Colour envelopes are stocked in 41 individual shades across a range of colour options groups — from deep blacks, crisp whites and warm metallics through to vivid primaries, soft pastels and seasonal tones. Envelope colour is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve direct mail open rates: research consistently shows coloured envelopes achieve around 20% higher open rates than plain white equivalents.
The range covers over 75 products across over 55 sizes, available in paper weights from 90–120gsm. Closure options include gummed (lick-and-seal) and peel & seal across V-flap and straight-flap styles. Most sizes are Royal Mail compatible for letter and large letter postage.
Benefits of Colour Envelopes
- a range of colour options available — across a range of colour options groups including neutral, pastel, vivid and metallic tones.
- over 55 sizes — from small C7 enclosures through to large C4 document envelopes, plus square formats.
- Paper weights from 90–120gsm — lighter weights for everyday use, heavier options for premium presentation.
- Gummed and peel & seal — closure options to suit both personal and volume mailing workflows.
- V-flap and straight-flap — flap styles for different presentation and sealing preferences.
- Royal Mail compatible — standard sizes qualify as large letter within weight and thickness limits.
Choosing the Right Colour Envelope
- Wedding and formal invitations — ivory, cream, white, champagne gold and pearlescent finishes for an elegant result.
- Greeting cards — C6 and square formats in the full colour spectrum; matched to card colour or contrasted for effect.
- Direct mail campaigns — bold primaries and seasonal tones to stand out in a busy letterbox.
- Brand correspondence — match your brand colour using the colour group filter; available in DL and C5 for letterheads.
- Seasonal occasions — red and gold for Christmas and Chinese New Year, pastels for Easter and spring campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes do coloured envelopes come in?
Coloured envelopes are available in over 55 sizes across the range. Standard sizes include: C7 (82 x 113mm, suits small cards and gift vouchers), C6 (114 x 162mm, fits an A6 card or A4 folded into quarters), DL (110 x 220mm, fits A4 folded in thirds — the standard business letter format), C5 (162 x 229mm, fits A5 or A4 folded in half), and C4 (229 x 324mm, fits A4 unfolded). Square formats are available in a range of sizes for invitations and contemporary greeting card designs.
What paper weight should I choose for coloured envelopes?
The range covers 90–120gsm. 90gsm is a standard everyday weight suitable for greeting cards and general correspondence. 100–120gsm gives a more substantial, premium feel and holds its shape better in transit — the best choice for invitations, direct mail campaigns and branded correspondence. 120gsm+ is a premium weight that makes an immediate quality impression and is typically used for wedding invitations and high-end stationery.
What is the difference between gummed and peel & seal coloured envelopes?
Gummed envelopes have a moisture-activated adhesive strip — moisten with a damp sponge or tongue to seal. Traditional, reliable and widely used for greeting cards and personal correspondence. Peel & seal envelopes have a self-adhesive strip protected by a peel-off liner — faster and cleaner for higher-volume dispatch. For occasional personal use either works well. For business mailing at volume, peel & seal is significantly more practical.
What is a V-flap envelope?
A V-flap envelope has a pointed, triangular flap — the classic envelope silhouette associated with greeting cards and invitations. A straight-flap (or wallet) envelope has a rectangular flap across the full width of the envelope — more common in business correspondence. V-flap envelopes are generally preferred for occasion mailings where the opening experience matters; straight-flap envelopes suit high-volume business use.
Can coloured envelopes go through a franking machine?
Yes — most coloured envelopes are compatible with standard franking machines, provided the paper weight is within the machine's specification (typically up to 120gsm). Very dark colours (deep black, navy) may affect barcode readability on some older franking machines — check your machine's specification if this is a concern. For high-volume franked mail in strong colours, test with a small quantity first.
Are coloured envelopes compatible with Royal Mail?
Yes. Standard sizes (DL, C6, C5, C4) are Royal Mail compatible within standard weight and thickness limits. A DL or C6 envelope under 100g and within 5mm thickness typically qualifies as large letter. Very dark or metallic envelopes are acceptable to Royal Mail provided the address is clearly legible — use a white or light-coloured address label if needed for contrast.
