Zipper Matchmaker: Finding Your JOANN Zipper's Match at Zipper Shipper
Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2025
With JOANN stores closing nationwide, we’ve heard from many sewists and crafters who are left wondering where to find the zippers they've come to rely on for their projects. Whether you're working on clothing, home decor, or accessories, finding the right zipper is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics.
At Zipper Shipper, we understand this transition can be challenging, and we want to make it "sew easy" for you. That's why we went out and inspected every JOANN zipper out there. We then created this comprehensive guide to help you find exact matches and quality alternatives to your favorite JOANN zippers.
Our extensive selection of American-made zippers ensures you'll find what you need—and discover significantly better-quality options! The best part? All our exact matches are more affordable than their JOANN counterparts, giving you superior quality at lower prices.
How to Use This Guide
This guide is designed to help you quickly find replacements for zippers you previously purchased at JOANN. For each JOANN zipper, we provide:
- Exact Zipper Shipper Match: These matches have the same type of zipper (nylon coil, metal, invisible, molded plastic, etc.) and identical technical specifications (size, gauge, weight, style, and function) as your JOANN zipper. When we say "exact match," we mean a true 1:1 replacement that will work perfectly for the same applications—but with better quality and a lower price.
- Closest Zipper Shipper Match: We don’t have an exact match, but we have something very close. This means we have something very similar to the same JOANN zipper, but there may be a slight variation (i.e. type of slider is different, etc.) We will note what the difference is.
- Alternatives: We also provide alternative options for when you might want something similar but with specific differences. For example, if you like the style and look of a particular zipper, but need a heavier-weight version for durability, a lighter version for delicate fabrics, a separating option instead of closed-end, or a specialized version for specific applications.
Simply find your familiar JOANN zipper in the list below, check out our exact match, and explore alternatives if your project needs have changed. Each option includes a brief description of how it differs from the original to help you make the best choice for your specific needs.
Your Favorite JOANN Zippers and Their Zipper Shipper Matches
1. Coats & Clark Invisible Zipper
Original: A concealed zipper with hidden elements ideal for dresses, skirts and pillows and skirts.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #2 Invisible Closed-End Zipper – equally flexible with superior slider quality at a lower price point.
Alternatives:
- For delicate fabrics: Extra-Fine #2 Mesh Invisible Closed-End Zipper – perfect for delicate fabrics like tulle
- For heavier materials: #4 invisible closed-end zipper (heavier duty) or #5 invisible closed-end zipper (very heavy-duty)
- For custom-length projects: #2 invisible continuous zipper chain
- For lightweight jackets: #3 Invisible Separating Jacket Zipper
2. Coats & Clark All Purpose Plastic Zipper
Original: Versatile nylon coil zipper for general sewing projects.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #3 Nylon Coil Closed-End Zipper - industry standard for reliability.
Alternatives:
- For custom-length projects: #3 Nylon Coil Continuous Zipper Chain
- For lightweight jackets: #3 Nylon Coil Separating Jacket Zipper
- For everyday value: #3 Nylon Coil Closed-End Zipper Sampler Pack (30 zippers in 30 colors in the length of your choice)
3. Coats & Clark Sport Separating Zipper
Original: Durable plastic-tooth zipper for athletic wear and light to medium-weight jackets.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #5 Molded Plastic Separating Zipper - superior molded plastic teeth.
Alternatives:
- For heavier duty applications: #10 Molded Plastic Separating Zipper
- For pockets and closed-end matching zippers: #5 Molded Plastic Closed-End Zipper
- For custom-length closed-end zippers: #5 Molded Plastic Continuous Zipper Chain
4. Coats & Clark Heavyweight Metal Separating Zipper
Original: Brass metal-tooth zipper for medium-weight jackets. Even though the zipper was labeled as “heavyweight”, it really was meant more for light to medium-weight jackets. We have an exact zipper match to it, and also some heavier duty and luxury alternatives.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #5 Brass Separating Jacket Zipper - premium durability with smoother operation.
