
Shipping items efficiently starts with choosing the right packaging, and poly mailers offer a practical solution for many shipping needs. Whether you’re sending clothing, accessories, or documents, these lightweight mailers streamline the process while keeping costs down. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to prepare, pack, and ship your items using poly mailers.
Why Use Poly Mailers for Shipping?
Poly mailers are waterproof, tear-resistant, and take up less space compared to boxes, reducing shipping costs. Businesses and individuals use poly mailers to ship clothes, accessories, documents, and more.
Advantages of Poly Mailers | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Lightweight & Flexible | Saves on shipping costs |
Waterproof & Tear-resistant | Protects against damage |
Self-sealing & Tamper-proof | Secure packaging |
Available in Various Sizes | Fits different products |
Step 1: Choose the Right Poly Mailer
Selecting the right size and type of poly mailer ensures safe and cost-effective shipping.
Type of Poly Mailer | Best for Shipping | Features |
---|---|---|
Standard Poly Mailers | Clothing, fabric, soft items | Lightweight, water-resistant, tear-proof |
Bubble Padded Poly Mailers | Small electronics, books, delicate accessories | Extra padding for protection |
Expandable Poly Mailers | Bulkier soft items (sweaters, blankets, shoes) | Expands to fit larger items |
π‘ Tip: If you’re shipping fragile or valuable items, consider adding extra padding or using a box inside the mailer.
Step 2: Properly Pack Your Items

- For clothing: Fold neatly to minimize wrinkles and maximize space.
- For small accessories: Place them in a protective pouch or bubble wrap for added security.
- For multiple items: Use clear poly bags to keep them organized inside the mailer.
- For fragile items: Wrap in bubble wrap and ensure there is no extra space for movement.
πΉ Pro Tip: Remove excess air from the mailer before sealing to reduce bulk and prevent accidental openings during transit.
Step 3: Seal the Poly Mailer Securely
Most poly mailers come with a self-sealing adhesive strip, but for extra security:
β Reinforce the edges with packing tape (especially for heavier items).
β Double-check the adhesive is firmly pressed down to avoid accidental openings.
π Tip: If you plan to reuse the mailer, use a resealable poly mailer instead of one with permanent adhesive.
Step 4: Weigh & Measure the Package

Accurate weight and dimensions help determine the right shipping cost and avoid extra charges.
Shipping Factor | How to Measure |
---|---|
Weight | Use a digital scale (round up to the nearest oz/lb). |
Length & Width | Measure the longest and widest part of the mailer. |
Thickness | Check if it exceeds the allowed thickness for flat-rate shipping. |
π¦ Why It Matters?
Many carriers charge based on dimensional weight (size + actual weight), so keeping your package as compact as possible saves money.
Step 5: Choose the Right Poly Mailer Size
Picking the correct size ensures a snug fit for your product without excess bulk. Use this table as a reference:
Item Type | Recommended Poly Mailer Size |
Apparel & Footwear | |
T-Shirts, Socks | 9″ x 12″ or 10″ x 13″ |
Hoodies, Sweaters | 12″ x 15.5″ or 14.5″ x 19″ |
Jeans, Pants | 10″ x 13″ or 12″ x 15.5″ |
Small Accessories (Caps, Gloves, Socks) | 6″ x 9″ or 9″ x 12″ |
Fitness Apparel | 9″ x 12″ or 10″ x 13″ |
Running Shoes, Soccer Cleats, Hiking Boots | 12″ x 15.5″ or 14.5″ x 19″ |
Ski Boots, Larger Footwear | 19″ x 24″ or bigger |
Sports & Fitness Equipment | |
Baseball Gloves, Boxing Gloves | 10″ x 13″ or 12″ x 15.5″ |
Basketballs, Soccer Balls | 14.5″ x 19″ or larger |
Tennis Rackets, Badminton Rackets | 12″ x 15.5″ or 14.5″ x 19″ |
Golf Clubs, Hockey Sticks | 19″ x 24″ or larger |
Dumbbells, Weightlifting Belts | 14.5″ x 19″ or larger |
Resistance Bands, Foam Rollers | 9″ x 12″ or 10″ x 13″ |
