Courier Bags for Clothing: Choosing Polybags for Garments

Clothing is the easiest product to ship and the easiest to ship badly. It doesn't break, so sellers stop thinking about packing. Then come the complaints: kurti arrived creased, saree had a stain, hoodie came in a torn bag, customer says it's used.

Here's how fashion sellers who ship hundreds of orders a day pack garments.

Two layers: inner bag and courier bag

Inner bag (garment bag). A clear, thin bag, often with a self-adhesive flap, that holds the folded garment, its tags and any accessories. It keeps the item clean, keeps the fold in place and looks neat when the customer opens it. Many brands print the size and SKU on a sticker on the inner bag.

Outer courier bag. The opaque, tamper-evident polybag that carries the shipping label. It protects from rain and dirt and shows if anyone opened it.

Skipping the inner bag saves a little money but leads to more "dirty" and "used" complaints, especially on light-coloured garments.

Courier bag sizes for common garments

Garment (folded)	Usual courier bag (inch)
T-shirt, top, leggings	8×10 or 10×12
Shirt, kurti	10×12 or 10×14
Jeans, trousers, co-ord set	10×14 or 12×14
Kurti set with dupatta, suit set	12×14 or 12×16
Saree with blouse	12×14 or 12×16
Hoodie, sweatshirt	12×16 or 14×18
Jacket, lehenga, combo of 3+	14×18
Kids' wear, innerwear, socks	6×8 or 8×10

Fold first, then measure, then add the thickness plus 1 inch to each side. The polybag size calculator does the maths. Full size list on the courier bag sizes chart.

Fold to save shipping

Shipping is charged on the higher of actual and volumetric weight. A bulky, loosely folded hoodie can cost one slab more than the same hoodie folded tight and pressed flat. Some habits that help:

• Fold to the width of your standard bag, not to whatever shape is fastest.
• Press air out of the inner bag before sealing it.
• Use a cardboard insert of your bag width as a folding guide for packers.
• Check your packed parcel with the volumetric weight calculator.

Thickness for garment courier bags

For most clothing, 50 to 60 micron LDPE courier bags are the common choice. Go thicker for heavy items like jackets and denim combos, and for long-distance routes. Very thin bags tear on conveyors, and a torn bag means a dirty, exposed garment.

Polybag or box for clothes?

A polybag is right for almost all clothing. Use a box when:

• The garment is structured and creasing matters (blazers, some ethnic wear with heavy work)
• You include a gift box, or hard accessories like belts with metal buckles
• It's a premium order where unboxing is part of the brand

Small things that cut fashion returns

• Leave tags on, and for brands, consider a numbered seal tag so a different garment can't come back as a return.
• Print the size on the inner bag sticker. Wrong-size packing is a common avoidable return.
• Record a short packing video showing the garment, size tag and sealed bag.
• Add a simple card with wash care and your contact. Make one free with the thank-you card maker.

Selling clothes on Meesho or Flipkart? See best packaging for apparel on Meesho and Flipkart.