A broken fly can make a favourite pair unwearable overnight. The good news: zips are entirely fixable, and replacing one doesn't mean losing the jeans.
Common zip problems
- Zip keeps sliding down. The slider's locking pin is worn.
- Zip splits open behind the slider. The slider has stretched and no longer grips the teeth.
- Missing or bent teeth. The slider sticks or jumps.
- Pull tab snapped off.
- Zip tape torn away from the denim.
DIY fixes worth trying first
- Stiff zip: rub a graphite pencil, a bar of soap or a candle along the teeth.
- Splitting zip: very gently squeeze the back of the slider with pliers to tighten it. Go carefully, because too much pressure cracks it.
- Snapped pull tab: a small keyring or replacement pull clips on in seconds.
- Zip won't stay up: a loop of elastic or a hair tie around the button holds it in place as a stopgap.
When it needs a professional
Missing teeth, a broken bottom stop or torn zip tape mean the zip has to be repaired or replaced, which involves unpicking the fly and restitching it. It's well worth paying for on a good pair. Ask whether the original zip can be kept, which matters on vintage or branded jeans. Some specialists, such as Repair My Denim with its jeans zip repair, try to restore the original before replacing it.
Button gone too?
Fly problems often come with a missing waistband button. See why jeans buttons need a press.