Envelopes Buying Guide
Envelopes carry your company's image as well as your documents. The first form of communication between companies often comes in the form of a letter, and therefore the envelope you use is vital in portraying your company's image, along with its stationery. Use our guide to ensure you choose the correct envelopes to fit your requirements.
When buying standard envelopes, the five main factors you have to consider are:
| Size - |
Colour - |
Closure Type - |
Window Option - |
Weight |
Size
The most common envelope sizes are C4, C5, C6 and DL. These relate to the most common correspondence sizes which are A4, A5, A6 and compliment slip size.
| Unfolded paper size |
Corresponding Envelope Size |
| A4 |
C4 |
| A5 |
C5 |
| A6 |
C6 |
| Compliment Slip |
DL |
C4 ENVELOPE
C4 envelopes take an unfolded sheet of A4 paper. C4 envelopes are slightly bigger than an A4 piece of paper, in which you can fit a brochure or thin catalogue. A C4 envelope is recommended for correspondence that you do not want to fold, for example a job application or CV.
C5 ENVELOPE
C5 envelopes take an A4 sheet folded once down the middle or an unfolded A5 sheet. A C5 envelope is a more common size for mailing letters and branded stationery.
C6 ENVELOPE
C6 envelopes take an A4 sheet folded twice or an A5 sheet folded in half; this is also a common size for small greeting cards.
DL ENVELOPE
DL envelopes take an A4 sheet folded into three parts, which is the same size as a compliment slip. This is a very common size of envelope and the majority of offices send out their correspondence in a DL size. Although this is the most popular size, it does involve folding your stationery into three; if you prefer not to fold your papers choose the C4 or C5 sizes.
Colour
Although envelopes are available in a vast range of colours, the two standard colours for general correspondence are white and manilla (buff).
Did you know that manilla (or manila) was originally made from Manila hemp? It is now also made from wood pulp substitutes and various other fibres and is very strong.
Closure Type
Envelopes come with one of three closure types: Gummed, Peel & Seal or Self-Seal (Press-On).
Gummed: This style requires the layer of adhesive along the flap to be moistened before closing. If large numbers of envelopes are being mailed, we recommend the use of an envelope moistener (available from DCS) to save on licking!
Self-Seal: This is the most common type of closure, where two layers of adhesive on each flap are pressed together to form an instantly strong bond. If you are buying in bulk, do note that seal strength has a shelf life of approximately six months, so do not buy more than you need in that time.
Peel & Seal: similar to a strip of double-sided tape, this style has a strip of tape that is peeled away from the envelope flap to reveal a thick layer of adhesive which seals instantly.
Window Options
The convenience of a window envelope allows you to simply print your letter or correspondence and slip it into the envelope without the need for handwriting the address or adding an address sticker.
Window envelopes are ideal for bulk mailings, for example sending invoices or mailshots.
Envelopes with windows are available in the most common sizes C4, C5, C6 and DL as well as some of the less standard sizes.
Weight
The three most common envelope weights for envelopes are
80gsm (light weight)
90gsm (medium weight) and
100+gsm (heavy weight)
The weight of paper and envelopes is measured in Grams per Square Metre (GSM) and to determine whether you need light or heavy weight, consider the following:
Are you worried about security and others being able to read the contents of the letter inside? If yes, then you need to buy a medium or heavy weight envelope as light weight is just thin enough to see through.
Are you sending heavier items that may move about inside or many sheets of paper? If yes, then again you should choose a heavy weight envelope that won't be ripped open by the contents inside.
Are you looking to save money wherever possible? If yes, then choose the lightest weight which will give you best value for money.
Are you wanting a smarter envelope that will be crumpled less in the post? If yes, you should choose a medium or heavy weight envelope.
Need further help?
If you require any further help with choosing the right envelopes for your correspondence, call us 0845 850 1973 where a member of Customer Services will be pleased to help you.
Alternatively click here to contact us via our General Enquiry form if you have a query about any special requirements or would like us to quote you for a bespoke order.