Poly bag size chart
Poly bag sizes (2x3 through 24x36+) and what fits each
Poly bags are sold by flat width x length in inches. Pick a bag at least 1 inch wider and 2 inches longer than the item so it seats fully and seals cleanly. Common sizes start at 2x3 (jewelry, fasteners) and run up through 24x36 and beyond (bedding, throw pillows, large soft goods).
Use the chart below to map standard product types to a poly bag size, with a recommended mil thickness band for each.
Poly bag size chart (with mil thickness recommendation)
| Bag size W x L (in) | Recommended mil | Common items | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 x 3 | 2 mil | Jewelry findings, screws, washers, beads, sample chips | 2x3 -> |
| 3 x 5 | 2 mil | Earrings, USB drives, small electronic parts, sample sachets | 3x5 -> |
| 4 x 6 | 2 mil | Necklaces in box, lipsticks, single-pair socks, small parts | 4x6 -> |
| 5 x 7 | 2 mil | Phone accessories, pouches, postcards, photo prints | 5x7 -> |
| 6 x 9 | 2 mil | Folded baby tees, single bralette, paperback books, game cartridges | 6x9 -> |
| 8 x 10 | 2 mil | Folded T-shirts (kids/small adult), document folders, folded socks 3-pack | 8x10 -> |
| 9 x 12 | 2 mil | Standard folded T-shirts, leggings, rolled posters, 8.5x11 documents | 9x12 -> |
| 10 x 13 | 2 mil | Folded button-down shirts, light hoodies, magazines, photo frames | 10x13 -> |
| 12 x 15 | 2-4 mil | Folded hoodies, jeans, swim trunks set, bath towels | 12x15 -> |
| 14 x 20 | 2-4 mil | Bulky hoodies, fleece pullovers, lightweight jackets, folded throws | 14x20 -> |
| 18 x 24 | 3-4 mil | Puffer jackets, multi-piece apparel sets, folded blankets | 18x24 -> |
| 24 x 36 | 4-6 mil | Bedding sets, twin sheets, comforters, throw pillows, large soft goods | 24x36 -> |
| 30 x 36+ | 4-6 mil | Queen/king bedding, multi-pillow sets, oversized throws, area rug pads | 30x36 -> |
Mil thickness rule of thumb. Light, soft, non-abrasive items (apparel, paper, photos) work at 2 mil. Items with corners (hardcover books, frames, plastic-cased electronics) jump to 3-4 mil to prevent puncture. Heavy or sharp items (auto parts, hardware, multi-product kits) need 4-6 mil. Anything that will be palletized, banded, or shipped LTL should be 4 mil minimum. Full breakdown on the mil thickness selector.
Poly bag size FAQ
How do I size a poly bag for a folded T-shirt?
A standard folded adult T-shirt fits a 9x12 poly bag. Kids tees fit 8x10. If the tee is heavyweight or has a chest print that adds bulk, go to 10x13 so the bag seats without stretching. Always size by the folded footprint, not the flat unfolded shirt.
What size poly bag fits an 8.5x11 document or print?
9x12 is the standard fit for 8.5x11 documents - 0.5 inch of room on the width and 1 inch on the length to insert and seal cleanly. For rigid mailers (chipboard or photo prints), use 10x13 to leave room for a stiffener.
Can I use one bag size for everything to keep inventory simple?
Most brands carry 3-4 sizes that cover 90% of SKUs (e.g., 6x9, 9x12, 12x15, and 14x20 for apparel). Going bigger than needed is the second-most-common cost leak in ecommerce packaging - oversized bags add dimensional weight and let items shift inside the master carton during sortation.