At first glance, every zipper looks the same.
Put two bags side by side, both sleek, polished, and finished with the same metal tone, and you might think they’re identical in quality.
But a few months later, one zipper still glides smoothly while the other starts to peel, flake, or lose its shine.
That difference often comes down to one small but crucial detail: the zipper coating.
What is a PU-Coated Zipper?
PU (Polyurethane) coating is a thin, protective layer applied on top of the zipper tape or teeth.
It serves multiple purposes:
Water resistance: Helps protect against moisture penetration, ideal for travel or outdoor bags.
Durability: Prevents oxidation and fading caused by humidity and sunlight.
Design appeal: Gives a clean, modern, and sometimes glossy finish that elevates the overall look.
But not all PU coatings are equal. Low-grade PU might look perfect when new, yet cracks or discolors after just a few months of use — especially under tension or when exposed to heat.
The BSK Standard: Function First, Always
At BSK Supply Co, we’ve tested dozens of zipper types across hundreds of bag styles.
Our conclusion?
It’s never just about how a zipper looks — it’s about how it performs.
That’s why we partner with trusted suppliers like SBS, known for:
✅ Consistent quality across batches
✅ Faster lead times than YKK (typically 15 days)
✅ Competitive pricing that still delivers premium performance
We’ve seen what happens when brands choose market-available zippers that “look similar” — they often turn ugly, fast. PU coating starts to peel, sliders lose their color, and the end consumer feels the difference immediately.
Why This Matters for Brands
When a zipper fails, the customer doesn’t blame the zipper brand, they blame your brand.
A zipper might only cost a few cents more, but the perception of quality lasts years.
Cutting corners on components like zippers, coatings, or tapes can save a few dollars per order, but cost much more in returns, reputation, and rework.
That’s why our sourcing philosophy is simple:
“It must not only look good on day one — it must look good after year one.”
The Takeaway
The next time you spec a zipper for your design, ask these three questions:
1️⃣ Does the coating have verified PU quality testing (abrasion and aging)?
2️⃣ Has the supplier proven long-term performance on real products?
3️⃣ Is the difference in price justified by the lifespan of your brand image?
Because in the bag industry, just like in life — the difference between good and great often hides in the details.
About BSK Fashion
BSK Fashion develops and manufactures high-quality bags for global brands, combining technical materials, precision craftsmanship, and scalable production across China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
We help brands design bags that not only look beautiful, but last beautifully.