Best Bags to Ship Clothes: Ultimate Shopping Guide & Tips

Shipping clothes safely and efficiently is a top priority for online sellers, small business owners, and individual senders alike. Choosing the right bags ensures your garments arrive in pristine condition, saving time and money while leaving customers satisfied. In this guide, discover the best bags for shipping clothes—combining protection, affordability, and convenience for all your packaging needs.

Comparison Table: Types and Applications of Bags for Shipping Clothes

Bag Type	Best For	Protection Level	Reusability	Weight Limit	Water Resistance	Typical Use Scenarios
Poly Mailer Bags	Casual apparel, small items	Moderate	Single/Many	Up to 10 lbs*	Good	Online retail, travel, personal
Corrugated Boxes	Bulk shipments, delicate clothing	High	Many	20-65 lbs	Fair	Moving, large e-commerce orders
Wardrobe Boxes	Formal wear, garments on hangers	Excellent	Some	40-75 lbs	Fair	Moves, weddings, special deliveries
Plastic Garment Bags	Delicate or specialty items	Light	Single	5-10 lbs	Excellent	Suits, dresses, retail presentation
Luggage/Suitcase	Personal shipments, long trips	High	Many	50+ lbs	Good/Excellent	Moving, extended travel
Eco-friendly Mailers	Any, especially if sustainability matters	Moderate	Single/Some	10-15 lbs	Good	Green-minded shoppers, gifts

\Check bag specs for exact recommended limit—many poly mailers top out around 10 lbs.
Some shipping services set a 50–65 lb box max.

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Types of Bags to Ship Clothes

1. Poly Mailer Bags

Poly mailers are lightweight plastic shipping bags commonly used for apparel. They offer moderate protection against dust, light moisture, and scratches, making them ideal for most casual clothing. They come in various sizes to accommodate anything from t-shirts to teen-sized jackets and are a favorite for online sellers due to their mailing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Many modern poly mailers are also recyclable or made from post-consumer materials.

Best For:

• T-shirts, pants, activewear, and other non-fragile clothing
• Small to medium shipments
• E-commerce fulfillment
• Travel laundry send-homes or temporary storage

2. Corrugated Cardboard Boxes

Corrugated boxes, available in single- or double-walled varieties, are the go-to solution for shipping bulkier or more delicate wardrobe pieces. They provide rigidity, greater compression resistance, and better protection from impacts. Specialized apparel or moving boxes may have features such as double walls or reinforced corners for extra protection.

Best For:

• Bulk shipments (entire wardrobes)
• Delicate, heavier, or high-value items
• Storage or cross-country/international moves

3. Wardrobe Boxes

Wardrobe boxes feature a metal hanging bar that lets you transfer garments directly on hangers, keeping them wrinkle-free during transport. These boxes are tall, sturdy, and designed for formal wear, suits, dresses, coats, and similar items that shouldn’t be folded.

Best For:

• Suits, dresses, gowns, jackets, long coats
• Formal or valuable attire (wedding, prom, costumes)
• Temporary storage for seasonal items

4. Plastic Garment Bags

Plastic garment bags are thin, clear bags used to shield individual garments from dust and water. While not meant as standalone shipping solutions, they excel as interior protection—layering around delicate items before placing them in boxes or mailers.

Best For:

• Extra protection of delicates, dresses, and beaded items
• Preventing moisture or odor transfer
• Store displays or retail presentation

5. Eco-friendly Mailers

Made from recycled content or compostable materials, eco mailers cater to those seeking a sustainable alternative. These are available as padded or unpadded bags and vary widely in protection level but often match the convenience of poly mailers.

Best For:

• Consumers and brands prioritizing sustainability
• Personal use, gifts, or conscious e-commerce

6. Luggage and Suitcases

When using a service that accepts luggage, suitcases remain a flexible and protective way to ship clothing, especially for international moves or long-term travel. Most are reusable and offer excellent item security.

Best For:

• Bulk moves, relocation, extended travel
• High-value clothes, shoes, and mixed personal items

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Material Choices for Shipping Bags

Polyethylene and Polypropylene

Most poly mailers and garment bags are made from polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) plastics. These offer:
– Lightweight construction
– Moisture resistance
– Flexibility and easy sealing (adhesive, peel-and-seal, or zip closure)
– Recyclability (increasingly, with eco mailers)

Corrugated Cardboard

Cardboard boxes can be single- or double-wall. Double-walled types are better for heavier shipments or added durability. Boxes may have kraft paper liners and recycled fiber content options.

Recycled and Compostable Materials

Eco-friendly mailers use post-consumer recycled plastic, cornstarch, or even paper. These help reduce environmental footprint without significant loss of functionality.

Other Materials

• Muslin cloth or acid-free tissue (for wrapping within boxes)
• Bubble wrap or foam sheets (for extra internal cushioning)
• Padded linings (in padded mailers)

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Usage Occasions

• Online retailing and e-commerce: Seller-to-customer shipping of individual or multiple apparel pieces.
• Moving or relocation: Transporting an entire wardrobe securely across cities, states, or countries.
• Seasonal storage changeovers: Packing away out-of-season clothing for protection in transit or storage.
• Specialty and formal wear: Shipping dresses, suits, costumes, or uniforms for events, weddings, or performances.
• Travel and vacation: Sending laundry or overflow clothes home when luggage space runs out, or traveling light.
• Gifts and care packages: Sending apparel as gifts or thoughtful packages to friends, family, or students.

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How to Match Bags to Your Clothing Shipment

Matching your shipping bag correctly means considering:
– Quantity/Weight: Light shipments—poly mailers; heavy or bulk shipments—corrugated boxes or suitcases.
– Garment type: Formal or sensitive attire—wardrobe boxes or extra internal protection (garment bags/tissue).
– Distance and handling: For long, rough journeys, opt for rigid boxes or double-bagging.
– Presentation: For retail delivery or gifting, select bags with clean, crisp looks or branded visuals.
– Sustainability goals: Choose mailers labeled recycled, compostable, or eco-certified.

