Complete Guide to Poly Mailers for Ecommerce Shipping
What Are Poly Mailers?
Poly mailers (also called poly bags or shipping envelopes) are lightweight, flexible shipping bags made from polyethylene plastic. They're the #1 choice for ecommerce businesses shipping clothing, accessories, books, and other non-fragile products because they're:
- Lighter than boxes (saves on shipping costs)
- Water-resistant (protects contents from rain)
- Tear-resistant (won't rip during handling)
- Space-efficient (stores flat, takes up minimal warehouse space)
- Cost-effective (significantly cheaper than cardboard boxes)
How to Choose the Right Poly Mailer Size
Measure your product's longest dimension, then add 2-3 inches. For example:
- 6x9" mailers: Small items (jewelry, phone cases, small accessories)
- 10x13" mailers: T-shirts, folded clothing, books (most popular size)
- 14x17" mailers: Larger clothing items, sweatshirts, multiple items
- 19x24" mailers: Bulky items, coats, multiple garments
Pro tip: Don't oversize - using a mailer that's too large wastes money and looks unprofessional. The mailer should fit snugly with 1-2 inches of extra space.
Poly Mailers vs. Bubble Mailers: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | Poly Mailers | Bubble Mailers |
| Best For |
Clothing, books, soft goods |
Fragile items, cosmetics, electronics |
| Protection Level |
Water & tear resistance |
Cushioning + water resistance |
| Cost |
Lower (50-70% cheaper) |
Higher |
| Weight |
Lighter (saves on shipping) |
Heavier (adds to shipping cost) |
Bottom line: Use poly mailers unless your product needs cushioning. For most ecommerce items (apparel, textiles, non-breakables), poly mailers are the smarter choice.
Are Poly Mailers Eco-Friendly?
Yes - when recycled properly. Our poly mailers are made from 100% recyclable LDPE plastic (#4 recycling symbol). Many customers prefer poly mailers over cardboard boxes because:
- Lower carbon footprint: Lighter weight = less fuel used in shipping
- Less waste: Takes up less space in landfills
- Recyclable: Can be recycled with plastic grocery bags at most retailers
Looking for even greener options? Ask about our biodegradable and compostable mailer options.
Why Buy Poly Mailers in Bulk?
Wholesale pricing saves serious money for high-volume shippers:
- Volume discounts: The more you buy, the lower the per-unit cost
- Always in stock: Never run out during peak shipping seasons
- Consistent quality: Every mailer meets the same durability standards
- Free shipping: On large orders (contact for details)
Common Questions About Poly Mailers
What is a poly mailer?A poly mailer is a lightweight, flexible shipping envelope made from polyethylene (LDPE) film with a self-sealing adhesive strip. It is water-resistant and tear-resistant, weighs far less than a corrugated box, and is used to ship non-fragile goods such as apparel, books, and soft accessories. What size poly mailer do I need?Measure your product's longest dimension and add 2-3 inches. 6x9" fits small items like jewelry and phone cases, 10x13" is the most popular size and fits t-shirts, folded clothing, and books, 14x17" fits sweatshirts and larger garments, and 19x24" fits coats or multiple garments. The mailer should close with 1-2 inches of extra room, not more. Do poly mailers meet USPS requirements?Yes. Our Postal-Approved Poly Mailers are certified to meet USPS standards. They include the required tear strip for easy opening and a tamper-evident seal that shows if the package has been opened in transit. Our economy Value Plus mailers are intended for general shipping of non-fragile items. Are poly mailers recyclable?Yes. Our poly mailers are made from 100% recyclable #4 LDPE film, the same resin as plastic grocery bags, and can be dropped off at store film-recycling bins that accept #4 plastic. They are not accepted in most curbside bins. Biodegradable and compostable mailer options are also available. Poly mailers vs. bubble mailers: which should I use?Use poly mailers for clothing, books, and other soft goods that do not need cushioning; they cost roughly 50-70% less than bubble mailers and weigh less, which lowers postage. Use bubble mailers for fragile items such as cosmetics, electronics, and breakables that need impact protection. Can poly mailers be custom printed with my logo?Yes. We print custom poly mailers with your logo, brand colors, and artwork. Minimum order quantities apply, so contact us for a custom printing quote and current lead times. Will poly mailers rip in the mail?Not if the thickness is matched to the contents. Our mailers use co-extruded LDPE construction built to withstand USPS, UPS, and FedEx handling. For heavier or bulkier loads, step up to our heavy-duty mailers rather than oversizing a lighter-gauge bag. What is the difference between LDPE and HDPE mailers?LDPE (low-density polyethylene) is softer and more flexible, which is why we use it for mailers carrying clothing and soft goods. HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is stiffer with a crinkly texture and is better suited to rigid items. Industries That Use Poly Mailers
- Ecommerce & Online Retailers: Amazon sellers, Shopify stores, Etsy shops
- Subscription Boxes: Monthly subscription services
- Clothing & Apparel: Fashion brands, boutiques, athletic wear
- Books & Media: Publishers, resellers, bookstores
- 3PL & Fulfillment Centers: High-volume shipping operations
Order Poly Mailers Today
Ready to save on shipping costs? Browse our poly mailers above or request free samples to test quality before buying in bulk. Questions? Our packaging experts are here to help - call us or chat now.
Related products: Bubble Mailers | Corrugated Shipping Boxes | Packing Tape & Supplies
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