The manila envelope is a traditional, time-tested way to transport documents, letters, and small objects. But little do many know, the manila envelope has an unusual past related to territory and war. Below, we will explore that past, and why manila isn’t being used to make a single manila envelope anymore.
Manila Envelope Origin
The manila envelope’s origin is derived from a plant named manila hemp (a.k.a abaca), a species of plantain native to the Philippines. It was more commonly used for manila rope on ships but became a recycled product that filled in for cotton and linen shortages at the time. Papermakers used the ropes to create strong, water-proof manila paper, which was an important commodity for communication.
But it could not last long. Manila paper itself was a US invention from the 1830s, but manila was an expensive trade. During the Philippine-American War of 1899, the colonial government of America intercepted the Philippines ’ abaca trade and exported it from the Philippines to America for military use. But due to industry needs, many manila-made products are created using inexpensive wood pulp.
Why is it Called a Manila Envelope?
So why is it called a manila envelope? Today, manila is just a term for the yellow-brown texture from the abaca plant. In other words, “Envelopes made from brown, unbleached paper, used for cheapness, are described as Manila envelopes.” Indeed, the manila envelope is just an ode to the yellow-brown texture of the abaca plant that was historically used by papermakers.
How to Address a Manila Envelope
Manila envelopes are large-capacity carriers capable of holding mailing items as thick as magazines. They can be purchased in bulk in many different colors and sizes to fit the various lengths of paper. Businesses often use them for keys, cards, cash, and jewelry. For paper, sizes are larger and typically range from small (6×9), medium (9×12), and large (10×13). Be careful to pick the correct size to avoid creasing the paper. Standard-sized paper is 8 ½x 11 inches.
Whether they be purchased in post offices or online, your manila envelope of choice can be purchased with blank labels. If not, you can use a fine, no-bleed marker to emphasize wording. Labels or wording should be placed vertically on the left-hand side of the back of the envelope. Be sure that when you turn it label-side down that it is opposite the opening. You can also write horizontally in the dead center of the envelope.
For how to address a manila envelope, print the return address in the top left corner in three lines, starting with a full name on the first line, address on the second line, and state, city, and zip code on the third. This is in case your mail does not make it to the addressee and needs to be returned. Diagonally from the return address should be the businesses’ or recipient’s full legal name and information. Neatly print the sending address in the same way as the return address.
As a tip, remember to capitalize everything (I.e., ST, AVE, or RD) without punctuations, spell out your city name and abbreviate the name of your state for better processing. Place a stamp in the top right corner of the envelope when finished.
How to Mail a Manila Envelope
Depending on the weight, prices can vary. A 6×9 manila envelope’s weight can be up to one ounce without adding on an additional stamp. An envelope that’s up to 3.5 ounces will require an extra stamp, according to United States Postal Service’s parcel limitations.
Your envelope should have a gum flap, peel-and-seal, or clasped opening. Seal it firmly and insert it into your mailbox, a USPS mailbox, or take it to your local post office. Packaging should not be “irregular” (lumpy), but flat and rectangular, with a weight that does not exceed 13oz for the largest envelopes. The parcel price will rise, otherwise.
Fortunately, envelopes can be bought for a little over a dollar. And with that, you’ll remember how to mail a manila envelope forever.
FAQs
The manila folder, is a folder designed for transporting documents. It is traditionally made of thick, durable manila paper and sized so that full sheets of printer paper can fit inside without folding.
What can you mail in a manila envelope? ›
You can calculate postage online at pe.usps.com. Letters, bills, greeting cards, and other documents can be sent in standard white, manila, or recycled paper envelopes.
What is Manila envelopes? ›
(məˈnɪlə ˈɛnvəˌləʊp ) a large, usually brown, envelope, designed to carry documents without them having to be folded.
How much postage is needed for a 9x12 envelope? ›
Large envelopes. This includes 9x12, legal, and manila envelopes, Two stamps are needed for the first ounce, and postage will be an additional $0.20 cents after.
Are manila envelopes good for mailing? ›
A 6×9 manila envelope's weight can be up to one ounce without adding on an additional stamp. An envelope that's up to 3.5 ounces will require an extra stamp, according to United States Postal Service's parcel limitations. Your envelope should have a gum flap, peel-and-seal, or clasped opening.
Can I use Forever Stamps on a manila envelope? ›
Most large envelopes containing documents that USPS delivers weigh one ounce or less. Therefore, most manila and large envelopes only require one Forever stamp to send them.
How much does it cost to send a manila envelope through USPS? ›
Standard-sized, rectangular envelope stamps start at $0.63. Square, oversized, or unusually shaped envelope stamps start at $1.03.
