Zippers: The Unsung Hero of Running Apparel
Discover the key features of zippers and how they can help provide you with a secure, dry, and chafe-free run.
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 and zippered sports bras. When it comes to running gear, zippers can be especially useful. Ankle zippers allow you to easily get those running tights 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 an effortless 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 noticed before.
Zipper Garage
This little fabric housing for the zipper pull tab holds it in place as you run, preventing the zipper from slowly opening up. The zipper garage also provides a buffer between your skin and the zipper car, which could cause abrasion or chafing as you run.
Wind Flap
The wind flap is an extra strip of fabric that keeps the cold out and acts as an additional barrier between you and the zipper. This is useful, because zippers don't form a perfect seal, and if you don't have another layer underneath, the zipper could irritate your skin.
Waterproof Treatment
To ensure complete waterproof and windproof protection, zippers need an extra treatment on the outside so that they form a more complete seal.
Lock-down Zipper
Also called a "semi-automatic slider," these pull tabs stay securely locked down to the zipper itself when they are in the down position. The pull tab isn't literally "locked," but this mechanism helps keep it from getting caught on anything or moving around while you run.
