Two Way Zip Guide - How to use a two-way zipper
HOW TO USE A 2-WAY ZIP
The 2-way zip is a popular feature of many different styles of country coats. From time to time we are asked questions about its use and the general purpose of it. We decided to put together this helpful post to provide a few hints and tips describing how to use it and why we think it's such a great feature.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A 2-WAY ZIP?
2-way zips are designed to open from the bottom of the zip as well as from the top. This is to give you more room at the hem of the coat so you will be more comfortable when you are sitting down. It is also ideal for just letting in some air or retrieving something from a pocket underneath without having to undo the whole zip.
HOW DO I USE MY 2-WAY ZIP?
Below is a simple diagram to help you use your 2-way zip correctly. You just need to make sure that both parts of the zipper are firmly seated at the bottom before inserting the free zip edge into both, then pull the top slider upwards while holding the bottom slider firmly in place to zip up the coat. You can then easily pull the bottom slider up to open the coat from the bottom.
1. Place both zip sliders together at the bottom of the zipper. It is important at this stage that the bottom slider is fully at the bottom of the the runner and the top slider is positioned evenly on top of it - if the bottom runner is not fully at the bottom of the slider the zip will not work properly. Try to avoid supporting the sliders by putting a finger underneath them as this can cause the bottom slider not to be fully at the bottom of the zipper - do not even touch the sliders once they are positioned at the bottom of the zipper. Now, insert the free zip edge fully into both sliders until you hear a soft click - push the runner into the sliders, do not try to push the sliders onto the runner.
2. The zip edges must now be level at the bottom of the zip. If they are not level the zip will not work correctly.
3. The top slider can now be used to zip up the jacket. The slider will move freely, do not force the slider as this will damage the zip permanently. If the slider does not move easily check that the zip edges are level at the bottom, undo the zip and try again.
4. The bottom slider will now move freely up and down the runner to allow extra room at the hem. Use the bottom slider to give greater room when sitting or moving - do not cause the slider to experience excessive force by positioning it poorly. To undo the zip, place both sliders at the bottom of the runner and lift the runner out of the slider.
Once you have used your zip for a short while the process will become second nature to you.