What is not allowed on an envelope? ›
Domestically Prohibited Items
Ammunition. Explosives. Gasoline. Marijuana (medical or otherwise); hemp/CBD is allowed, but restricted.
What are the four types of envelopes? ›
Types of Envelopes
- Baronial Envelopes. More formal and traditional than the A-style envelopes, baronials are deeper and have a large pointed flap. ...
- A-Style Envelopes. ...
- Square Envelopes. ...
- Commercial Envelopes. ...
- Booklet Envelopes. ...
- Catalog Envelopes.
Customers must affix additional postage when mailing letters weighing in excess of 1 ounce and/or letters subject to the nonmachinable surcharge or mailpieces subject to another rate of postage (e.g., large envelopes or packages).
Avoid placing two Forever Stamps on a mail piece for heavier mail. Additional ounces are much cheaper costing only $0.24 per additional ounce rather than $0.63 for a one ounce letter. If you add two Forever Stamps to a 2 ounce letter, you would be paying for an item that should only cost $0.84.
Is a 9x12 envelope considered a flat? ›
For example, a 9x12 open-side envelope would be defined as a USPS flat and would qualify it for the postage rate of a flat if shape and weight criteria are met.
How many stamps do I need to mail a 2022 manila envelope? ›
If your letter is a standard-sized envelope and weighs 3.5 ounces or less, you will need one stamp. Large envelopes. This includes 9x12, legal, and manila envelopes, Two stamps are needed for the first ounce, and postage will be an additional $0.20 cents after. International mail.
Does it matter what envelope you use? ›
According to the USPS, some envelopes should never be used for mail because they can potentially create complications. "Don't use patterns, prominent flecks or shiny-coated paper for your envelopes," the Postal Service warns. "Some types of paper interfere with the machines that read addresses."
Should I ship in a box or padded envelope? ›
If you're shipping products such as linens, clothing, or other soft items, plain envelopes are a good packaging choice. However, if you're shipping fragile items, such as DVDs, CDs, or jewelry, these should be shipped in padded envelopes. These envelopes provide cushioning to reduce the risk of damage.
Do manila envelopes need more stamps? ›
Smaller manila envelopes, such as those that are 6 inches by 9 inches, meet the size requirements of standard letter mail and can be shipped with one stamp if the weight does not exceed 1 ounce.
Do stamps expire? ›
As mentioned above, postal stamps do not expire and can be used indefinitely. In the event of a price increase, customers can purchase Denomination Stamps to make up the price for postage or use Forever Stamps.
Can you mail manila envelopes with clasps? ›
Envelopes with clasps are considered non-machinable envelopes and must be hand-canceled. Even if your clasp envelope weighs less than 1 oz, you will be charged a non-machinable surcharge.
What size envelope requires extra postage? ›
For example, a square envelope requires additional postage. To meet the standard envelope requirements for using only one Forever Stamp, the envelope needs to be a minimum of 3.5 inches in height by 5 inches in length and the thickness must be a minimum of 0.007 inches.
How do I know what stamp to use? ›
A letter of 1 ounce – 1 Domestic Forever Stamp costs 58 cents. A letter of 2 ounces – 1 Domestic Forever Stamp and one additional ounce stamp at 20 cents costs 78 cents. A letter weighing 3 ounces – 1 Domestic Forever Stamp and two additional 20-cent stamps – costs 88 cents.
If your bubble mailer is considered an envelope and weighs 1 ounce or less, you can slap a $0.55 forever stamp on your mailer and drop it off at your post office as usual. If your bubble mailer is considered a package, you'll choose between USPS First Class, USPS Retail Ground, Priority Mail and Media Mail.
Is it cheaper to send an envelope USPS or UPS? ›
UPS is often more expensive than USPS due to fees and surcharges, especially when it comes to shipping smaller packages. Generally, USPS offers much better rates when shipping smaller packages of less than two pounds. UPS typically is a better choice when shipping larger, heavier packages by offering superior value.
How do I mail a 9x12 manila envelope? ›
Address your 9-inch by 12-inch envelope by placing the mailing address in the center and the return address in the upper left corner on the same side as the mailing address.
What are the rules for envelope? ›
Envelopes must be rectangular and made of paper to qualify for letter prices. Your envelope can be a maximum of 11-1/2" long x 6-1/8" high. (A standard No. 10 envelope is 9-1/2" long x 4-1/8" high.)
Is it okay to tape an envelope for the mail? ›
The envelope or box flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Tape may be applied to reinforce the flap of the envelope and to secure the box. The design /shape of the envelope or the box may not be enlarged by any means.
