The Mishna Brura writes (317:15) that if you have new article of clothing you may not insert on Shabbos its belts and strings that are left there permanently because you are Misaken Mana or fixing the item.
The Piskei Tshuvos brings from the Chelkas Yaakov that attaching a hood to a coat with a zipper, in the beginning of the winter for the entire winter is assur just the same. He also brings from Rav Vosner that it is even the Milacha of Tofeir sewing since it will remain permanently for the winter. Moreover he brings from Rav Binyomin Zilber in Az Nidbiru that even snapping on an Atara on a talis is assur.
However he says there are those who are matir in all these cases because it is not Tefira and it is like buttoning your clothing which is permissible even for an extended period of time. The matirim include the Btzel HaChochma, the Debriciner Rav, Rav Yehonoson Shteiff, and Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach.
Important Note: We bring this tshuvah as a starting point for discussion and not to convey any halacha. We try to convey the Tshuva to the best of our ability. We admit that our understanding may not be accurate. One should learn the tshuva to verify the accuracy of our interpretation. Please understand that this Tshuva may not be the final word on this topic. One should consult a Rav before drawing any conclusions.
YL, Lakewood, 2012-02-03 08:01:41 A similar psak is brought in the sefer Emes L'Yaakov from Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky ZT"L. He brings m'pi hashemua from Rav Yaakov that zippering a lining into your coat is the melocho of makeh b'patish. Having discussed the shailah with some gedolei haposkim the concensus was that this is a big chiddush and one can be meikel.