An opening and closure mechanism for a zipper, the mechanism including a resilient elastic band or strap secured to the zipper handle with opposing ends of the resilient elastic strap being secured to at least one side of the waist band closure, and preferably opposing ends of the resilient elastic strap being secured to opposing sides of the waist band closure such that separating the waist band closure causes the resilient elastic strap to open the zipper closure mechanism by retracting the zipper handle downwardly; and closure of the waist band fastener releases tension on the resilient elastic strap allowing the resilient elastic strap to retract the zipper upwardly to a closed position.