But here’s the thing:
Fixing a zipper is not that hard. You can do it in under five minutes, and it’ll save something that’s truly worth keeping alive.
This is one of the simplest, highest-impact repairs we do in the shop — and I’m going to show you how.
🛠️ Step 1: Figure Out What’s Actually Wrong
Before anything, assess your zipper and find the root of the issue.
Here are the 3 most common problems we see:
-
🔩 Teeth issues
(Missing or bent teeth) -
🎣 Pull tab / slider issues
(Stuck, bent, loose, or missing) -
🧱 Box or pin issues
(Broken pin or box, or fraying around it)
✂️ Step 2a: Teeth Issues
If your zipper is missing teeth, you’ll probably need to replace the whole zipper.
Sometimes the garment will kind of work — but if the teeth are gone near the base, it will likely come undone when pulled the wrong way.
👉 Bent teeth? You’re in luck. Use needle nose pliers to realign them.
Make sure all the teeth sit evenly — equal distance from the last.
✂️ Step 2b: Pull Tab / Slider Issues
Most zipper problems we fix fall into this category. Here's how to troubleshoot:
1. Slider is stuck
It might’ve been squeezed shut. You can often wedge your needle nose pliers inside and gently widen the mouth.
⚠️ Heads up: this can break the slider. If it does, jump to the next fix.
2. Slider zips, but teeth won’t catch
This usually means the mouth is too wide. Just give it a gentle squeeze with pliers to tighten the grip.
3. Slider is missing
This one sounds scary — but it’s not.
Here’s how to fix it:
a. Check the size/type of your zipper (stamped on the back).
b. Most zippers are YKK — but know if it’s coil, vislon, or standard.
c. Use your End Nipper Tool to remove the stopper.
d. Slide off the broken slider.
e. Match and attach a new one.
f. Re-crimp or replace the top stopper.
Done. Zipper's back in business.
✂️ Step 2c: Box or Pin Issues
Like missing teeth, this usually calls for a full zipper replacement.
But if you're stubborn (like me), you can try a DIY hack using super glue and a plastic straw. It's not pretty — but it works.
🎥 Here’s a YouTube tutorial showing that fix.
If you want it clean? Replace the whole zipper. Which leads us to…
🔁 Step 3: Replacing the Whole Zipper
If you’re like me and don’t sew, just order the right zipper and take it to a tailor.
They’ll usually swap it out for $20–30 in a few days.
If you are a DIY person, this guide is super helpful:
🎥 How to Replace a Zipper – Full Video
💡 Why This Matters
We built our business around one belief:
Used clothing isn’t trash — it’s just waiting for a second life.
Repairing things — even tiny stuff like a zipper — is part of that mission. It builds trust. It saves pieces that deserve to be worn. And it pushes back on the idea that new is always better.
Most resellers won’t do this work.
We do.
Because we actually care.
🧰 Want to Try It Yourself?
I started with a cheap repair kit from Amazon — and I still use those tools today.
We also keep spares from other garments we chop up (like when we turn jumpsuits into jackets).
– Riley White: OWNER/OPERATOR
As Always, KEEP IT CLASSIC
