Mailing Bags for Clothes in the UK: Sizes, Styles & Best Options for Safe, Cost‑Effective Shipping

When your business ships clothing, every penny and every impression counts. Choose the wrong packaging and you risk damaged garments, expensive postage and unhappy buyers. Choose wisely and you’ll slash costs, delight customers and reinforce your brand identity. This comprehensive guide explains why poly mailing bags are the go‑to solution for shipping clothes, how to select the right size, which eco‑friendly options are available and where to buy them. We’ll also show how ePackaging Direct’s no‑MOQ, bulk‑discount model helps UK sellers ship smarter.

Why Mailing Bags Are Perfect for Clothes

Lighter and Cheaper Than Boxes

Poly mailers are thin, flexible envelopes made from polyethylene. Because they weigh far less than cardboard boxes, they can reduce shipping costs dramatically. An e‑commerce fulfillment guide explains that lightweight packaging keeps postage down and lowers the package’s dimensional weight—a measurement carriers use to determine rate. If you ship lots of soft goods, these savings add up quickly.

Waterproof, Tear‑Resistant and Opaque

Poly mailers resist water and tearing. Shopify’s packaging team notes that mailers are water‑resistant, tear‑resistant and reusable. This makes them ideal for clothing, which needs protection against rain, dust and scuffs. The material is opaque too, ensuring buyer privacy and reducing the risk of theft.

Flexible and Space‑Efficient

Unlike boxes, mailers conform to the shape of their contents. This flexibility reduces bulk and allows packages to fit through letterboxes or parcel lockers. A guide from eFulfillment Service emphasises that poly mailers are flexible, helping reduce overall volume. Less volume means lower shipping charges and less storage space in your warehouse.

Customisable and Brandable

Although plain mailers are inexpensive, you can also order custom‑printed bags featuring your logo, colours and brand messages. Shopify notes that poly mailers are customisable and can enhance brand recognition. Branded packaging conveys professionalism and makes unboxing memorable.

When Boxes Still Matter

Mailers work best for non‑fragile apparel. Items like formal hats, delicate embellishments or luxury shoes still benefit from rigid boxes. For bulky winter coats or multi‑item orders, consider expansion mailers or corrugated cartons for extra protection. Otherwise, poly mailers deliver a perfect balance of cost, speed and protection.

What Size Mailing Bag for Clothes?

Choosing the correct bag size is crucial. A bag that’s too small risks tearing; too large and you’ll pay for wasted space and higher dimensional weight. Here’s how to select the right size.

Common Clothing Mailer Sizes

An industry guide divides mailer sizes into small, medium, large and extra‑large categories:

Clothing‑Specific Size Chart

A detailed sizing guide by packaging experts shows recommended mailer sizes for specific garments:

These recommendations come from an article on optimal mailer sizes, which advises choosing a bag slightly larger than your measured garment to allow space for sealing and padding.

General Tips for Measuring Clothing

1. Fold neatly: Lay garments flat and fold them as if preparing for shipping.
2. Measure length, width and thickness: Use a ruler to measure the longest and widest points, then press lightly to estimate compressed thickness.
3. Add 0.5 inches to each dimension: This allowance ensures smooth insertion and secure sealing.
4. Avoid oversizing or undersizing: Oversized mailers increase dimensional weight and undersized bags can burst during transit.

Selecting the right size not only protects your products but also optimises shipping costs and reduces waste.

How to Pack Clothes Properly in Mailing Bags

Proper packing protects garments, reduces returns and enhances your brand. Follow this step‑by‑step process:

1. Clean and fold: Ensure garments are clean, dry and lint‑free. Fold them neatly to minimise wrinkles.
2. Use inner protection: Wrap each garment in tissue paper or place it inside a clear poly bag. This keeps clothing clean and adds a professional touch.
3. Layer fragile fabrics: Delicate items like silk or sequins may need extra layers, such as bubble wrap or padded mailers.
4. Insert and flatten: Slide garments into the mailer so they lay flat. Remove excess air to avoid bulky corners.
5. Seal securely: Close the peel‑and‑seal strip firmly. Some bags have double strips for returns; if so, leave the second strip for the customer.
6. Label clearly: Attach the shipping label on a smooth area. Avoid placing it on the flap, which may fold during transit.

Using the correct packing method ensures a professional unboxing experience and reduces the risk of damage.

Eco‑Friendly Clothing Packaging Options

Recycled Poly Mailers

Standard grey mailing bags are made from 80 % recycled material. Kite Packaging notes that their grey mailers are 55 micron (220 gauge) thick polythene and feature a 40 mm peel‑and‑seal lip for easy closure. These bags offer durable protection while using recycled content, making them a more sustainable choice.

Compostable and Biodegradable Mailers

Some suppliers produce mailers from biodegradable or compostable bioplastics, such as PLA or PBAT. These bags break down under industrial composting conditions within a few months. While more expensive, they appeal to eco‑conscious buyers and reduce your brand’s environmental footprint. For example, eFulfillment Service lists compostable mailers as a type of poly mailer designed for sustainability.

