How to Ship Clothes: Mailing Bags and Grip Seal Bags
Key Takeaway
Ship clothing in two layers: a clear grip seal bag keeps each garment clean and folded, and a grey mailing bag protects the parcel on its way.
Clothes do not break, but they can get wet, dirty, creased or torn in transit. A box adds cost and size without much benefit. Most clothing sellers use two simple layers instead.
Layer 1: a clear grip seal bag for each garment
Plain grip seal bags are made from 45 micron virgin LDPE with a press-to-close seal. Fold the garment, slide it in, press out the air and close it.
- Keeps the item clean and neatly folded.
- Protects it if the outer bag is cut open with a knife.
- Pressing out the air keeps the parcel thin, which can keep it in a cheaper postal size.
- Customers often keep them for storage.
For folded shirts and hoodies, sizes such as 229 x 324 mm (GS-229324-PLN) and 254 x 356 mm (GS-254356-PLN) are a common fit. See all sizes in the grip seal bags range.
Layer 2: a grey mailing bag for the journey
Grey mailing bags are the outer layer. They are light, flat to store, and close with a self-seal strip, so packing is fast and there is no tape.
Quick decision guide
| You are sending | Use |
|---|---|
| Folded shirts, hoodies, knitwear | Grip seal bag inside a grey mailing bag |
| Delicate items: silk, swimwear, lingerie | Grip seal bag inside a grey mailing bag |
| Shoes in their own box | Grey mailing bag |
| Anything fragile packed with the clothes | Cardboard box instead |
Check the postal size
A thin, flat parcel may count as a Large Letter (up to 35.3 x 25 x 2.5 cm and 750 g), which costs less than a Small Parcel (Royal Mail size guide).
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Related Technical Guides
Boxes vs Mailing Bags vs Padded Bags: Which to Use
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Royal Mail Sizes: Mailing Bags vs Padded Envelopes
