Envelopes Key Terms

Understand these envelopes key terms to increase your knowledge of envelope types and styles

By Angela King, Freelance Writer

Envelopes come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit a plethora of unique needs. Various colors are offered, and the materials used to create specific envelopes vary as well.

From specialty envelopes like baronial envelopes, remittance envelopes and recycled envelopes to standard, general use and postal-regulated envelopes, learn important envelope key terms to gain a firm grasp on the different styles and types of envelopes available for your business needs.

Baronial envelopes

Baronial envelopes are formal envelopes that can be lined on the inside for aesthetic appeal. Baronial envelopes are generally the style of envelope popular for invitations and other more formal correspondence. A pointed flap is characteristic of baronial envelopes and the envelopes generally come in plain colors like white or cream.
Try: Learn more about baronial envelopes and other styles of envelopes at envelopeconverting.com.

Remittance envelopes

Remittance envelopes are used by organizations such as schools, churches or charities and offer a large surface area to print order-form type information. A large flap is used to both seal the envelope securely and to cover sensitive order form information.
Try: Learn more about the uses of remittance envelopes and view remittance envelope styles at jforms.com.

USPO envelope regulations

The United States Post Office has strict guidelines for envelope size and thickness. The length of a postal-regulated envelope must be at least 5 inches and no longer than 11.5 inches. The height of the envelope needs to be between 3.5 inches and 6.125 inches, while the envelope must be between .007 inches and .25 inches.
Try: The USPO offers more extensive information on envelope regulations and guidelines.

Security envelopes or tinted envelopes

Security envelopes are envelopes used to protect the information inside the envelope from being seen. Also referred to as "tinted envelopes," security envelopes have an inner portion covered in a dense pattern that conceals the contents of the envelope from the outside. These envelopes are great for sensitive documents, checks or personal information.
Try: PrintingYouCanTrust.com offers further information on types and styles of security envelopes.

Invoice double window envelopes

Invoice double window envelopes are designed with clear windows on the front of the envelope that allow addresses printed on the contents of the envelope to show through. Many invoice double window envelopes are compatible with accounting and billing software for ease of use and are tinted on the inside of the envelope for added security.
Try: Printo Graphics offers information on invoice double window envelopes and other types of envelopes.

Recycled envelopes

Recycled envelopes are envelopes and mailers made from recycled, reusable materials. There are different percentages of recycled material used within environmentally-friendly envelope products.
Try: Action Envelope offers information on recycled envelopes and shows types of eco-friendly envelopes with the percentage of recycled materials used in each type.