Envelopedia

Anatomy of an Envelope:

Types of Envelope:

Envelopes are generally categorised into two basic styles: either wallets or pockets. However there are many variations to the norm.

Types of Flap Closure:

Wallet Envelope style with two side seams and the opening flap is positioned on the long edge.	Pocket Envelope design with one side or centre seam, a bottom flap and an opening on the short side.	Banker Wallet style envelope with a diamond shaped flap on the long edge.	Mailer (Trapezoidal Wallet) Have a shaped flap on the long edge with specific throat depths and shoulder angles designed for automatic insertion.
Board Backed Generally a pocket style, made with a cardboard back to provide a rigid envelope for protection of contents.	Gusset An open end envelope with expandable sides and bottom seams to accommodate bulky contents.	Bang-Tail Special style of wallet, incorporating a perforated flap extending from the throat that can be torn off and used as a reply form, to be inserted into the envelope for return.	Square Envelopes with sides of equal lengths.

Gummed The flap has a strip of PVA (polyvinyl acetate) gum, which is moistened and secured down to give a permanent seal.	Peel & Seal The man-made material is applied only to the flap, protected by a wax strip which keeps the gum inactive. Once the strip is removed and the flap is folded it provides a strong secure seal.	Flaps-Up Self Seal Latex is applied in two areas, one on the flap and the other on the reverse below the throat. When the flap is folded the two areas of latex join together to give a quick and easy seal.	Flaps-Down Self Seal Similar concept to the flaps-up self seal with latex applied in two areas, but this time instead of it being below the throat it is on the back of an additional flap. To seal simply raise the lower flap, press down on the upper flap!	Re-Seal With a perforation in the middle of the flap and two gum strips you can reseal these envelopes for another use.

Measuring an Envelope:

To measure an envelope there is a simple step-by-step procedure to follow, which will ensure that when you place your order you will receive exactly what you requested.

Envelope Size
First and foremost you need to determine your envelope size, but before taking any measurements ensure that you have your envelope in the correct position with the flap at the top (furthest away). Then measure in mm the depth of your envelope from the bottom to the base of the flap, followed next by its width. This will subsequently indicate the style of envelope you require whether it is a “wallet” or “pocket”.

For Example: 324 x 229mm = Pocket / 229 x 324mm = Wallet

Window Size & Position
Once you have discovered the size of your envelope the next stage of the measurement process is to determine the size and position of your window aperture if you require. Again the order in which you measure and position your envelope will again be crucial to the outcome of its design. With the envelope flap at the top make the following window measurements in this order:

1. Measure the depth of your window
2. Measure the window width
3. Measure the position of the window from the bottom of the envelope
4. From the left hand side (FLHS) measure the position of the envelope

Common Sizes

Below is listing of common envelopes sizes and how they accommodate different paper dimensions depending upon how they are folded.

Opaque

An opaque refers to the pattern printed on the inside of an envelope, which can be a standard industry style or bespoke to your requirements featuring your company name or logo. Its main function is to provide security to the content by preventing people from reading through the body of the envelope.