How to Package Clothes for Shipping

noissue Custom Tissue Paper by @getglou

Staying competitive as an apparel retailer isn’t just about selling great clothes; you also need to master the logistics of shipping.

US customers typically expect fast—and often free—shipping, so it’s crucial to know the most cost-effective way to send clothing to customers.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to package different types of apparel and the best ways to ship clothes to domestic and international destinations.

What you’ll need to ship clothes

Apparel packaging tips

• Shipping method: Shipping costs depend on the weight and size of your package, as well as the destination and the shipping method. Flat-rate shipping is a cost-effective choice for heavier items like jeans and jackets.
• Package size and weight: Use the smallest envelopes or boxes possible to reduce shipping costs. Weigh packages with a kitchen scale (for smaller items) or a bathroom scale (for larger packages) for accuracy.
• Garment bags: If you’re using cardboard boxes, compostable plastic bags for garments can help prevent clothes from getting wet during transit.
• Packing materials: You’ll only need extra packing materials if you’re using a cardboard box; we recommend using custom tissue paper or eco-friendly bubble wrap to protect delicate items.
• Sealing the package: Seal boxes with thick, durable tape, such as water-activated tape.
• Sourcing packaging: Carriers like USPS provide free shipping materials upon request; you can also ship clothes in custom-printed packaging to promote your business and create a memorable unboxing experience. Order your own packaging in bulk to save on costs!
• Sustainability: With the growing priority customers place on sustainability, it can be worth investing in compostable, recyclable, or reusable packaging materials.

How to pack clothes for shipping

Packing casual clothes

In the business of selling streetwear on your storefront or vintage finds on Poshmark? Most casual clothes aren’t fragile, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking during transit; a standard poly mailer will protect them perfectly.

1. On a clean surface, fold the clothing neatly; check out our packing guides for shirts, jackets, dresses, pants, and skirts below.
2. Wrap the clothing with tissue paper and seal it with a piece of tape or a custom-printed sticker.
3. Place the clothing in a poly mailer and add the shipping label.

How to pack shirts, jackets, or dresses:

1. With the back of the shirt facing up, fold the sleeves inwards.
2. Fold the shirt inwards around ⅓ from the neckline on each side.
3. Fold the shirt in half from the bottom. For dresses, repeat this step.

How to pack trousers, jeans, or skirts:

1. Fold the pants in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the pants in half from the bottom, then repeat.

Packing delicate clothing

If you sell handcrafted knits, wedding dresses, or other delicate items, we recommend using a garment bag and a box to prevent damage.

1. Fold the clothes neatly; if the fabric is delicate, you can place tissue paper or bubble wrap between each fold to prevent wrinkling.
2. Put the clothes inside a garment bag, then in a box slightly larger than the items.
3. Add tissue paper or eco-friendly bubble wrap to fill the empty space.
4. Seal the box with packing tape and add the shipping label.

Packing multiple shirts or pants

Shipping multiple items in the same package helps you save costs, so it’s best to consolidate whenever possible. A standard poly mailer is suitable for smaller items, like shirts and skirts, or you could opt for more durable padded envelopes or boxes when shipping bulkier jeans and jackets.

1. Fold the clothes neatly, placing each in a garment bag or wrapping each with tissue paper.
2. Stack the clothes on top of each other.
3. Place the clothes in a mailer or box.
4. Seal the package and add the shipping label.

How to mail clothing to domestic customers

Now that you’ve packed the clothes, it’s time to purchase and print the shipping label. The three main domestic shipping options are USPS, FedEx, and UPS.

Shipping clothes through USPS

USPS usually provides the cheapest lightweight choices. You can leverage volume discounts and use flat-rate shipping when delivering heavier items or sending to a distant recipient.

Use the USPS Retail Postage Price Calculator to instantly check shipping costs. Flat rate pricing requires USPS Flat Rate envelopes or boxes, which you can request for free through the USPS store.

Shipping clothes through FedEx

FedEx’s extensive express network makes it ideal for time-critical shipments, though it comes at higher shipping costs.

Calculate shipping costs on the FedEx website. You’ll need eligible FedEx One Rate packaging to use the flat rate service; you can order these for free through the FedEx store.

Shipping clothes through UPS

UPS’s highly reliable ground network makes it another carrier worth considering for time-sensitive shipments.

Check shipping costs by getting a quote on the UPS website.

What is the cheapest way to ship clothing domestically?

The cheapest way to ship clothes within the US depends on how many items you’re sending, how heavy they are, and the destination address.

For lightweight items, you’ll usually want to opt for a standard shipping option that factors in weight, dimensions, and location. For heavier jeans and jackets, the best way to ship clothes is through a flat-rate shipping service that only factors in package dimensions.

USPS First Class Mail is the cheapest way to ship items under 13 oz, but it doesn’t include tracking, which is usually a requirement for seller protection on platforms such as Etsy.

How to mail clothing to international customers

If you’re expanding your business outside the US, you’ll need to have an effective shipping strategy.

Countries

Each country has different shipping regulations and requirements. To make things easier for yourself, consider keeping your shipping options to a few key countries that are easier to deliver to. The US holds free trade agreements (FTA) with countries such as Australia, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Korea, and Singapore, simplifying customs clearance and duty rates.

Remember to include the recipient’s phone number in the shipping label. Some countries also require the recipient to use their full legal name, especially if they have to pick up the package from a post office. If you’re sending a package to a country that uses a non-Latin script, such as Japan or Korea, include the address in both English and in the native language.

Customs paperwork

You’ll usually need to include a commercial invoice and export packing list. Customs authorities use commercial invoices for shipment classification and assessing whether there are any controls on the product.

FedEx’s International Shipping Assistant Tool can help you prepare the correct documentation to clear customs.

You can upload and submit the paperwork electronically on all major carrier websites.

Duties and taxes

If you’re shipping to a country without an FTA with the US, duties and taxes will usually apply. By default, the customer pays these duties.

Depending on the country and how your platform collects payments, you may need to include an import/export identifier number on the package. Some countries may also require you to include the recipient’s tax ID on the package.

Researching requirements before you offer international shipping can help provide a more seamless shipping experience that gets your product to the customer faster.

International shipping options

All major carriers offer international shipping with flexible services for time-sensitive shipments.

• USPS International Shipping: Works with other national postal services to deliver international mail to over 180 countries.
• FedEx International Shipping: Uses its own global shipping network to quickly deliver international packages to 220 countries and territories.
• UPS International Shipping: Uses its own global network and local carriers to deliver international packages to 220 countries and territories.

Wrapping it up

With space-efficient packaging and shipment know-how, you can affordably send clothes to domestic and international destinations.

Ready to get started with shipping clothes? Whether you’re selling thrifted finds on Depop or establishing your brand as an apparel retailer, noissue’s custom packaging options are perfect for all kinds of clothing businesses. Shop mailer bags, boxes, packing tape, and more!