Short answer: Most clothing brands in India ship in tamper-proof courier bags, because bags are light, cheap and keep courier charges low. Use mailer boxes for premium orders, gift orders and anything that must not crease. Add one branded touch to every parcel: a thank-you card, shredded paper or a neat fold. On SecureShip, courier bags start at ₹189 + GST per pack and white mailer boxes at ₹169 + GST per pack.
This guide is for clothing brands selling on Instagram, their own website or marketplaces. It covers what to ship each type of garment in, how to make a cheap parcel look premium, and how to keep packaging cost per order under control. For the basic choice between a bag and a box, see courier bag vs box for clothes.
Three packaging levels for a clothing brand
| Level | What goes in the parcel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Garment folded in a clear poly cover, inside a tamper-proof courier bag | Everyday orders, marketplaces, low-price items |
| Better | Same, plus a thank-you card or size and care card, and a POD courier bag with an invoice pocket | Your own website and Instagram orders, repeat customers |
| Premium | Garment wrapped in honeycomb paper or with shredded paper, inside a white mailer box | Festive and gift orders, high-value pieces, influencer and PR boxes |
Which bag or box for which garment
| Garment | Courier bag size | Mailer box (premium) |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirts, leggings, innerwear | 10 × 13 or 10 × 14 inch | 7 × 5 × 2 or 8 × 5 × 2 inch |
| Shirts, kurtis, tops | 12 × 14 to 12 × 16 inch | 10 × 5 × 3 inch |
| Jeans, trousers, sarees | 14 × 18 inch | 12 × 10 × 3 inch |
| Jackets, sets, 2 to 3 piece orders | 16 × 20 inch | 12 × 10 × 3 inch or a corrugated box |
| Socks, scarves, accessories | 6 × 8 or 8 × 11 inch | 4 × 4 × 2 inch |
Fold first, then measure. Pick the smallest bag that closes flat without stretching the flap. See the full courier bag size chart and the mailer box size guide.
How to make a low-cost parcel feel premium
- Fold the same way every time, with the brand label facing up. A neat fold costs nothing and is the first thing the customer sees.
- Add a printed card with a thank-you note, size exchange steps and your Instagram handle. A simple printed card is enough.
- Use a clear inner cover to keep the garment dry and clean if the courier bag is scuffed.
- For gift orders, use a white mailer box with shredded paper. Brown and white crinkle paper starts at ₹179 + GST.
- Go plastic-free where it matters: honeycomb paper wrap starts at ₹149 + GST for a 10 inch roll, and many buyers notice and like it.
Keep packaging cost per order under control
- Use bags for most orders. A bag weighs a few grams and keeps volumetric weight low; a box can push a light order into a higher courier slab. See the volumetric weight guide.
- Stock two or three sizes only that fit 90% of your orders, instead of many sizes.
- Keep boxes for premium and gift orders, where the unboxing is part of the product.
- Buy bigger packs once sizes are fixed. Bigger packs cost less per piece.
Returns and exchanges
Clothing has one of the highest return rates in e-commerce. Tamper-proof bags show if a parcel was opened in transit, which helps with disputes. Ask customers to return items in the same bag if it is undamaged, or send a fresh bag with exchange orders. Selling on marketplaces? Check the Amazon and Flipkart packaging requirements and the Meesho seller packaging guide.
Launch checklist for a new clothing brand
- Courier bags in 2 or 3 sizes (for example 10 × 14 and 14 × 18 inch).
- A small pack of white mailer boxes for gift and premium orders.
- Thank-you or care cards.
- Shredded paper or honeycomb paper for boxed orders.
- 4 × 6 inch thermal labels (from ₹299 + GST) and packing tape (from ₹129 + GST).
Starting from zero? See the full packaging checklist for a new online business.
FAQ
What packaging is best for a clothing brand?
Tamper-proof courier bags for most orders, and white mailer boxes for premium or gift orders. Add a thank-you card for a branded feel.
Which courier bag size is right for a t-shirt?
10 × 13 or 10 × 14 inch for one folded t-shirt; 12 × 14 to 12 × 16 inch for shirts and kurtis.
Should I ship clothes in a box or a bag?
A bag is cheaper and lighter for most clothes. Use a box when the item must not crease, for gift orders, or when you want a premium unboxing.
Can I buy small quantities of packaging for a new brand?
Yes. SecureShip sells small packs of courier bags, mailer boxes, shredded paper and tape, with free delivery across India and a GST invoice.
