What Are Envelopes: Intro Lesson 101

Invitations, greeting cards, invoices, and advertisements are just a few of the many pieces of mail that one receives daily and many of these always arrive inside of an ENVELOPE. What most people don’t know is how many different shapes, sizes, and styles of envelopes there really are. Here are some quick tips when thinking about envelopes.

Envelopes are a First Impression

there are many sizes of envelopes

The envelope is a very important mailing tool, as it’s the first piece the end user sees. The most important goal is for the end receiver to open it. There are a few standard sizes such as a #10 and #9. These sizes are the most common and most readily available, however there are many other sizes that you can get, including custom sizing, choice of paper, inside tint, as well as windows.

Once you decide on which envelope size you need, the next step is to determine the best way to have your envelope printed. Depending on the quantity of envelopes and number of colors, there are various choices for printing (flexo, jet, digital, flat sheet litho).

Nowadays you can print 4 color process, or simply 1,2 or 3 colors. Each project is different so it’s best to work with your print vendor to find the best solution for you.

Common Envelope Types and Sizes for Commercial Printing

  • #10 24 lb. White Wove
  • #10 24 lb. White Wove Standard Window
  • #9 24 lb. White Wove
  • #7 24 lb. White Wove
  • #7-3/4 24 lb. White Wove
  • #6 ¾ 24 lb. White Wove

A great resource for all standard envelopes and their insert sizes is can be found on the website Designer’s Toolbox.

Helpful Hint: When you are sending out a large mailing, it is best to make sure you are using a “machine insertable” flap. Otherwise, you could end up with an envelope that requires hand inserting the letters and this can be quite costly.