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Specialized Use Envelopes

Need a special envelope? Consider one of these.

By Jacci Howard Bear, About.com

Specialized envelope styles and sizes are based on common commercial, catalog, and booklet styles.

  • Clasp Envelopes
    Clasp envelopes are catalog style (open end, center seam construction) but the metal clasp with reinforced hole on the top flap allow for multiple opening and closing. They may also have gummed flaps for extra secure closing.

  • Coin Envelopes
    Another catalog style envelope, coin envelopes are small envelopes used to hold and store coins, stamps, small parts, and other small objects. They are non-mailable due to their size.

  • Expansion / Accordian Envelopes
    Gussets along the sides and sometimes the bottom allow for insertion of bulky contents for storage or mailing. Usually constructed of very heavy paper, they may be open side or open end envelopes.

  • Interoffice Envelopes
    Used to distribute correspondence within a company, interoffice envelopes may be open end or open side, have resealable closures, and are usually drilled with holes throughout so that the recipient can easily see when all the contents are removed.

  • Remittance Envelopes
    Used for statements, applications, bank deposits and other types of material where the recipient will be sending something back to the sender, remittance envelopes typically come in commercial 6 ¼, 6 ½, 6 ¾, and 9 sizes but with side seams and an extra large flap, almost as large as the envelope body, printed with additional messages, special offers, or a coupon. The flap may include a perforation. A Bank by Mail envelope is a variation of the remittance envelope that includes a deposit slip.

  • Ticket Envelopes
    Used for movie, concert, and theater tickets, a standard ticket envelope is a small 4.4375 x 1.3125 open side envelope with diagonal seams.

  • Wallet Flap Envelopes
    Wallet envelopes in several commercial sizes such as the #10 and #12 have diagonal seams and a large square flap about half the size of the envelope body and extra seal adhesive for added strength and security. These are for mailing legal documents, bank statements and other bulky contents.

  • Airmail Envelopes
    US Airmail envelopes use lightweight 13-16 lb. paper and are preprinted with blue and red airmail markings around the edges. They come in a few standard sizes such as #10 commercial reguar and window.

  • First Class Envelopes
    US First Class Mail envelopes have a green diamond border. Although not required for first class mail, the markings help insure that the material receives first class handling.

  • Security Envelopes
    Security envelopes are printed with a tinted or patterned inside, making it harder to see the contents through the paper. Many standard envelope styles such as the #10, #6 ¾, and remittance envelopes are available with security tinting.

  • Padded or Bubble Envelopes
    Padded envelopes contain a cushioned lining, such as bubble wrap material. They help protect small, somewhat fragile items from crushing.

Standard size and custom envelopes come in various paper weights with several types of closures.

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