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Practical Tips and Best Practices

Packing Tips

1. Fold or Roll Properly:
   Fold items to minimize creasing; roll for casual garments to save space.
2. Clean Before Shipping:
   Ensure all clothing is laundered to avoid odors and customs issues.
3. Protect Delicate Items:
   Use tissue or muslin for wedding dresses, silk, or beaded items before bagging/boxing.
4. Fill Space Appropriately:
   Under-filled bags/boxes cause shifting and wrinkles; over-filled may burst in transit.
5. Double-Bag if Necessary:
   Add a plastic or garment bag inside boxes for moisture protection.
6. Seal Securely:
   Use strong packing tape—follow “H” taping method on boxes for maximum strength; seal all poly mailers fully.
7. Label Clearly:
   Place labels on flat, visible surfaces; use additional “Fragile” or “This Side Up” stickers as appropriate.
8. Reuse/Recycle Responsibly:
   Choose bags that can be reused or are recyclable; encourage recipients to recycle.

Choosing the Best Bag

• For a single shirt or jeans: Use a size-appropriate poly mailer or eco mailer.
• For five to ten garments: A medium-poly mailer or small box.
• For full outfit or formal wear: Wardrobe box, internal garment bag, or double-walled box.
• For a bulk shipment (move, long trip): Multiple sturdy boxes or suitcases.

Other Considerations

• Customs and Duties:
  Used clothing often ships as “personal effects” with tax exemptions. Check local rules for new items/gifts.
• Destination weather:
  In rainy or humid areas, give added moisture protection inside all bags/boxes.
• Insurance:
  For high-value or formal wear, consider insuring the shipment.
• Professional packing services:
  UPS, FedEx, and various local stores offer expert packing—helpful for awkward shapes or fragile clothing.

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Feature Comparison Table: Technical Attributes of Clothing Shipping Bags

Feature	Poly Mailer	Cardboard Box	Wardrobe Box	Garment Bag	Eco Mailer	Suitcase/Luggage
Weight Capacity	Up to 10 lbs	20–65 lbs	40–75 lbs	5–10 lbs	10–15 lbs	50+ lbs
Water Resistance	Good	Low–Moderate	Low–Moderate	Excellent	Good	Good–Excellent
Protection Level	Moderate	Excellent	Excellent	Light	Moderate	Excellent
Reusability	Some/High	High	Low (single use)	Single use	Some	High
Ease of Use	High	Moderate	Moderate	High	High	Moderate
Sustainability	Moderate	Varies	Low	Low	High	Moderate
Cost per Unit	Low	Moderate	High	Low	Moderate	High (if not reused)
Customization	High	High	Some	Some	High	Low
Best For	Everyday use	Bulk/Delicate	Formal/hanging wear	Protective layers	Green shipping	Moves/travel

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Conclusion

Bags for shipping clothes come in a variety of types, each designed for different shipping needs, budgets, and levels of protection. Whether you’re an online seller looking to optimize your packaging, an individual moving across the country, or a traveler needing to send laundry home, there’s a solution tailored for you. Choosing the right bag depends on your item’s value, fragility, quantity, and your own preference for cost, sustainability, and convenience. By following best practices—like careful packing, sealing, and labeling your shipment—you’ll help ensure your clothes arrive in optimal condition, every time.

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FAQ

1. What’s the best type of bag for shipping everyday clothing?
   Poly mailer bags are generally best for casual apparel, like t-shirts, jeans, or sweatshirts. They’re cost-effective, lightweight, and available in a wide range of sizes to fit your needs.

2. Can I use a plastic storage bag or trash bag for shipping clothes?
   Trash or laundry bags aren’t recommended, as most shipping services consider them too flimsy. They can rip easily and offer little protection—use a poly mailer, box, or dedicated garment bag instead.

3. How can I send a suit or gown without it becoming wrinkled?
   Use a wardrobe box with a hanger bar, ensuring clothes stay upright and wrinkle-free. Place each item in a garment bag and use tissue paper for added protection.

4. Are there eco-friendly options for shipping clothing?
   Yes, many manufacturers now offer mailers and boxes made from recycled or compostable materials. Eco mailers balance protection and sustainability, ideal for those conscious about their environmental impact.

5. Is labeling important, and where should I place it?
   Always attach your shipping label to the largest, flattest surface of your bag or box to ensure scannability. Avoid placing labels on seams, corners, or closures.

6. Can I ship shoes together with my clothing?
   You can, but wrap shoes individually (using bubble wrap or clean garments) to prevent transfer of dirt or damage to other items, and place them centrally in the box, surrounded by soft clothing.

7. What’s the safest way to ship expensive or delicate clothing?
   Use a double-walled corrugated box or a wardrobe box, wrap items in acid-free tissue or muslin, and add internal moisture protection. For extra security, consider insurance.

8. Will I have to pay customs when shipping clothes internationally?
   Often used clothing is classified as personal effects and may be duty-free, but new items or gifts may incur taxes. Check the recipient country’s customs regulations before shipping.

9. How do I prevent clothes from getting wrinkled during shipping?
   Fold or roll items gently, stack heavier items at the bottom, and fill any gaps in your package to prevent shifting. Place delicate or formalwear in garment bags and boxes designed for hanging.

10. Can I reuse mailer bags or boxes for shipping clothes?
    Many mailers and most boxes can be reused if still in good condition and not soiled or torn. Reusing packaging helps reduce waste and cost. Always remove or cover old labels before reuse.