How to Replace a Zipper in Slacks

Metal zippers are more suitable for slacks.

Nylon zippers have been a staple in clothing for years, but they aren't very stable or reliable. They pop open at times, and while they can usually be fixed by unzipping and zipping, it's still embarrassing. Replacing the nylon zippers with metal ones may look like a formidable task, but with care and attention the replacement will look like the original.

Things You'll Need

• Seam ripper
• Replacement zipper
• Scissors
• Pins
• Thread

Instructions

1. Remove about three inches of the stitching from the waist band on each end, using the seam ripper to do so.

2. Remove the stitching that holds the zipper from both sides of the garment, using the seam ripper. This includes the topstitching on the extension that holds the zipper in place on the top side of the zipper opening.

3. Remove the solid, zigzag-stitch bar tacks at the bottom of the fly and remove the old zipper.

4. Close the new zipper and pin the base of the zipper at the base of the zipper opening. Trim the zipper tape at the bottom if necessary.

5. Open the zipper. Pin the zipper tape between the bottom section of the slacks and the fly extension, starting at the base and working up to the waist band. Align the zipper so that only the teeth show as you pin.

6. Trim the top of the zipper if you have more than 3/4 inch extending into the waist band. Sew this side of the zipper in from base to waistband using the original stitch marks as a guide.

7. Pin the other side of the zipper from base to waistband on the extension only. Align the zipper tape with the stitch marks from the original zipper.

8. Lay the extension out flat and sew one row of stitches close to the zipper teeth from base to waistband. Sew another row of stitches parallel to the first about 1/8 inch from the outer edge of the zipper tape. Sew the zipper tape onto the extension flap only.

9. Trim the top of the zipper if necessary as you did on the first side.

10. Turn the extension flap back under and top stitch a straight line from the base of the zipper to the waist band using the original stitch marks as a guide. Sew another row of stitching 1/4 inch from the first row, if your slacks originally had a double row of stitching. Sew both rows of stitching from the base to the waist band.

11. Sew a bar tack at the base of the zipper opening. Top stitch the curve of the extension flap. Sew another bar tack where the curved stitching meets the straight stitching.

12. Sew the waist band onto the slacks at both ends.

Tips & Warnings

• Make all your rows of stitching in the same direction for a smooth application.

References

• Replace Zipper in Your Favorite Jeans