Vintage Zips - Exploring the History of Opti-Matic & Lightning-Zipp Zippers
At Sewing Chest, we love vintage sewing treasures, and our latest find is a delightful batch of cotton tape zippers in an array of colours, bearing the names Opti-Matic and Lightning-Zipp. These high-quality zips hail from two historic brands and are perfect for a variety of sewing projects today. But what’s the story behind them? Let’s dive into the fascinating history of these zipper manufacturers and explore how these vintage zips can still find a place in modern creations.
A Look at Lightning-Zipp (UK)
The Lightning-Zipp brand traces its origins to Lightning Fasteners Ltd., a British company that played a significant role in zipper production. Established in the early 20th century, Lightning Fasteners was known for its high-quality metal zippers and served both the fashion and industrial markets. The company was later acquired by Imperial Metal Industries (IMI) in London, and in 1967, IMI collaborated with Opti Zippers to launch Relampago Zippers.
Despite its strong presence, the Lightning-Zipp trademark in the UK was last registered in 1947 and remained active until 1983, after which it appears to have ceased. It is believed that Lightning-Zipp production ended around 1980, making any surviving stock a true vintage find!
Opti-Matic: A Global Zipper Brand
Opti zippers were established in Germany in 1936 and became one of the leading global manufacturers of slide fasteners. Over time, Opti expanded its reach, supplying zippers to European and UK markets. The Opti-Matic range likely belonged to a specific series within the Opti brand, though precise production dates for this model remain unclear.
By the late 1980s, economic shifts saw Opti divest its zipper business, leading to the formation of Rubi Zippers, a company started by former Opti employees. Today, Opti was a recognised name under the Coats Group, but in August 2023, Coats sold its European zips business to Aequita, a German company, and ceased manufacturing zips in Europe. This marks a significant shift in the availability of Opti-branded zippers, making vintage stock even more valuable for sewing enthusiasts.
How to Use These Vintage Zippers in Sewing Projects
We have some longer ones, but have most that are only 10cm long (4”). The 4-inch cotton tape zippers are not just fascinating historical artefacts; they are still completely functional and ideal for:
- Small leather goods – coin purses, wallets, and key cases.
- Dressmaking – vintage-inspired garments needing short zippers.
- Accessories – makeup pouches, small bags, and craft projects.
- Repairs – restoring period clothing or older garments with authentic fasteners.
Because they are made with cotton tape, they blend beautifully with natural fabrics and have a softer, more flexible feel than modern polyester-tape zips.
A Rare and Exciting Find!
Finding a supply of these zippers in such vibrant colours and excellent condition is a rare opportunity for vintage sewing enthusiasts. Whether you are a collector, a historical costume maker, or just love incorporating unique details into your sewing, these Opti-Matic and Lightning-Zipp cotton tape zippers are a fantastic addition to any stash.
Explore our collection and add a little piece of sewing history to your next project!