Alternatives:
- Exact match, but with a fancier pull: #5 Brass Separating Jacket Zipper with Wire Pull
- For a luxury alternative: #5 Polished Gold Separating Zipper
- For heavier alternatives: Even though the Coats & Clark zipper is labeled as “heavyweight”, our heavyweight zippers are much larger and stronger. For something slightly heavier than what you’re used to, consider the #8 Brass Separating Jacket Zipper. For something much heavier (2x as strong), consider the #10 Brass Separating Jacket Zipper.
- For industrial applications on extra-long items: #10 Brass Separating Industrial Zipper
- For vintage aesthetics: #5 Antique Brass Metal Separating Zipper – same type of zipper, but with a muted gold finish (instead of shiny gold).
- For custom-length closed-end zippers: #5 Brass Continuous Zipper Chain
5. Coats & Clark Coil Separating Zipper
Original: Flexible nylon separating zipper for lightweight jackets.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #5 Nylon Coil Separating Zipper
Alternatives:
- For a trendier look: #5 Nylon Coil Separating Zipper with Q Pull
- For athletic wear: #7 Reverse Coil Separating Sportswear Zipper
6. Dritz Clothing Zipper Repair Kit
Original: Basic repair kit with zipper stops and pulls.
Closest Zipper Shipper Match: The Original Universal Clothing Zipper Repair Kit - comprehensive with more options. Also includes instructions!
Alternatives:
- For slider replacements only: Zipper Shipper Slider Replacement Pack
7. Dritz Home Nylon Upholstery Zipper
Original: Extended-length zipper for furniture and cushions.
Closest Zipper Shipper Match: #5 Nylon Coil Continuous Zipper Chain – comes with the ability to make custom-length zippers
Alternatives:
- For heavier fabrics: #7 Nylon Coil Continuous Zipper Chain or #8 Nylon Coil Continuous Zipper Chain
8. Dritz Home Brass Upholstery Zipper
Original: Lightweight metal zipper for home décor projects.
Closest Zipper Shipper Match: an exact match is a #3 metal zipper, which we do not recommend for upholstery as it is too lightweight and prone to splitting. Instead, consider our alternatives.
Alternatives:
- For the same look, but a heavier and better-quality zipper: #5 Brass Continuous Zipper Chain
- For muted gold vs shiny gold teeth: #5 Antique Brass Continuous Zipper Chain
- For silver-colored teeth: #5 Aluminum Continuous Zipper Chain
9. Outdoor Zipper Repair Kit
Original: Weather-resistant replacement parts for outdoor gear.
Closest Zipper Shipper Match: The Original Outdoor Zipper Repair Kit - comprehensive with waterproof components. Also includes instructions!
10. Coats & Clark Sport Parka Dual Separating Zipper
Original: Two-way separating molded tooth zipper for longer coats and parkas.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #5 Two-Way Molded Plastic Separating Jacket Zipper
Alternatives:
- For heavy-duty jackets and coats: #10 Two-Way Molded Plastic Separating Jacket Zipper
11. Coats & Clark Heavy Weight Aluminum Separating Zipper
Original: Medium-weight metal zipper for jackets and outerwear.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #5 Aluminum Separating Zipper - consistent quality with improved slider.
Alternatives:
- For industrial use: #10 Aluminum Heavy-Duty Separating Zipper
- For fashion applications: #5 Antique Nickel Separating Jacket Zipper
12. Coats & Clark Purse Zipper
Original: Two-way bag-style zipper for handbags and accessories.
Closest Zipper Shipper Match: We do not stock these zippers because we recommend using #5 Nylon Coil Continuous Zipper Chain + matching sliders to create your own bag-style zipper at any length (and you can use long pull sliders)! We recommend watching this video for how to make bag-style zippers at any length with continuous chain.
Alternatives:
- For luxury and designer bags: #3 Polished Gold Continuous Zipper Chain or #5 Polished Gold Continuous Zipper Chain
- For small wristlets, pouches and bags: #3 Metallic Coil Continuous Zipper Chain
13. Coats & Clark Brass Pocket Zipper
Original: Short metal zipper for jeans and small pockets.
Closest Zipper Shipper Match: We do not stock an exact match, but it can be made using #5 Brass Continuous Zipper Chain.
