Poly mailers have become increasingly more popular over the years and continue to be used primarily for e-commerce. With a variety of colors, styles, and sizes, poly mailers are a great choice. However, whether mailing hundreds of hats a day or only fifty a month, the size of your poly bag is vital to your success. We have covered everything you need to know, from measuring your product to choosing the right size mailer and everything in between.
What is a Poly Bag?
If you haven’t heard of a poly mailer, also known as a poly bag, it is crucial to know what they are and how they work before deciding they are the right choice for you. A poly mailer is a lightweight but sturdy bag made of plastic. Moisture-resistant and durable, these bags offer a layer of protection that will ensure the delivery of your product arrives in perfect condition no matter what.
Are There Different Sizes of Poly Bags?
Poly bag sizes vary greatly, but the standard poly bag size is 10” x 13”. While you can purchase poly bags in bigger or smaller sizes, your choice should be based on what you plan to put inside them. Make sure to measure the length and width of your item before purchasing your poly bag to ensure you buy the proper size necessary.
How to Determine the Right Size Poly Bag
- Measure Product
- Measure Bag
- Choose Type
- Confirm
Measure Your Product
Measuring your product is crucial to choosing the proper poly bag size. If applicable, keep the item in whatever packaging you plan to ship it and measure the length, width, and depth. Write down these measurements, especially if you will be shipping more than one of these products over time.
Measure Your Poly Bag
Now that you have the measurements for your product, it’s time to research what size poly bag would work around those measurements. You want to choose a large enough poly bag that will comfortably fit your product without it being too large that there is excess material on all sides.
How to Measure Your Poly Bag
- Measure the length from the bottom of the bag to the base of the seal
- Measure the width of the bag from side to side
- For more rigid items, add ½ inch to the width of the bag
- For bulkier items, adjust dimensions as needed
You also don’t want it too small to avoid it ripping or tearing in transit. Finally, if you plan to add other packaging material to keep your product protected, don’t forget to consider this when sizing.
Learn About the Different Poly Mailer Types
There are many different types of mailers out there to choose from. Some have padding, some are thin and flat, and some are self-seal. It is crucial to choose the right option for your products. Don’t forget, when taking measurements, any extra material, including sealing options, is not included in the size.
Ask for a Sample to Confirm
When purchasing your poly mailer, you can research and request a few samples if you are unsure what size would work best. Make sure to check out our list below if you are on the fence about what size may work for your product.
Why Size Matters
Sure, it would be easiest to buy a massive number of poly mailers in different poly bag sizes, but there is a reason why measuring and knowing the proper size matters. The size of your poly bag cannot protrude more than three inches past the overall dimensions of the product you are shipping.
While many places may not care about the size of your poly mailer or how far out it protrudes over your product if you are shipping with amazon or other corporations, they have strict regulations, and the size of your poly bag will matter. Therefore, it’s best to follow this rule of thumb so however you choose to ship, you will not have any issues with your package arriving at its destination in a timely fashion.
If you don’t choose the right poly bag size, it will also prevent the poly mailer from doing its job of protecting your items from dirt, debris, and moisture.
Poly Bag Sizes and Recommended Products
It can be challenging to know what the best option is for your product even after taking measurements. If you are consistently shipping the same items, you may want to buy only one size poly bag. We broke down the most standard sizes for more common products to help you out!
Common Poly Bag Sizes
- 6 x 9-inch poly bag
- 7.5 x 10.5-inch poly bag
- 9 x 12-inch poly bag
- 10 x 13-inch poly bag
- 12 x 15.5-inch poly bag
- 14.5 x 19-inch poly bag
- 19 x 24-inch poly bag
6 x 9 inches: This bag is great for small jewelry boxes, earrings, and socks.
7.5 x 10.5 inches: Use this bag for socks, small electronics, slightly bigger jewelry boxes, tea towels, and tiny stuffed animals.
9 x 12 inches: Use this bag size for shipping fabrics or t-shirts. We recommend no more than two t-shirts at max for this size.
10 x 13 inches: Use this bag size when shipping four to five larger t-shirts, a dress shirt, a yard of fabric, or even a set of cloth napkins.
12 x 15.5 inches: Shipping a sweater, a dress, a pair of jeans, or four to five oversized t-shirts to a group of friends? We recommend this size bag to complete your needs. Also, a great option is shipping two yards of fabric or yarn.
14.5 x 19 inches: Use this bag size when shipping twelve to fourteen medium t-shirts or ten to twelve large t-shirts. Can also use this poly bag size for two or three sweaters or dresses, two pairs of jeans, or even a set of sheets.
19 x 24 inches: Use this bag size to ship a complete set of sheets, twelve to fourteen large t-shirts, two or three sweaters or dresses, and two pairs of jeans.
As you can see, there is a poly bag size for all your needs. While we still recommend measuring your items before shipping them to ensure they will fit properly, this guide should help you decide which size is best for you if you are still unsure of the best fit.
Finding the Right Size of Poly Mailers
Poly mailers can fit so many items - from clothing to jewelry, shoes, and more. Regardless of your product sizes, we've outlined some tips to help you find the best fitting poly mailer. When getting started, measure your item and then account for the additional room for decorative items such as tissue paper and wrappings such as bubble wrap or clear poly bags. When figuring your package size, you want to make sure your product is snug but not overly constrained. Aim to have a minimal amount of extra space in your package, but not so much that it will shift around during transit.
Make Your Poly Mailer Pop
With flat rate envelopes and cardboard boxes, there's little to no room for customizing your exterior packaging. There's so much excitement in receiving a package, so why not adorn it like a gift! Our poly mailers come in a variety of colors and designs to add fun and flair to your packages. If bright and vibrant isn't your thing, we also have white poly mailers. Whether size or style is essential to you, the protection will always be there. Let us help you find the right poly mailer for your business needs.
Extra Protection
Poly mailers are an excellent packaging solution to protect your products from external damage during delivery. For that extra layer of protection, consider adding clear bags to your shipping supply list. Clear bags are a thin, plastic bag that surrounds your product, acting as a barrier between your item and the actual mailer. These clear bags help to keep water, dirt, and dust away from your items. Check out our clear bags for your storage and shipping needs.
Poly Mailers Make Shipping Better
Poly mailers have changed the shipping game, making it easier and more affordable to ship your items anywhere. Choosing the right size poly mailer will only elevate your shipping game, ensuring your products are protected during transit and knowing they will safely make it to their destination. Follow our steps to choose the best size bag and place your order today!
Where to Buy Your Poly Mailer Bags
It can be daunting to decide where to purchase your poly mailer bags. But choosing the right manufacturer can be a breeze. Make sure to ask the right questions before making your selection. A manufacturer that understands your needs will ensure that you are well prepared to ship your items and help create a successful customer experience.
Poly Mailers are accepted just about everywhere, which is another reason you should be using them. USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL are just some common carriers that accept poly mailers.
