In short: Order press-to-close (double-track) zippers for apparel, accessories and most dry goods under 1 kg: they cost less and seal reliably on film from 0.05 mm to 0.12 mm. Order slider zippers when the end customer reopens the bag repeatedly, the fill is 1–5 kg, or the bag is wider than 35 cm, because the slider closes a wide mouth in one pull.
Press-to-close zipper: specs and best uses
A press-to-close zipper is two extruded PE tracks heat-sealed inside the bag mouth; the user squeezes them together. Heyi Custom Bags runs it on LDPE, frosted CPE and PP film from 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm, on bag widths from 6 cm to 60 cm. Standard track width is 3 mm for bags under 20 cm wide and 5 mm for 20–60 cm. It suits garment bags, phone-accessory bags, jewelry pouches, snack and powder bags, and any SKU opened only a handful of times. Colored tracks (red, blue, white, green) are available.
Slider zipper: specs and best uses
A slider zipper uses a thicker 5–8 mm profile with a plastic clip that opens and closes the track in one motion. It needs film of at least 0.08 mm so the slider does not tear out the mouth, and is normally run on bags 15–50 cm wide. Choose it for bedding and clothing storage bags, frozen meat and produce bags reopened daily, 1–5 kg pet-food and rice bags, and premium apparel or lingerie packaging. Sliders come in white, black, clear or Pantone-matched colors; see the custom printed slider zipper bags page.
Press-to-close vs slider: comparison
| Spec | Press-to-close | Slider |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum film thickness | 0.05 mm | 0.08 mm |
| Typical bag width | 6–60 cm | 15–50 cm |
| Recommended fill weight | Up to 1 kg | 1–5 kg |
| Reopen cycles before seal weakens | About 50–100 | About 300+ |
| Unit cost | Baseline | Higher (thicker profile + slider clip) |
Common sizes and thicknesses for your RFQ
- Jewelry and small accessories: 6×8 cm, 8×12 cm, press-to-close, 0.05–0.06 mm clear PE or PP.
- T-shirts, socks, underwear: 25×35 cm, 30×40 cm, press-to-close, 0.06–0.08 mm frosted CPE or clear LDPE.
- Hoodies, jeans, knitwear: 35×45 cm, 40×50 cm, press-to-close or slider, 0.08–0.10 mm frosted CPE.
- Bedding and bulk clothing storage: 50×60 cm, 60×80 cm, slider, 0.10–0.12 mm LDPE or CPE.
- Frozen meat, fish, 1–2 kg produce: 25×35 cm, 30×40 cm, slider, 0.08–0.10 mm LDPE with side gusset.
What to specify when ordering
State zipper type, track width, zipper or slider color, film type and thickness, bag size (width × height plus any gusset), hang hole or vent hole, and whether a tamper strip is needed. For press-to-close bags, say whether the zipper sits at the top edge or 2–3 cm below a tear-off lip. Printing is identical for both: up to 10 colors, Pantone-matched, with file setup covered in how to prepare artwork for custom printed packaging bags; frosted finishes are shown on the custom printed frosted zipper bags page.
FAQ
Is a slider zipper stronger than a press-to-close zipper?
A slider zipper holds a heavier fill (1–5 kg) and survives more reopen cycles because its profile is thicker and the clip closes the full width evenly; press-to-close is adequate for loads under 1 kg.
What is the minimum film thickness for a slider zipper bag?
Use at least 0.08 mm film for a slider zipper bag so the mouth does not tear where the slider is seated; press-to-close zippers run on film as thin as 0.05 mm.
Can both zipper types be made in frosted CPE film?
Yes, both press-to-close and slider zippers are produced on frosted CPE film, which is softer to the touch than LDPE; most apparel brands use 0.06–0.10 mm frosted CPE with a press-to-close zipper.
Does the zipper type change the minimum order quantity?
No, the MOQ is 5,000 pcs per design for both press-to-close and slider zipper bags; Heyi Custom Bags produces for brands and wholesalers ordering at that volume.
Custom Zipper Bags From Heyi Custom Bags
Heyi Custom Bags makes press-to-close and slider zipper bags in LDPE, frosted CPE, PP, PCR and compostable PLA/PBAT film at four factories in Dongguan, China and Haiphong, Vietnam, certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and GRS. MOQ is 5,000 pcs per design, production takes 15–25 days after artwork approval, and we ship direct to the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU. Send your bag size, film thickness, zipper type and quantity through the custom zipper bags quote form for a specification and sample plan.