Alternatives:
- For the same zipper, but with a different slider: #5 Brass Closed-End Jean / Pocket Zipper (our most popular jeans and pocket zipper)
- For a sportier look: #3 Reverse Coil Closed-End Sport Zipper
14. Coats & Clark Brass Jean Zipper
Original: Traditional jeans zipper with brass teeth and a specialized slider.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #4.5 Brass Jean Zipper - premium quality with better slider action.
Alternatives:
- For something slightly heavier: #5 Brass Closed-End Jean / Pocket Zipper (our most popular jeans and pocket zipper)
15. Coats & Clark Water Resistant Separating Zipper
Original: Weather-protected zipper for outdoor garments.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #7 Water Resistant Separating Jacket Zipper - superior water protection.
Alternatives:
- For custom lengths and closed-end water resistant zippers: #7 Water Resistant Continuous Zipper Chain
- For industrial and heavier-duty applications: RainDefyer #10 Water Resistant Separating Zipper
16. Coats & Clark Reversible Jacket Zipper
Original: #5 Brass Separating Jacket Zipper with a two-handle pull (has a pull tab on each side)
Closest Zipper Shipper Match: #5 Brass Separating Zipper made reversible (check the “make reversible” box on the product page). Note – our reversible #5 zipper has a pull with a swing-around handle that goes over the top and flips to either side, which we think is a big improvement to the C&C reversible zipper. If you prefer to have a two-handle slider, please reach out to us and we can accommodate.
Alternatives:
- For Colorful Options: #5 Nylon Coil Separating Reversible Zipper
- For heavier duty jackets: #8 Nylon Coil Reversible Jacket Zipper
Check out all of our Reversible Zippers!
17. Coats & Clark Robe Zipper
Original: Long, lightweight zipper for loungewear.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #3 Nylon Coil Lightweight Separating Zipper
Alternatives:
- For a more delicate look: #3 Invisible Separating Zipper
- For something slightly heavier: #5 Nylon Coil Separating Zipper with Q Pull
18. Coats & Clark Fashion Brass Separating Zipper
Original: #5 brass metal jacket zipper with non-standard pull.
Closest Zipper Shipper Match: #5 Brass Separating Jacket Zipper with Wire Pull – a separating brass metal zipper with a fancier than normal pull.
Alternatives:
- For vintage look: #5 Antique Brass Separating Jacket Zipper with Wire Pull
- For a luxury look: #5 Polished Gold Separating Jacket Zipper
19. Coats & Clark Fashion Aluminum Closed End Zipper
Original: #5 aluminum closed bottom zipper with non-standard pull.
Closest Zipper Shipper Match: #5 Aluminum Continuous Zipper Chain + decorative metal slider.
Alternatives:
- For a luxury look: #5 polished silver continuous zipper chain
20. Coats & Clark Team Spirit Molded Separating Zipper
Original: #5 molded plastic zipper with different color teeth vs tape
Closest Zipper Shipper Match: any two #5 Molded Plastic Separating Jacket Zippers zipped together (to create a two-tone zipper).
21. Coats & Clark All-Purpose Metal Zipper
Original: #3 Metal-tooth zipper for multiple applications.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #3 Metal Separating Lining Zipper - superior construction with smoother teeth.
Alternatives:
- For heavier fabrics: #5 Aluminum Separating Jacket Zipper
- For luxury items: #5 Polished Silver Separating Zipper
22. Coats & Clark Sport Closed Bottom Zipper
Original: Non-separating zipper for pants, pockets and specific garments.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #5 molded plastic closed-end zipper
Alternatives:
- For stretch or applications with curves: #5 nylon coil closed-end zipper
- For lightweight use: #3 nylon coil closed-end zipper
23. Coats & Clark Extra Long Metal Zipper
Original: #5 metal zipper for lengths up to 36”.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #5 Brass Separating Zipper (lengths up to 60”) and #5 Brass Extra-Long Separating Zipper (lengths up to 108”)
Alternatives:
- For custom length needs: #5 Brass continuous zipper chain
- For heavy applications: #10 Brass Extra-Long Industrial Zipper
24. Coats & Clark Lightweight Coil Separating Zipper
Original: Fine coil zipper for delicate separating applications.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #3 Nylon Coil Lightweight Separating Coil Zipper
Alternatives:
- For a more delicate look: #3 Invisible Separating Zipper
- For athletic wear: #3 Reverse Coil Separating Sportswear Zipper
- For something slightly heavier: #5 Nylon Coil Separating Zipper with Q Pull
25. Coats & Clark Metal Coverall Separating Zipper
Original: Medium-weight zipper for workwear.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #5 Brass Two-Way Separating Zipper
Alternatives:
- For extreme use: #10 Brass Heavy-Duty Two-Way Separating Zipper
- For safety applications: #5 Brass Fire Retardant Separating Zipper (one-way)
26. Coats & Clark Plastic Sleeping Bag Separating Zipper
Original: Extra-long nylon coil zipper up to 100” length.
