How to Zip a Back Zipper by Yourself

Last Updated: March 5, 2020 References Tested

Garments with back zippers can be a big pain, especially if you’re trying to prepare for a formal event. While it’s easiest to ask a friend or family member for help, you can zip up your own clothes with the help of a few household items. Within a few minutes, you can repurpose a safety pin and some string into your own personal zipping assistant!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Connecting a Safety Pin and String

1
Cut a length of string that’s at least 1 ft (30 cm) long. Lay your dress or other back-zippered garment on a flat surface and use a measuring tape to figure out how long the zipper is. After you’ve determined this, cut off a piece of string that matches this measurement.^{[1]
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- If you don’t have any string on hand, you can use a length of ribbon or a shoelace instead.
2
Knot the string to the end of a safety pin. Put the string through the small circle at the end of the pin and tie a knot. Double-check that the string is securely attached to the pin.^{[2]
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3
Attach the safety pin to the metal ring on your zipper pull. Open a safety pin and thread the pointed end of the pin through the metal loop beneath the base of the zipper pull. Once you’ve secured it into place, close the pin.^{[3]
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- Attach the pin before you put the dress on.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Securing the Zipper

1
Slip into your garment before using the zipper. Get dressed as you normally would and leave the zipper completely undone. Check that the article of clothing is securely over your shoulders, so you can have an easier time reaching the safety pin and string.^{[4]
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2
Pull the zipper as far as you can with your hand. Stretch an arm behind your back and try to grab the zipper with your fingers. Tug on the zipper pull to begin closing the back of your garment, zipping as much of the clothing as you can with 1 hand.^{[5]
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- While you don’t have to do this, it can make the rest of the zipping process a lot simpler.
3
Use 1 hand to hold the bottom of your dress in place. Take your non-dominant hand and place it beneath the base of your zipper. Apply pressure to the area with your fingers, so your garment stays centered as you zip.^{[6]
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4
Tug on the string with your opposite hand to pull up the rest of the zipper. Reach behind your back with your dominant hand and find the dangling piece of string. Grab onto it, then pull the string up until your zipper is completely closed.^{[7]
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- You might need to apply a little extra force to nudge the zipper upwards. Don’t apply too much pressure, since you don’t want to rip your garment!
5
Remove the safety pin from your zipper if you can unzip the dress on your own. Stretch your arms behind your neck and feel for the zipper. Once you’ve located the safety pin, use 1 of your hands to open it up and remove both the safety pin and piece of string from the base of your zipper.^{[8]
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- Be careful not to prick yourself when you unhook and remove the pin!
- Hook the safety pin back together once you’ve removed it from your garment. With the string still attached, you can use this handy tool in the future for all of your back-zipping needs!
6
Tuck the string and safety pin behind your garment if you want to unzip easily. Try to position the safety pin so it’s hidden behind the zipped portion. Once the safety pin is secured, tuck the rest of the string into your piece of clothing. When it comes time to unzip, untuck the string and safety pin from your garment and pull downwards to release the zipper.^{[9]
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