How to Package Clothes for Shipping

By: Packola | Oct 15, 2021

Ensure that your customers always open your apparel boxes with a smile. Proper packaging guarantees that your e-commerce products get to their destination in one piece while still maintaining their quality. There’s nothing quite like the experience of opening a shipping box and seeing the items inside look fresh and perfect. No one wants to see disheveled clothes, after all.

There are many factors to consider to create a consistent experience for every customer. Packaging plays an important role. You have to choose the right materials and complement them with the right accessories.

We’ve prepared a quick guide below on how you can prepare your apparel boxes correctly so that your business leaves a positive brand experience each and every time.

Choose the Right Packaging Materials

The first thing to consider in fulfilling clothing orders is choosing the right packaging. It’s crucial to use the right material both for cost considerations and brand image.

For single or small items such as a T-shirt or a pair of socks, we recommend using mailer envelopes or custom pouches. This is the most practical option considering the size and cost. If you prefer to send an apparel box, you can use a custom product box. Mailer boxes and shipping boxes are the ideal option for multiple products or larger items, such as jackets, jeans, and hoodies. The corrugated cardboard material ensures that the apparel inside is protected at all times.

We recommend measuring your products ahead of time so you have a point of reference when ordering custom boxes. You want a snug fit for your packaging so that the apparel doesn’t shift during transit. This way, once the end-user opens the box, they are greeted with a pristine, perfectly packaged product.

Don’t forget to add accents to your packaging. This sets you apart from the competition and makes the unboxing experience even more memorable. Wrap the apparel with custom tissue paper to add a layer of protection and extra style points. You can add giveaway stickers inside the packaging as well. Seal your apparel boxes with custom packaging tape and add hang tags as an exclamation point. The visual contrast custom hang tags provide invite the recipient to open it before everything else. You can insert playful cues or even a personalized note.

Folding and Preparing the Clothes

Once you have your apparel box ready, it’s time to fold! Proper folding minimizes unsightly wrinkles and keeps the end product looking professional and presentable. Refer to the guide below on how to properly fold some of the most common articles of clothing sold in e-commerce:

Short Sleeve Shirts

1. Prepare a clean flat surface.
2. Lay the shirt flat, front side down.
3. Start by folding the bottom edge inward about 2 to 3 inches in length.
4. Next, fold in the sleeves. The end of the sleeves should overlap at the center.
5. Grab the bottom of the shirt and fold it in half inward.
6. Flip the shirt and you should have a perfectly folded piece ready for packaging.

Long Sleeve Shirts

1. Prepare a clean flat surface.
2. Lay the shirt flat, front side down.
3. Fold the sleeves at a 90-degree angle. The sleeves should align with the edges of the shirt.
4. Fold the bottom edge inward about 2 to 3 inches in length.
5. Fold in the sides until both meet in the middle.
6. Grab the bottom of the shirt and fold it in half inward.
7. Flip the shirt and it’s ready to pack.

Pants and Bottoms

1. Prepare a clean flat surface.
2. Fold the front down the middle.
3. Fold the crotch or gusset inward, creating a straight silhouette.
4. Bring the bottom edge up by folding it in half, then fold it again.

Prepare to Ship

Once you’ve finished packing your products, it’s time to ship. Choose a shipping option that’s right for you. If the total weight of your package is less than a pound, USPS First-Class Mail is a good, inexpensive option to consider. Priority Mail Flat Rate is great for heavier packages while the Regional Rate is perfect for local deliveries.

Don’t forget to check with your shipper of choice about specific guidelines regarding custom boxes. Some forwarders such as FedEx might require you to use a tertiary box from them. Take this into account so that you don’t get surprised with additional fees.