Metal Zip supplies UK?

B

Beach-Bygones

Registered Guest
Hi there, I have a lovely 1950s Horrockses dress but unfortunately the metal zip was broken. I took it to the local menders and they have replaced it with a nylon one. I wasn't too pleased as I had asked for a metal one so I sent it back again. However I have just been to collect it again and they say they can't get hold of a metal zip. Although the dress is now in 'working' condition it just doesn't look right with the current zip. I have looked on ebay for metal zips and haven't had much luck. Does anyone have any white metal dress zips for sale or do you know any suppliers? The zip is 16 inches (40cm) long. Many thanks.
 
Your best bet would be to check the charity shops, that is where I get mine from and I have a hoard of them as you just can't get them new.

Lei
 
When I was in London last year I went to...damn...what was it called Liberty right? They have fabulous notions up stairs in their fabric department and I did see metal zippers there. Maybe give them a call, it was the most fabulous notion department I have ever seen. I wanted to take home suitcases of stuff.
 
Thanks so much for the replies. I will definately check out the local charity shops. I haven't been to London in a while but will make a visit Libertys next time. It seems like the longer metal zips that are around are too heavy duty for dresses. It's a shame as I so prefer metal zips to nylon ones- wish they still used them.
 
I'm quite surprised at this: although I'm another one who picks up her metal zips from charity shops, it's mostly to save money because new versions are freely available in Australia. Perhaps I should start stocking up because they're sure to stop making them as they already have elsewhere?
 
For anybody that's still interested:

I work in a English Haberdashery and we can only get metal zips from 4 - 9" from our main suppliers as they are sold as jean zips, they are what I would call heavy weight as they are made for this purpose, they are also brass teeth only and come in a limited range of colours (black, white, navy, red and beige if I remember correctly).

We do have limited stock of the old type open ended metal zips made for coats etc which can be lighter weight and suitable for dresses but they need stitching at the end and the choice will be very limited indeed as to size and colour.

FYI: new nylon open ended zip sizes now go up in 2" increments from 10-30" for standard teeth and 16-30" for chunky (nylon fleece type) zips
 
I'm new to this forum so I've just come across this posting. Don't know if it's been too long or if your still on the hunt for one. I did a hunt through my stock and found a 45mm/17" Talon white painted? enameled? metal Zipper. Let me know if you still want it.

-Adriana
 
There is a well established haberdashery shop in London called Kleins which sells vintage style metal-toothed coloured zips of beautiful quality. When I asked the staff said that they have them specially made for the store by a Japanese firm. The zip teeth are small, like in old metal zips, but are not coloured or painted like some old zips, only the tapes are coloured. The teeth are silver or gold. The tape shades are limited but they also sell these zips with an off-white cotton tape which can be easily dyed. Like many others I struggle to find appropriate zips so I hope this information will help other vintage lovers.
I should also mention that the zips are relatively expensive but you might not mind that if you have a special project.
 
Ruth I've been collecting vintage metal teeth zips since my post on here since when I need one I never have it! I've been picking them up along my way, what size /colour are you after?
 
White, and 15 inches! thanks for looking, that would be wonderful if you happen to have one - I was going to post a most wanted at some point. I bought a new metal one, but then realised it's too heavyweight for a light cotton dress.
 
Sorry Ruth, no such luck! Maybe message Adrianna above and see if she still has her 17" one?

Ok, vintage zips available from me, all have been used unless marked new in packet (NIP) aged between 1940's-70's. Please send a private message if you would like to buy one. Price will vary by length + postage at cost from the UK. I will update this list with new entries/sold.

Dress weight zips with silver metal teeth:
4" cream x3
5" beige
8" very dark green, black x2
9" medium grey
10" white
10.5" off white
11.5" moss green, brown
13" warm yellow
13.5" dark brown, lilac
14" mustard
15" black
15.5" lavender x2
17" yellow, cream, green
17.5" white
19" French Navy
20" beige / skin x9
34" cream /off white

Dress weight zips with coloured metal teeth:
6.5" med brown
7" bright violet NIP
8" gold NIP
10" Turquoise blue NIP
14" peacock, stone both NIP
15.5" navy
16" navy NIP
17" wine
18" bottle green, mauve, sky blue, coral all NIP navy
20" fushia pink
20.5" soft lime green
22" lizbeth red (my favourite name! it's wine) NIP

Invisible zips with silver metal teeth and decorative pull 'Alco England':
8" brown x2

Heavier weight reversible zip (two pullers):
17" stone
 
Thanks for looking. I will message Adriana.

I also have a number of unused still in packet vintage zips, all short, various colours, if anyone is interested I can check if I have something specific someone needs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top