It's the question we get more than any other: which mailer do I need, and what size? Here's the simple version, based on what actually fits.
Poly mailer or bubble mailer?
Choose a poly mailer for anything soft or unbreakable: clothing, fabric, plush, paper goods. They're lightweight (cheaper postage), tear-resistant, and take up no storage space.
Choose a bubble mailer when the item needs padding or shouldn't bend: books, jewelry, cosmetics, electronics, handmade goods, anything with corners or a screen. The bubble lining absorbs bumps and keeps flat items flat.
Sending something soft and precious? Put it in a bubble mailer anyway — the padding costs pennies and saves the refund.
How to measure in 10 seconds
- Lay the item flat and measure its length and width.
- Add about an inch on each side for wiggle room — and if the item is thick, add its thickness to both numbers. Thick items eat space fast, especially in bubble mailers.
What fits in each poly mailer size
- 6x9 — jewelry, makeup, phone cases, small accessories
- 7.5x10.5 — paperback books, kids' clothing, a single small tee
- 9x12 — t-shirts, documents, photos, thin garments
- 10x13 — our bestseller: 1–2 shirts or a lightweight hoodie
- 12x15.5 — jeans, dresses, 2–3 garments
- 14.5x19 — hoodies, jackets, light blankets
- 19x24 — bulky clothing, pillows, multi-item orders
- 24x24 & 24x36 — coats, comforters, big bundles
What fits in each bubble mailer size
- #000 (4x8) — jewelry, coins, craft supplies, small parts
- #0 (6x10) — phone accessories, small books, cosmetics
- #2 (8.5x12) — books, tablets, framed photos, planners
- #5 (10.5x16) — larger books, boxed items, padded protection for clothing
Bubble mailer tip: the padding takes up interior room, so the usable space is smaller than the outside measurements. When in doubt, go one size up.
Buying for your business?
If you ship every week, the same mailers are available by the case in our Wholesale section — poly and bubble, sorted by size.
Full size charts
Measurements, features, and specs for every size:
Still not sure? Email us at info@shippinginstyle.com or call/text (208) 425-6919 and tell us what you're shipping — we'll point you at the right size.