This glove is designed for easy donning and doffing while bobbing in the watter before and after your dives. The zipper closure is 5" (12.7cm) long starting from the cuff and extending over the thumb. The length and location of the zipper is ideal because it releases pressure off of your hand at it s widest point. This reduces suction and also creates a wide opening when pilling the gloves on. The hook and loop tab is 4.5" (11.5cm) long and can easily be placed into a resting position with the glove unzipped. This helps prevent the tab from becoming a snag hazard. The tab also helps hold the glove open while drying. The main purpose for the hook and loop tab is to hold the zipper tab in the locked position, and protect the zipper slider/puller while diving. Also If for any reason the zipper is damaged, the glove cuff can still be closed tightly using the hook and loop tab. Being numb is dummies.