Yoga Mats | 19″ x 24″ or larger |
Inline Skates, Skateboards | 19″ x 24″ or larger |
Sports Watches, Fitness Trackers | 6″ x 9″ or 9″ x 12″ |
Water Bottles | 9″ x 12″ or 10″ x 13″ |
Outdoor & Adventure Gear | |
Camping Tents, Sleeping Bags | 19″ x 24″ or bigger |
Fishing Rods, Kayaks | 19″ x 24″ or larger |
Bicycles, Surfboards, Snowboards, Skis | Oversized shipping required |
Climbing Gear, Helmets | 12″ x 15.5″ or larger |
Hiking Backpacks, Gym Bags | 14.5″ x 19″ or larger |
Protective & Accessories | |
Sports Sunglasses, Cycling Gloves | 6″ x 9″ or 9″ x 12″ |
Elbow Pads, Knee Pads | 9″ x 12″ or 10″ x 13″ |
Jerseys, Sports Caps | 9″ x 12″ or 10″ x 13″ |
Sports Towels | 10″ x 13″ or 12″ x 15.5″ |
Sports Nutrition, Protein Bars | 6″ x 9″ or 9″ x 12″ |
Golf Balls, Baseball Bats | 12″ x 15.5″ or 14.5″ x 19″ |
Paddleboards | 19″ x 24″ or larger |
Other Items & Additional Suggestions | |
Musical Instruments (Guitar Accessories, Sheet Music) | 9″ x 12″ or 10″ x 13″ |
Books & Magazines | 9″ x 12″ or 10″ x 13″ |
Electronics (Small Gadgets, Earbuds, Chargers) | 6″ x 9″ or 9″ x 12″ |
Laptop Sleeves, Tablets | 10″ x 13″ or 12″ x 15.5″ |
Small Home Decor Items (Candles, Picture Frames) | 9″ x 12″ or 10″ x 13″ |
Office Supplies (Notebooks, Pens, Stationery) | 6″ x 9″ or 9″ x 12″ |
Step 6: Print & Attach the Shipping Label
Most shipping services allow you to print labels at home, saving time at the post office.
πΉ How to Attach the Label Properly:
βοΈ Use a self-adhesive shipping label or clear tape to secure it.
βοΈ Ensure the barcode is clearly visible and scannable (avoid wrinkles).
βοΈ If reusing a mailer, remove or cover any old labels to avoid confusion.
Step 7: Choose the Best Shipping Service
Hereβs a comparison of common carriers for poly mailer shipping:
Carrier | Best For | Estimated Cost (Under 1 lb) | Delivery Speed |
USPS First Class | Small, lightweight packages | $4 – $6 | 2-5 days |
USPS Priority Mail | Heavier packages (1-3 lbs) | $8 – $12 | 1-3 days |
UPS Ground | Larger items or bulk orders | $8 – $15 | 1-5 days |
FedEx Express | Fast delivery | $10 – $19 | 1-2 days |
Notes:
- Smaller items (accessories, gadgets, sunglasses, watches, etc.) fit well in 6″ x 9″ or 9″ x 12″ mailers.
- Apparel, mid-sized equipment, and bulkier gear require 10″ x 13″ to 14.5″ x 19″ mailers.
- Large sports gear and oversized items (bicycles, kayaks, snowboards, etc.) may require custom or oversized shipping solutions.
π Pro Tip: Use flat-rate shipping options if your package is heavy but small in size.
Step 8: Drop Off or Schedule Pickup
Now that your package is ready, you have two options:
π Drop it off at a post office, UPS, or FedEx location.
π Schedule a pickup from USPS, UPS, or FedEx for convenience.
Bonus: Cost-Saving Tips for Shipping Poly Mailers
Money-Saving Tip | How It Helps |
Use discounted shipping platforms | Get lower rates from carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx. |
Buy poly mailers in bulk | Saves money compared to buying individually. |
Optimize package size | Smaller packages = lower shipping costs. |
Offer free shipping over a certain amount | Encourages larger orders while keeping shipping affordable. |
Where to Buy Poly Mailers
If you’re looking for high-quality poly mailers, check out Plus Packaging. With over five decades of experience, they offer a wide range of durable and customizable poly mailers designed to meet your shipping needs. Buying from a trusted supplier with a long-standing reputation ensures you get top-quality materials at competitive prices.
Final Thoughts
With the right approach, poly mailers make shipping straightforward and hassle-free. From selecting the right size to sealing it securely and picking the best shipping method, each step plays a role in ensuring your package arrives safely. Whether you’re a small business or an individual sender, using poly mailers can help you ship efficiently without unnecessary bulk or expense.