Recycled Kraft and Paper Mailers

Paper mailing bags are fully recyclable and often made from FSC‑certified materials. Kite Packaging offers paper mailers that are 100 % recyclable. They are excellent for lightweight garments and align with eco credentials, although they may not be as water‑resistant as plastic mailers.

Recycled Ocean‑Bound Plastic Mailers

Some brands produce poly mailers from ocean‑bound plastics, intercepting waste before it reaches the sea. This helps reduce pollution and provides a strong, waterproof bag. Look for certifications (e.g., Global Recycled Standard) and communicate this eco choice to your audience.

Choosing the Right Eco Option

When selecting eco mailers, balance durability, cost and sustainability. Recycled poly mailers are inexpensive and reliable. Compostable mailers suit premium brands willing to pay more for green credentials. Paper mailers are ideal for dry climates and fully recyclable operations. Offer your customers a choice and explain the environmental benefits.

Where to Buy Mailing Bags for Clothes in the UK

Competitors and Industry Benchmarks

Several UK suppliers offer clothing mailing bags. Kite Packaging stocks grey mailing bags (80 % recycled), eco mailers, paper mailers and heavy‑duty options. Priory Direct sells recycled and compostable mailers. Amazon and other marketplaces offer bulk poly mailers but may lack business‑friendly features like mixed‑size packs or reliable quality control. While these suppliers serve the market, they often require minimum order quantities or charge premium prices.

Why Choose ePackaging Direct

• No minimum order: Start small. Order just a few packs or mix sizes to suit your product range. Perfect for boutiques and SMEs.
• Next‑day UK delivery: Keep your shipping lines running smoothly with rapid restocking.
• Bulk discounts up to 86 %: Save money as you scale. Larger orders trigger significant price reductions.
• Mix & match ordering: Select different sizes, colours or eco options in one order without penalty.
• Eco‑friendly range: Choose from recycled grey mailers, compostable options and kraft paper bags to match your sustainability goals.
• Multiple payment options: Pay by card, PayPal or bank transfer; returns and customer service are quick and responsive.

By combining flexibility, speed and value, ePackaging Direct gives UK clothing sellers everything they need to compete with bigger retailers.

FAQs (with FAQ Schema)

1. What size mailing bag fits a hoodie? Choose a 14.5 × 19 inch mailer for one or two hoodies or sweaters. The extra depth accommodates the fabric’s bulk without squeezing it.
2. Can I post clothes in poly mailers? Yes. Poly mailers are designed for non‑fragile items like clothing. For very delicate fabrics, add tissue or bubble wrap inside.
3. Are mailing bags waterproof? Most poly mailers are water‑resistant and tear‑resistant. Some premium bags are fully waterproof; always check product specifications.
4. What’s the cheapest way to ship clothes in the UK? Use lightweight mailers to reduce postage weight and avoid dimensional charges. Compare Royal Mail’s Small Parcel rates to courier services and consider bulk discounts from suppliers like ePackaging Direct.
5. Are grey mailing bags recyclable? Yes. Grey mailers from Kite Packaging are made from 80 % recycled material and can be recycled again. Check local recycling guidelines.
6. What’s better: mailing bags or boxes for clothing? Mailing bags are lighter and cheaper for non‑fragile apparel. Boxes are better for luxury items, heavy shoes or accessories that need rigid protection.
7. Do Royal Mail and couriers accept mailing bags? Yes. All major UK carriers, including Royal Mail, accept poly mailers. They classify mailers as parcels when thickness exceeds 25 mm. Check weight limits for your service.
8. Can I use branded mailing bags for clothes? Absolutely. Custom‑printed mailers enhance brand recognition and create a memorable unboxing experience. Minimum order quantities and printing costs apply.
9. What’s the most eco‑friendly option? Compostable or 100 % recycled mailers are top choices. Compostable bags break down under industrial composting, while recycled poly mailers reuse existing plastics. Paper mailers offer a fully recyclable alternative.
10. Can I order small batches of mailing bags? Yes. ePackaging Direct allows no minimum order, letting you buy as few or as many as you need. Many competitors require full cartons.

Conclusion – Protect Your Clothes, Protect Your Brand

Switching from bulky boxes to right‑sized mailing bags can transform your clothing business. Poly mailers are lightweight, waterproof and durable, keeping garments safe while reducing postage. Choosing the right size ensures a snug fit and professional presentation. Eco‑friendly options—recycled, compostable or kraft paper—let you align packaging with your sustainability values.

With no minimum order requirements, massive bulk discounts and next‑day UK delivery, ePackaging Direct makes it easy for boutiques, online sellers and fulfilment centres to stock the perfect mailing bags. Stop wasting money on oversized boxes or flimsy envelopes. Order your clothing mailers today and deliver a professional, eco‑friendly unboxing experience with every shipment.