Dakimakura Zipper Placement: Bottom vs Side

Bottom zipper: keeps the opening at one end

A bottom zipper sits along the short edge of the cover. It keeps zipper hardware away from the long sides, which can suit people who hold the pillow along those edges. It is the straightforward choice if you have no particular opening preference.

The trade-off is fitting a long insert through the end opening. Work the cover over the insert gradually instead of pulling hard on the zipper or seams.

Side zipper: an alternative way to fit the insert

A side zipper puts the opening along a long edge. Depending on the agreed opening length, this can make it easier to position the insert without feeding it through one end. Confirm the opening length with us; a side zipper does not automatically mean the entire side opens.

The zipper tape and slider will sit along that edge. Consider where you usually hold the pillow and whether your artwork places important details near that side. Neither placement alone guarantees greater durability: construction, fit, and handling also matter.

What to tell us for a side-zipper order

• Your cover size and fabric choice.
• The preferred side, marked on the front artwork so left and right are unambiguous.
• Any opening-length requirement or difficulty fitting your current insert.

Confirm the final layout with us before production. Do not assume a side zipper has been arranged unless we have confirmed your request.

Fitting and caring for the cover

Open the zipper fully, align the insert corners, and ease the cover into place. Keep loose fabric out of the teeth. If the zipper catches, stop and free the fabric rather than forcing the slider. If the slider or teeth are damaged, contact us before attempting a repair with tools.

Follow the cover washing and care guide when cleaning.

Choose your size and fabric on the custom dakimakura page. Bottom is the default; contact us in advance for a side zipper.