Envelopes may look plain and simple, but they play a critical role for your business. Envelopes are essential for delivering paychecks, mailing marketing materials, sending invoices, collecting donations, and keeping messages private. No wonder envelopes come in such a wide range of sizes and styles. You might be most familiar with the regular #10 envelope that is perfect for holding 8 ½” x 11” folded sheets of paper, but even that option could feature a security tint or include a window, and you’ll need to choose between regular gum or peel and stick. If you’re a business mailing out correspondence, then it’s important to have the right kinds of envelopes on hand. That’s why we put together a handy guide with three steps to buying envelopes. 

Consider the Contents

When you’re buying envelopes it’s typically best to start by considering what goes inside them. You’ve spent a lot of time working on those mailing items, so take the time to make sure the packaging is just right. Different types of envelopes are designed to hold specific types of documents or materials. While most business mailings can easily go into a #10 envelope, we know that not everything you do, or send, is standard.  

If you’re mailing bills or invoices, a security tint can reassure clients or colleagues that their personal information is being kept safe from prying eyes. Transparent windows on the front can also make sending out bills more convenient. If you’re mailing out envelopes to collect church offerings or tithes there are envelopes designed especially for that purpose. Magazines, catalogs, and bulky documents should be sent in larger catalog envelopes so the contents inside don’t get crushed. 

Where do I begin with buying envelopes?

Comfortably and securely ship your mailings with the right envelopes. When buying envelopes make sure to take into account your project, dimensions, and custom print options.

Size Matters, Get The Right Fit

The last thing you want when it comes to envelopes is tearing, yanking, tugging, wrenching, or finagling as you try to either insert or remove the contents. Not only is it unprofessional, but frustrating for you and your recipients. Plus, some items,  like paychecks or identity documents, shouldn’t be folded, so choosing the appropriate sized envelope becomes more crucial. So how do you choose the perfect sized envelope for your mailing?

First, let’s go over how envelopes are measured. Envelope sizes are denoted by the shortest dimensions first, which is their height when we are referencing standard business envelopes. The second measurement given is the longer side, which is generally the width of the envelope. 

Standard envelopes typically include #8, #9, and #10 envelopes sizes. The #10 envelope is the most popular size and will fit a standard letter, folded in thirds. A #9 envelope works great as a return envelope and fits comfortably inside a standard #10 envelope. The #8 envelope can also be used as a return envelope and is more common for smaller checks. 

Smaller envelope sizes, like 6 ¾ or 7 ¾, will fit a personal check, plus a small insert. 

Large envelopes are used for mailing items that are either too bulky to slide into a standard-size envelope, or for items that can’t be bent or folded. The most common sizes for large envelopes are 10×13, 9×12, and 6×9. 

Something else to consider when it comes to size, booklet versus catalogue envelopes. Catalogue envelopes have a seam down the center of the envelopes back while booklet envelopes open along the wide top. That wide top on a booklet style envelope can be helpful when inserting items that can’t be bent or folded. Finally, when it comes to picking a size, whether you need standard, small, or large, choose an envelope that is at least ¼” larger than its contents.  

Seal the Deal with the Right Look

Once you’ve considered what you are mailing, and what size envelope you need, the last step is to make sure that the envelope you’ve selected makes a great first impression. That’s easy to do with Letter Jacket’s customization tools. Once you’ve chosen your envelope the next step is to select your printing options. You can add your logo and text to a blank canvas right in your browser, or upload a finished art file from your designer. You can choose from 1, 2, 3, or 4 color printing, as well as choosing from color printing on just the front or front and back. Once we have your design we’ll email you a proof with the full details of your order. We know the difference that a beautiful, high-quality envelope can make. That’s why we want to help you make sure your envelopes represent you in the most positive way possible. 

At Letter Jacket we know that envelopes play a key role in how business gets done. It’s just one reason why we are here to help you pick the right envelope for the job at hand. No matter the contents, a high-quality, professionally printed envelope, will help you and your business make a stronger impression. And if you can’t find what you need, no worries, we can custom make it for you. Visit our website or chat with an ordering specialist today.  

Key Takeaways

• Envelopes are essential for delivering paychecks, mailing marketing materials, sending invoices, collecting donations, and keeping messages private. 
• When buying envelopes make sure to take into account your project, dimensions, and custom print options.
• Letter Jacket has the envelope sizes and styles you need for your business.