Due to less than favourable economic conditions the days of throwing out your clothes because of something as minor as a broken zip are gone.  These days, many of our customers prefer to "make do and mend" and extend the life of their garments for as long as possible by utilising their sewing skills to mend and alter their clothing.  Of course, zips are always an important item for dressmakers to have to hand when creating new designs and are used on everything from jeans and dresses to skirts and evening gowns.  We are often asked for advice on which zips are best to use for different projects so today we hope to provide you with an insight into the different types of zips we stock, enabling you to make an informed choice and ensure that your zips will last as long as you wish to wear your garments. Closed End Zips - used in items such as dresses, skirts and trousers Closed End Zips are designed so that both ends of the zip are closed.  As well as clothing items, Closed End Zips can also be used on luggage, bags and accessories or for any item where the zip is not required to come off the track.  Our range of Closed End Zips include Concealed/Invisible Zips which are used when the designer does not wish for the zip to be a visible part of the garment.  When applied correctly the zip will disappear into the seam of your garment and will not be visible form the outside, these zips are often used on items which require a clean look such as bespoke evening dresses and bridal gowns.  Jeans Zips are a closed end zip which are ideal for use with heavier fabrics such as denim, leather and heavier cottons.  Nickel Trouser Zips are a sturdy zip with strong nickel teeth and are ideal to be used on a range of items which may require something a little more sturdy than a plastic zip such as suit trousers Open End Zips - used in any item in which you require for both sides of the fabric to become separated such as coats and jackets.  Our range of Open End Zips includes Plastic Open End Zips with plastic moulded teeth, they are the perfect zip to be used in coats, jackets and knitwear.  Reversible Zips are a Open End Zip which are ideal to be used on items which can be worn showing either side of the fabric such as jackets and coats.  Our range of Open End Zips also includes Brass Zips, Heavy Duty Metal Zips, Tent Zips and more Zip Pulls - zip pulls are used for pulling zips up and down on many items such as coats, jackets and bags.  Zip pulls are not only a functional item but can often be a stylish fashion accessory in themselves.  We stock a range of zip pulls including Ball Chain Zipper Pulls, Eyelet Zipper Pulls and Ring Zipper Pulls as well as a fantastic new range of character zipper pulls which are perfect for children and anybody young at heart.  Characters include Batman, Spider Man and Minnie Mouse All of our zips are by world renowned manufacturers YKK and Trebla so you can be confident that you are purchasing a product of the highest quality to ensure that your zips do not let you down.  As well as a fantastic range of individual zips we also offer a bulk buy option on our Trebla zips.  All of our zips are of the highest quality and all meet and exceed British standards for strength and durability.  To view our full range of zips please visit us in store or on our website.  If you have any further queries, please contact our sales team on 0151 336 3939. Until next time, Calico Laine