What to do if your dress doesn’t zip up all the way?

Answered by Edward Huber

If you’re having trouble with a dress that won’t zip up all the way, don’t worry, there are several things you can try to fix the issue. Let’s go through some steps that might help you get that dress zipped up properly.

1. Turn the dress inside out: Sometimes, the fabric or lining of the dress can get caught in the zipper, preventing it from moving smoothly. By turning the dress inside out, you can visually inspect if there are any obstructions in the way. Gently pull any fabric away from the zipper teeth and try zipping it up again.

2. Zip from the other side: If the dress has a zipper on one side, try zipping it up from the other side instead. This might help if the teeth on one side of the zipper are misaligned or damaged. By zipping up from the opposite side, you can potentially bypass the problematic area and get the dress to close properly.

3. Use a zip-up garment bag: If the dress is still not cooperating, you can try using a zip-up garment bag to help with the zipping process. Place the dress inside the bag, making sure the zipper is aligned with the bag’s zipper. Slowly and steadily zip up the garment bag, guiding the dress’s zipper along. The added structure and support from the garment bag can sometimes make it easier to zip up the dress.

4. Seek professional help: If none of the above methods work, it might be time to take the dress to a tailor or seamstress. They have experience in dealing with zipper issues and can assess the problem accurately. They might be able to repair or replace the zipper, ensuring your dress fits perfectly.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to be cautious and gentle when dealing with zippers to avoid any further damage. Trying to force a zipper can lead to more problems, such as teeth breaking or fabric tearing. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable handling the issue yourself, seeking professional help is the best course of action.

In my personal experience, I once had a beautiful dress that wouldn’t zip up all the way. I tried turning it inside out and found that a small piece of fabric was caught in the zipper. After carefully removing the fabric, I was able to zip up the dress smoothly. It was a relief to know that a simple solution could fix the problem. However, in another instance, despite my best efforts, I couldn’t get a dress to zip up properly. I took it to a tailor, and they discovered that the zipper had become damaged and needed to be replaced. The dress came back to me with a brand new zipper, and it fit perfectly.

So, if you find yourself struggling with a dress that won’t zip up all the way, don’t panic. Try the steps mentioned above, and if necessary, seek the assistance of a professional. With a little patience and expert help, you’ll soon be able to wear your dress with confidence and style.