Your packaging is talking. What's it saying about your brand? The right mailer does more than hold your product. It protects it in transit, cuts unnecessary shipping costs, and helps create a packaging experience that customers actually remember. Too small and you risk damage; too big and you're paying to ship air while products rattle around.
What Are Flat Mailers?
When your shipment needs to stay sleek, flat, and flawless, flat mailers get the job done without the bulk. They're rigid enough to protect your items from bending but lightweight enough to keep shipping costs down. These tear-resistant polyethylene mailers are perfect for anything that needs to arrive crisp and undamaged without adding bulk to your package.
Wondering about eco-friendly options? If you're exploring whether biodegradable mailers are worth the switch, we break down the pros, cons, and costs in this quick guide to help you decide what's best for your packaging strategy.
Best for: Paper goods, prints, thin books, stickers, cards, documents, and anything flat that can't afford to get bent or creased during shipping.
Camelia Bloom Biodegradable Mailers 10" x 13"
Size Breakdown
Match your flat items to their perfect protective fit. Here’s how the sizes stack up:
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6" x 9"
Your go-to for small, precious items like postcards, greeting cards, small sticker packs, and invitations. Perfect for Etsy sellers shipping handmade cards or small art pieces.
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10" x 13"
The workhorse size for standard documents, thin books, journals, and art prints up to A4 size. Great for photographers shipping standard prints or small businesses sending contracts and paperwork.
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12" x 15.5"
Ideal for larger art prints, product catalogues, multiple paper goods, or anything that needs more breathing room. Popular with artists shipping 11x14 prints with protective backing.
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14.5" x 19"
Perfect for oversized prints, presentation folders, or larger documents that need to stay flat. Essential for graphic designers sending portfolios or large format materials.
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19" x 24"
The top pick for large format posters, artwork, or multiple items that need maximum protection. A must-have for poster sellers and anyone shipping wall art.
When to Use Flat Mailers
Choose flat mailers when:
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Your item is lightweight and relatively flat
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Bending or creasing would damage the product
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You want professional presentation without extra bulk
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Cost efficiency matters—they're lighter than padded alternatives
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Your customer expects their item to arrive in pristine condition
Skip flat mailers when:
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Your item is fragile or breakable
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The product has dimension or bulk
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You're shipping electronics or jewelry
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The item could be damaged by pressure or compression
What Are Padded Mailers?
Padded mailers are your protective packaging powerhouse. They combine the convenience of a mailer with built-in bubble wrap cushioning. No need to double-bag or add extra padding materials; the protection is already built right in. They're perfect for anything that needs a gentle hug during shipping.
Best for: Delicate items, handmade goods, small gifts, electronics, cosmetics, and anything that could be damaged by bumps or pressure during transit.
Size Breakdown
Here's how to match your items to the right padded protection:
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6" x 9"
Your jewelry box in mailer form. Perfect for small, precious items like rings, earrings, compact accessories, or any delicate item that needs maximum protection in minimal space.
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8.5" x 12"
The sweet spot for small books, beauty products, phone cases, or when you're grouping multiple small items together. Great for subscription box items or small gift sets.
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10" x 13"
The versatile choice for apparel (t-shirts, accessories), boxed goods, or anything with more bulk that still needs cushioning. Popular with clothing brands shipping folded items that need to arrive wrinkle-free.
When to Use Padded Mailers
Choose padded mailers when:
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Your item is fragile or could break under pressure
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You're shipping handmade goods that took hours to create
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The product has value that justifies the extra protection
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You want to eliminate the need for additional bubble wrap or padding
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Customer satisfaction depends on items arriving in perfect condition
Skip padded mailers when:
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You're shipping flat, rigid items that won't bend
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Cost efficiency is more important than extra protection
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Your items are already well-packaged in their own protective containers
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Weight matters more than cushioning for your shipping strategy
Final Tips: Choosing the Right Mailer Every Time
Choosing between flat and padded mailers comes down to a few key things: what you're shipping, how fragile it is, and the kind of unboxing experience you want to deliver.
Flat mailers are your best bet for items that need to stay sharp and uncreased, like prints, cards, or documents. Padded mailers, on the other hand, shine when your goods need a little cushioning without the bulk of extra packaging.
Still unsure? Trust your item’s shape, weight, and vibe to guide you. And if in doubt, go with what’ll make your package arrive looking its best.
Need a quick reference? Check out our full range and get the best match for your product.