Closest Zipper Shipper Match: #5 Molded Plastic Extra-Long Separating Zipper
Alternatives:
- For heavy-duty outdoor applications (tents, etc): #10 Nylon Coil Extra-Long Separating Zipper
- For extra-long sleeping bags: #5 Molded Plastic Two-Way Separating Zipper
27. Coats & Clark Gun Metal Zipper
Original: #5 gun metal zipper for fashion applications.
Closest Zipper Shipper Match: #5 Gunmetal Separating Jacket Zipper – similar color and weight to C&C zipper, but pull is slightly different.
Alternatives:
- For an edgier look: #7 Gunmetal Coil Separating Zipper – has the look of a gunmetal zipper, but the flexibility of a coil zipper
28. Coats & Clark Molded Separating Sport Zipper
Original: Durable plastic-tooth zipper for athletic wear and light to medium-weight jackets.
Exact Zipper Shipper Match: #5 Molded Plastic Separating Zipper - superior molded plastic teeth.
Alternatives:
- For heavier duty applications: #10 Molded Plastic Separating Zipper
- For pockets and closed-end matching zippers: #5 Molded Plastic Closed-End Zipper
- For custom-length closed-end zippers: #5 Molded Plastic Continuous Zipper Chain
29. Coats & Clark Metallic Closed Bottom Zipper
Original: Metal zipper with sparkly zipper tape for fashion applications.
Closest Zipper Shipper Match: We do not have anything with sparkly zipper tape, but please check out our selection of Metallic Coil zippers.
30. Coats & Clark Polyester Closed Bottom Cutwork Fashion Zipper
Original: Decorative zipper with tape cutouts for styling.
Closest Zipper Shipper Match: We do not have anything similar to these, but check out our decorative Rhinestone zippers!
Color Matching: Transitioning from JOANN to Zipper Shipper
JOANN's color options were extensive, but Zipper Shipper offers an even broader palette. While color names may differ between retailers, we've made matching simple:
- Standard colors (black, white, navy) are easily matched using our color swatches
- Specialty colors can be matched using our detailed color charts online
- Not sure? You can request color samples via our Sampler Pack before placing larger orders
Remember that lighting conditions can affect how colors appear online. When in doubt, order a sample or contact customer service for assistance with color matching. With our lower prices, sampling multiple colors is still more affordable than what you paid at JOANN.
Zipper Shipper Advantages: Quality, Selection and Shopping Experience
While JOANN offered convenience, Zipper Shipper provides several significant advantages:
- Lower Prices: All our exact matches cost less than their JOANN counterparts
- Superior Quality: American-made, premium brands ensure longer-lasting zippers
- Expanded Selection: More sizes, colors, and specialized options than retail stores
- Custom Options: Order specific lengths, request special pulls or order custom colors
- Bulk Savings: Additional discounts on larger orders
- Expert Assistance: Dedicated customer service to help you find exact matches
Our easy-to-navigate website lets you search by type, length, color, and application, making it simple to find exactly what you need.
Making the Switch with Confidence
Transitioning from JOANN to Zipper Shipper doesn't mean compromising on quality or selection. In fact, many sewists find they prefer our specialized options and consistent quality—all while saving money on every purchase.
Our exact matches to JOANN zippers consistently cost less while offering the same or better quality. This means you can stock up on your favorites without breaking the budget.
As you place your first order, remember that our customer service team is always available to help with any questions about finding the perfect match for your previous JOANN purchases. We're committed to ensuring your projects continue smoothly with the right zipper for every application at prices that make sense.
Welcome to Zipper Shipper—your new one-stop destination for all things zippers of exceptional quality and at prices better than you paid at JOANN!
