Given the variety of colour and size of envelopes available it can be confusing, so here are a few tips to help you find the right envelope:

1. Don't leave it to the last minute!
We offer a huge range of envelopes. Some are stock items, some are special order. Please check the lead times and allow enough time for delivery to avoid disappointment.

2. Choose your envelope size first
We deal with so many enquiries from people who have designed a card or insert before choosing an envelope, and then can’t find the envelope to fit.

3. Check the exact size
Sizes quoted are for the envelope, not the insert. Always check the exact size of the envelope, which should be listed on the website. Some envelopes vary by small amounts from standard sizes. We recommend allowing a 5mm clearance around your insert.

4. What style of flap do you want?
There is a choice of two styles. Wallet style is a straight flap, usually on the long edge. Diamond is a pointed flap, a popular choice for invitations. There is also a choice of two seals - gummed or peel-and-seal. Gummed requires wetting before sealing. Peel-and-seal has a strip you peel off and stick the flap down.

5. Paper weight and style
As a guide, paper weights for envelopes generally range between 80 and 120gsm (grammes per sq. metre). 100gsm is a good standard weight for most uses. Wove is a smooth finish paper. Laid paper has a slight texture or grain.

Standard envelope sizing system:
C4 envelopes (size 324 x 229mm) fit A4 paper flat
C5 envelopes (size 229 x 162mm) fit A5 paper flat OR A4 folded once in half
C6 envelopes (size 162 x 114mm) fit A6 paper flat OR A4 folded in half and half again OR A5 folded once in half
DL envelopes (size 220 x 110mm) fit A4 paper folded twice across. This is the standard letter size.

There is a wide variety of other sizes available on our website, including some of the more popular ones listed below.
C7 (size 109 x 76mm)
E6 (size 191 x 135mm)
B6 (size 178 x 125mm)
B7 (size 140 x 90mm)
Lotto (size 122 x 95mm)
Square (100x100mm to 230x230mm)

Click here to find out more about envelope sizes