Poly vs bubble mailers: which one to choose.
A poly mailer is a waterproof film envelope; a bubble mailer is the same envelope lined with air bubbles. Choose poly for anything that can’t break, bubble for anything that needs cushioning, and a box for anything that can be crushed.
Order custom mailers online: poly or bubble, any size: a logo mailer from 500 ($545.70 delivered for 1,000 10″ × 13″ poly mailers, one color) or full color from 5,000 on your own dieline, with an instant 3D proof.
See my priceThe difference, side by side
| Poly mailer | Bubble mailer | |
|---|---|---|
| Made of | Co-extruded poly film, white outside and dark inside (or black, pink, blue or recycled) | Poly film or kraft paper outside, a clear air-bubble lining inside |
| Protects against | Water, dirt, scuffs and tearing | All of that, plus bumps and drops |
| Film | Standard, heavy duty or extra strong | One standard build, bubbles about 3/16″ (5 mm) |
| Welds | 8 mm sides, 10 mm bottom | 12 mm sides, 14 mm bottom |
| Best for | Clothing, textiles, books, soft goods | Cosmetics, accessories, small electronics, small boxed items |
| 1,000 with a one-color logo, delivered | $0.546 each (10″ × 13″) | $0.955 each (10″ × 13″) |
Prices are a one-color logo on the front, white film, with the cheapest delivery speed (full color starts at 5,000); your exact mailer is priced on the order page.
When to choose a poly mailer
Choose a poly mailer when nothing inside can break: apparel, textiles, books and soft goods. It is the lighter and cheaper of the two, it is waterproof, and its dark inside keeps the contents private. Standard film suits most brands; heavy duty and extra strong resist punctures from heavier or sharper contents.
When to choose a bubble mailer
Choose a bubble mailer when the contents need cushioning from bumps and drops: jars, compacts, jewelry, accessories and small electronics. Kraft paper bubble mailers give a natural paper look; poly bubble mailers come in white, black and pink.
When a box is the better choice
Bubbles protect against impact, not crushing. Anything that would break under the weight of other parcels, like glass, or a stack heavier than a few pounds, ships better in a box. TWO makes custom boxes too.
Printing on either one
Both print in one ink from 500 (a Logo mailer) or in full color from 5,000, on the front only or on the front, the back and the seal flap. On black, pink, blue and kraft we print a white ink base under your colors so they read true. 1,000 white 10″ × 13″ poly mailers with a 1-color front cost $545.70 delivered; full color starts at 5,000, at $0.576 each.
Frequently asked questions
Are poly mailers waterproof?
Yes. Poly mailers are polyethylene film, which keeps water and dirt out; the peel-and-seal flap closes them tight.
Do bubble mailers protect fragile items?
They protect against bumps and drops, not crushing. Use a bubble mailer for cosmetics, accessories and small electronics, and a box for glass or anything heavy.
What thickness should a poly mailer be?
Standard suits most clothing and soft goods. Choose heavy duty for heavier or sharper contents and extra strong for the heaviest loads.
Which is cheaper, a poly or a bubble mailer?
A poly mailer. 1,000 10″ × 13″ poly mailers with a one-color logo are $0.546 each delivered; 1,000 10″ × 13″ bubble mailers are $0.955 each. In full color (from 5,000), poly is $0.576 and bubble $0.841 each.