Over the years one comes across a product that seems to have many identifiers and can cause much confusion when trying to buy or discuss a purchasing need. Booklet and Catalog envelopes seem to fall within this class of confusing terms. Open end, open side, catalog, booklet, large envelopes… these are a few of the terms thrown around when looking at this larger constructed envelope. I suppose to cause even more confusion, technically these styles do not require ‘large’ construction, they can start at somewhat smaller dimensions.
Catalog envelopes start at sizes 6×9, although if you include the scarf or coin envelope, it can be quite small sizes available. Booklet envelopes can start at dimensions close to 4×6 with many custom envelopes being converted with booklet styles – the dimensions vary with many options to purchase or convert.
Before proceeding further, it is best to identify the most common factors that classify the term catalog or booklet envelopes.
Catalog envelopes are open end, meaning shortest side has the flap, also center seam is the most common, yet catalogs are also converted with side seam construction. Either way, one seam instead of two.
Booklet envelopes are constructed with two side seams and open side, meaning longest side has the flap.
Both these products are found in varying colors, basis weights and gumming options. The most universal of both would be white wove and kraft with these being common amongst general mailings of catalogs, annual reports, journals and other popular inserts.
More explanation and sizes are explained within our individual listings or additional information pages on our site. Also stay current with other envelope sizes by viewing our envelope size chart or by shopping envelopes smaller to larger.
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