Id like to "zip" both sides of a portable external hard drive case with a drive inside and its connector cord (external drive port to USB-C) protruding out.
Its to keep the drive safer or cushion the fall if it falls accidentally.
First, heat will be a concern of it's plugged in for any length of time - the zippered case will act like an insulator.
If you're still set on doing this, you can either orient the drive so the cables protrude from the closing end of the zipper, or poke holes through the case in a spot that's ideal.
That kind of material tends to fray when cut, but melting a hole with a soldering iron works well-it seals the edge.
If space in there is limited, or you want to have the cables routed differently, there are 90° cables/adapters which can help.