Types of mailers for ecommerce and subscription brands fall into four families: corrugated mailer boxes, poly mailers, bubble mailers, and barrier film bags (including customizable mylar bags). The right choice depends on product fragility, weight, branding goals, and ship cost — not habit alone.
This guide compares types of mailer formats, covers common sizes like 10 x 13 poly mailers, and explains specialty options from blue mailer box branding to mylar bags for freeze dried food. For MOQ and ordering paths, see where to order custom mailer boxes and the mailer box size guide.
Types of mailers compared
| Mailer type | Material | Best for | Branding | Typical MOQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated mailer box | E-flute / B-flute | Unboxing, subscriptions, fragile goods | Full interior + exterior print | 50–250 launch |
| Poly mailer | LDPE / HDPE film | Apparel, soft goods, documents | 1–4 color logo | 500–2,500 |
| Bubble mailer | Film + bubble lining | Jewelry, electronics accessories | Logo on exterior | 500–2,500 |
| Padded paper mailer | Kraft + fiber padding | Eco DTC, cosmetics | Flexo / digital | 1,000+ |
| Mylar / barrier bag | Metallized film laminate | Food, coffee, collectibles | Surface print | 1,000–5,000 |
Browse mailer boxes and poly mailers in the product catalog.
Corrugated mailer boxes
Corrugated mailers are self-locking boxes engineered for the unboxing moment. They protect better than film, accept interior messaging, and photograph well for social sharing.
Blue mailer box programs use colored board or full CMYK exterior print to create instant brand recognition on the porch. Any Pantone or hex color is achievable on custom mailer boxes with logo — blue is simply a popular DTC choice.
Design subscription boxes build on mailer construction with:
- Fixed outer dimensions month to month
- Custom inserts and dividers for curated SKU layouts
- Interior lid print for onboarding and retention messaging
See subscription box packaging for industry-specific format pairings.
Poly mailers and common sizes
Poly mailers are the most cost-efficient ship format for non-fragile, lightweight products. Standard stock sizes include 7×10“, 9×12“, 10 x 13 poly mailers, and 14×19“ — each tuned to product thickness and carrier rate tiers.
| Size | Typical product fit |
|---|---|
| 7“ × 10“ | Socks, small accessories, samples |
| 9“ × 12“ | T-shirts, flat goods |
| 10“ × 13“ | Hoodies (folded), books, multi-item |
| 14“ × 19“ | Large apparel, bulk soft goods |
Custom printed poly mailers add logo, return address panels, and tamper-evident seals. Compostable and recycled film options support sustainability claims when certified.
Mylar bags and barrier film mailers
Customizable mylar bags use metallized or high-barrier laminates to block moisture and oxygen — critical for coffee, jerky, freeze-dried meals, and sensitive supplements.
| Use case | Why mylar |
|---|---|
| Freeze-dried food | Extended shelf life, moisture barrier |
| Coffee / tea | Aroma and freshness retention |
| Comics & collectibles | Protection from humidity and handling |
| Supplements | Light and oxygen sensitivity |
Mylar bags comics collectors use are often paired with rigid backing boards — a mylar bag with box shipper combination protects edges in transit. For food programs, confirm food-grade film and ink compliance when quoting mylar bags for freeze dried food.
Film mailers differ from corrugated mailers: lower unit cost and weight, less crush protection, no rigid structure for heavy items.
How to choose a mailer type
- Fragility — Fragile items need corrugated or bubble; soft goods ship in poly.
- Branding priority — Interior print and rigid unboxing favor corrugated mailers.
- Weight and DIM — Film mailers minimize dimensional weight on light parcels.
- Barrier needs — Oxygen-sensitive products need mylar or high-barrier pouches, not plain poly.
- Volume — Poly breaks favor 1,000+ units; corrugated mailers often start at 50 units.
Use the packaging size wizard to match product dimensions to format before quoting.
Order custom mailers
Not sure which types of mailers fit your catalog? Get a free quote with product dimensions, monthly ship volume, and branding goals — we will recommend corrugated, poly, or mylar specs with MOQ tiers that match your stage.