Envelope Everything
Let’s talk about envelopes! There are six standard classifications for envelope types: commercial, announcement, baronial, remittance, catalog, and booklet. There are many different sizes available for each, but we’re going to go over the most popular options for our clients.
If you’re more of a visual learner, scroll to the end for a handy (and free!) downloadable reference guide.
Before we get started, a note on inserts (that’s what you put inside your envelope!) – as a general rule, your inserts should be a quarter inch smaller than your envelope. If your envelope is super small, aim for ⅛ of an inch smaller than your envelope.
COMMERCIAL ENVELOPES
Commercial envelopes are your standard envelope, most often coming in as #9 or #10. Both can fit a folded 8.5 x 11” sheet of paper, but #9s are just a little smaller than #10s.
#9 – 3.875 x 8.875”
#10 – 4.125 x 9.5”
Both of these sizes have the option to add windows, typically on the left side (but right side is an option, too!). For those visual learners, oftentimes you’ll receive bills in the mail with these two size envelopes – the outer envelope is probably a #10 with the inner envelope to mail payment or send a reply being a #9.
ANNOUNCEMENT & BARONIAL ENVELOPES
Announcement envelopes are the ones you’d pick when sending your wedding invitations or a birthday card. The most common size is called A7, measuring in at 5.25 x 7.25” to fit 5 x 7” cards.
Another common size is an A2, most often used for RSVP answer cards. A2 envelopes measure at 4.375 x 5.75” and hold a 4.25 x 5.5” card.
Baronial envelopes are the same sizes as announcement envelopes, but have different names for them (we know, it’s confusing!):
A7 is the same as “7 Bar/Lee”
A2 is the same as a “4 Bar”
One distinct difference between announcement and baronial envelopes is the flap. An announcement envelope will have a square flap, whereas a baronial envelope will have a deep v flap. You’ll often see a baronial envelope used for a fancy wedding invitation or unique greeting card.
REMITTANCE ENVELOPES
Remittance envelopes are often used by non-profit organizations or political candidates in their fundraising campaigns. Across the inner parts of the envelope, you’ll usually find a form to fill out with contact and payment information. For remittance envelopes, the most common size is a 6 ¾ envelope, with the envelope size being 3.625 x 6.5” and the insert measuring 3.375 x 6.25”.
CATALOG & BOOKLET ENVELOPES
Catalog and booklet envelopes are used for larger pieces (think: college acceptance letter and sets of paperwork). They come in very similar sizes, but there is one big difference: catalog opens on the short edge and booklet envelopes open on the long end. Catalog envelopes have a center seam which makes them more durable. Because of this, they tend to be the better choice for when you have to send heavy items like presentations or a stack of stapled documents – like tax documents. The most common sizes for catalog and booklet envelopes are 6 x 9”, 9 x 12”, and 10 x 13”. These fit papers sized 5.75 x 8.75”, 8.75 x 11.5”, and 9.75 x 12.5” respectively.
CUSTOM ENVELOPES
Sometimes, no standard envelope works. Maybe you need a custom window size or placement, a custom lining, or a specialty size. We do have options for creating envelopes, but it is certainly not a budget-friendly option unless you’re looking to order a quantity of 100,000 or more.
At Swift, we do a lot with envelopes. We print standard black printed envelopes, 1 and 2 color envelopes, 4 color process, and white ink! From business envelopes to wedding invitation envelopes, from long runs to short runs. We even offer mailing services, both with printed postage and with applied stamps.
Check out our additional resources:
Best Practices for Mailers
How to Set Up Addresses for Mailers
Click image to download
Click image to download
