How do I repair a broken or damaged zip on a travel bag?

Why repair a travel bag zip?

The zip is one of the most heavily used parts of a travel bag, as it guarantees the safety of your belongings. When it breaks, jams or frays, it can not only cause discomfort, but also render your bag unusable. Instead of throwing away a bag that still has years of life left in it, a zip repair will:
- Extend the life of the bag:Repairing a damaged zip avoids having to replace the whole bag, and allows you to continue using it with confidence.
- Preserve comfort and security: A well-functioning zip ensures that your belongings are safe and easy to access. This is particularly important for a travel bag, which is often loaded with valuable or bulky items.
- An environmentally responsible choice: Repairing rather than throwing away a travel bag is environmentally friendly. It reduces waste and allows you to get the most out of your accessories.

Different travel bag zip repairs

At Tilli, our expert bag repair artisans offer several types of repair depending on the condition of your travel bag's zip. Here are some of the most common repairs:

Blocked or jammed zip repair
Sometimes the zip gets stuck or becomes difficult to close. This problem is often caused by dirt or wear on the zipper. Our Makers clean and repair the zipper so that it works smoothly again, while checking the condition of the zipper teeth to ensure durability.

Zip slider replacement
The slider is the moving part that opens and closes the zip. If the slider is damaged, it can be difficult to manipulate the zip. At Tilli, we'll replace the worn slider with a new one, perfectly matched to the model of your bag. This replacement extends the life of the zip without having to change the whole mechanism.

Repair or complete zip replacement
In the event that the zip is broken or excessively worn, we offer a full replacement. This includes the removal of the old zip and the installation of a new model, of equivalent or higher quality. Our Makers ensure that the colour, size and style of the zip matches the original design of your travel bag.

Reinforcing the seams around the zip.
Sometimes the zip is in good condition, but it's the seams that hold it to the bag that are weakening. Our Makers can reinforce these seams to prevent the zip from coming loose or fraying over time.

The repair process at TILLI

1. Bag assessment
Our Makers thoroughly examine the condition of the zip and bag to identify the most suitable repair. This includes an inspection of the zip teeth, slider, surrounding stitching and general wear of the bag.

2. Bespoke repair
Once a diagnosis has been made, we carry out the repair using high-quality materials. Whether it's a full zip replacement or a simple slider repair, we ensure that each intervention respects the original style and functionality of the bag.

3. Impeccable Finishing
The repair is carried out as discreetly as possible and with meticulous Finishing. Our Makers take the time to check that every seam and every piece is both robust and discreet.

Why choose TILLI for travel bag zip repairs?

Choosing TILLI to repair your travel bag means opting for:$
- Specialised artisans:Our repairers are experts in leather goods and know perfectly well the techniques for repairing all types of zips, whether metal, plastic or spiral.
- A made-to-measure service:Each repair is tailored to your bag and its specific features. We take care to respect its original design while guaranteeing optimal sturdiness.
- A sustainable choice:Repairing a zip rather than replacing the whole bag is an eco-responsible solution. You preserve your accessories while reducing waste.

Tips for looking after the zip on your travel bag

To avoid zip problems in the future, here are some practical tips for looking after your travel bag:
- Avoid overloading the bag: Too heavy a load can put excessive pressure on the zip, increasing the risk of it jamming or breaking.
- Clean the zip regularly: Run a soft cloth or toothbrush over the zip to remove dust and debris that may be clogging it.
- Apply zip lubricant: A specific zip lubricant can help prevent blockages and make opening and closing easier.

A broken zip shouldn't deprive you of your favourite travel bag. Zip repair is a practical, durable and cost-effective way to extend the life of your accessories. At TILLI, our Makers guarantee you a high-quality service so that you can use your bag again with complete peace of mind. Don't wait for the problem to get worse, let us repair your bag and travel with peace of mind.