Can I put a paperclip in the mail? ›
Avoid the use of paper clips and staples. This can cause damage to the mail piece during processing and at USPS. Separate international mail from domestic mail. (This will ensure your mail is not delayed due to incorrect postage.)
Which envelopes are most often used? ›
A #10 envelope is the popular business envelope size, and is used for both direct mail and transactional mail.
What do the 5 lines on an envelope mean? ›
A facing identification mark (FIM) is a pattern of vertical bars printed in the upper-right portion of a mailpiece, to the left of the postage area. The FIM tells automated processing equipment some of what it needs to know to do its job.
What is the difference between #9 and #10 envelopes? ›
#9 Window Envelopes (3-7/8″ x 8-7/8″)– This size fits comfortably inside a standard #10 envelope, so is often used as a return envelope. #10 Window Envelopes (4-1/8″ 9-1/2″)– Standard business envelope. Fits an 8 1/2″ x 11″ piece of paper folded in thirds.
What is the etiquette for stuffing envelopes? ›
Begin at the bottom and fold the bottom third and then fold it over again until it is neatly compact into a third of the size. Place the letter in the envelope so that the back side of the top third of the letter is the first thing the recipient sees when it is opened.
Before you embarrass yourself in front of your boss, please remember that the correct word is “manila.” They have nothing to do with anything vanilla in taste or color.
What happens if you put something in the mail without enough postage? ›
Returned to the sender with the reason for nondelivery “Returned for Additional Postage” if First-Class Mail with a return address. The sender may affix the additional postage, cross out the reason for nondelivery, and remail the piece.
What happens when you don't put enough stamps on mail? ›
If you guess that it costs a certain amount and you don't put enough stamps on the package it will be sent back to you and obviously the mailing process is greatly delayed.
What happens if I put two stamps on an envelope? ›
What to do? Use the USPS tool to easily calculate actual postage rates. For example, a regular two-ounce letter costs 78 cents. Using “two stamps” means you are paying $1.16 (2 x 58 cents).
Why is forever crossed out on stamps? ›
The postal service says the word "forever" is crossed out in the online image to prevent counterfeiting.
Can I use 4 Forever Stamps? ›
A USPS Forever stamp is valid to use on a normal-sized, one-ounce letter sent within the United States. If your letter is more than one ounce, it will need additional postage. However, the best solution to mailing a letter over one ounce is not to add another Forever stamp.
How many Forever Stamps can you buy at once? ›
Stamps can be purchased as sheets/books of 20 as well as coils/rolls of 100. Stamps can often be purchased for discount prices online with older styles and forever stamps.
Can I use Forever Stamps on a 9x12 envelope? ›
Large envelopes. This includes 9x12, legal, and manila envelopes, Two stamps are needed for the first ounce, and postage will be an additional $0.20 cents after. International mail. For mail going outside of the United States, you can use Forever Stamps or a Global Forever Stamp, which currently cost $1.20 each.
Does the size of an envelope affect postage? ›
Different postage prices apply to postcards, letters, large envelopes (flats), and parcels. In general, the bigger your mailpiece, the more it will cost to mail.
What is the biggest envelope you can mail? ›
The words large envelopes and flats are used interchangeably. Whatever you call them, flats must: Have one dimension that is greater than 6-1/8 inches high OR 11-½ inches long OR ¼ inch thick. Be no more than 12 inches high x 15 inches long x ¾ inch thick.
...
Sizes for Large Envelopes and Flats.
| Dimension | Minimum* | Maximum |
|---|
| Thickness | 1/4 inch | 3/4 inch |
2 more rowsA #10 envelope is the popular business envelope size, and is used for both direct mail and transactional mail.
How much does it cost to mail a manila envelope? ›
First-Class Mail® service is an affordable and easy way to send envelopes and lightweight packages. First-Class Mail Forever® stamps cost $0.63 (the current 1 oz price) and will never expire, even if the First-Class™ postage rate goes up. For packages (up to 13 oz), prices start at $4.75.
What kind of envelopes need extra postage? ›
The Postal Service charges extra postage because mailpieces that are rigid, square, or unusually shaped, often jam postal equipment and are difficult to process.
Should I use #9 or #10 envelope? ›
Here you will find the most popular envelope types and sizes used by businesses and private individuals to send their correspondence. The #10 envelope size is considered to be the standard business envelope size and the #9 envelope size is the standard reply envelope size.
What does #10 mean on envelopes? ›
Regular Envelopes are the standard of business envelopes. This product range includes the popular #10 envelope which measures 4 1/8" by 9 1/2".
