When it comes to selecting the right envelope, there's a huge variety of commercial options to choose from. The choice you make can be a major factor in the overall presentation of your publication. The #10 envelope (which is also referred to as the legal envelope) is easily the most popular business envelope style, but there are a range of envelope sizes and designs on offer, including window envelopes, security envelopes, distinct closures, and different paper weights. The following table represents the sizes, dimensions, and styles of the most common business envelopes:
Envelope Size Chart
| Envelope Number | Size |
|---|---|
| 6¼ | 3¼ inches x 6 inches |
| 6¾ | 3⅝ inches x 6½ inches |
| 7 | 3¾ inches x 6¾ inches |
| 7¾ | 3⅞ inches x 7½ inches |
| 8⅝ | 3⅝ inches x 8frac58; inches |
| 9 | 3⅞ inches x 8⅞ inches |
| 10 | 4⅛ inches x 9½ inches |
| 11 | 4½ inches x 10⅜ inches |
| 12 | 4¾ inches x 11 inches |
| 14 | 5 inches x 11½ inches |
As you can see, the business world enjoys an impressive range of paper envelopes to choose from—so it's important to consider all of your options whenever you produce a company publication. Now that you have a general sense of the various envelopes available, keep these things in mind whenever you select a business envelope:
- The size of the mailing
This one is obvious: If you mail a magazine, you need a different envelope than if you mail a trifold brochure or a one-page statement. It's important to choose the right fit so the envelope helps protect, not crush or bend, the mailer. The goal should be to make sure your content reaches its recipient(s) completely intact. - The texture of the envelope
Different envelopes feature different paper weights, which can change the heft and texture of the envelope. Choosing a heavier paper weight can lend gravitas to a publication and help it stand out from a large stack of mail. Lighter paper weights are a great option for lower-value mailers. There is no perfect choice when it comes to envelope texture, but it is important to understand that different paper weights can change the overall “tone” of your mailer. - The envelope's design
The style of a given envelope can influence the design of your mailer and the impression it makes on recipients. For instance, a two-window envelope displays both the return and mailing addresses, which is printed on the paper inside the envelope. In contrast, a windowless envelope has mailing information printed directly on it. (The latter option is typically considered more formal.) There are also a wide range of closures (such as peel-and-seal, button-and-string, and self-seal options) and dimensions to choose from, each of which is suited to different sizes and types of publications. Again, there isn't necessarily a right or wrong decision when it comes to design—but it can make an impact on how your mailer is perceived. - Different color options
While most envelopes are white, there are plenty of other options. Selecting an off-white or even more colorful envelope can help your mailer stand out. Of course, there's a fine line between standing out and looking tacky, but the point is that experimenting with different color options can help your business communicate a fun-loving attitude, attention to detail, and/or a flair for creativity.
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While it may seem unimportant, choosing the right business envelope for your purposes is actually a critical factor in presenting your company in its best light. Don't limit yourself to the conventional #10 envelope. Instead, familiarize yourself with the wide range of commercial and business envelopes so you're equipped to tailor your choices to the style, audience, and purpose of the items you mail. Doing so helps your company present a cohesive brand image and make a good impression from the moment your envelope shows up in recipients' mailboxes.