If you own an apparel business and wish to ship clothes to your clients, selecting the right packaging is crucial.
The packaging should do two main things: protect the clothes during shipment and also display your brand logo and design.
The thing is you don't need to compromise on the beauty of the design, sustainability or good quality in order to achieve this. You can get packaging that does all of these things!
Here we have some packaging rules that will help you maintain the quality of your clothes. Adhering to such features will assist avoid contamination and see that your items are delivered as intended.
What are Apparel Packaging Solutions
Clothing packaging boxes refer to the kind of boxes used in packaging clothes with the aim of ensuring that they are safe during transportation as well as during storage. These boxes are made of cardboard or corrugated material, but are created using the exact dimensions of the garment.
Certain boxes include unique shapes such as openings for hangers, a clear panel to display the product and branded/decal labels.
There are two main types of clothing packaging:
1.Retail Packaging
This type is used to make the products have a good appearance such as on store shelves. It assists in displaying clothes in a good manner and may comprise things such as shopping bags for the customers to carry their goods. A nice and neat retail packaging is also essential when taking photos of products especially for e-shops.
2.Shipping Packaging
This one is for sending the cloth through post or by any courier. It is especially useful for large quantities and offers a level of protection against dust and dirt when the clothes are piled up in a warehouse.
Rising Demand for Clothing Packaging
Outer garment market is constantly expanding; people are buying more clothes for themselves and for their homes in regular stores as well as in internet shops. This growth is a sign of new opportunity but it also means added competition for business.
For that reason, brands must pay attention to all the tangible aspects of a garment. Packing is one of the most important elements that can influence this. Businesses say it's the first thing a customer is going to experience aside from being a communication tool.
Proper packaging not only encourages the customers to buy the product but also makes them enjoy their experience and let them come for more. When the market is saturated, there is a high demand for more unique and exciting packaging solutions.
What Are the Advantages of Apparel Packaging?
1.Enhanced Brand Visibility
Custom Apparel packaging is highly effective in communicating a company's brand logo, possible colors, and other design aspects. It also supports your products to establish a unique market niche while at the same time giving customers memorable experiences. Consistent packaging maintains your brand image and enhances its recognition by consumers, which in the end aids consumers to prefer your brand over others.
2.Improved Protection
Proper packaging is crucial when it comes to the clothes shipment; thus it is recommended to purchase the best packaging materials like cardboard and corrugated boxes. This helps in preventing physical damages such as tearing and creasing as well as environmental factors that may include dust and water. This way, your apparels will reach your clients in perfect condition, hence cutting down on return rates of unsatisfied customers, and creating a more reliable and trustworthy brand image.
3.Elevated Customer Experience
The appearance of your clothing through attractive packaging work helps to improve the impression customers have towards your products. Smart packaging not only preserves your products, but it also infuses an aspect of glamor and expectation into the process of opening it up. An attractive package gives customers a feeling of being valued and desired, hence promoting positive comments, repeat patronage and recommendations. An engaging unboxing process plays an important role in making a brand stand out from competitors.
4.Sustainability Benefits
Choosing environmentally friendly packaging is now more appealing to the consumers in the modern world who are more conscious of the environment than before. When you use products that are recyclable, biodegradable or compostable, your brand shows that you care about the environment. Sustainable packaging not only saves your environment but also wins the heart of the green buyers who will likely become regular buyers of your products.
What Are the Types of Apparel Packaging in Terms of Functionality?
Garment packaging is of great importance in its protection from damage during handling, display, and transportation. Here are some common types of apparel packaging, each designed to meet specific needs:
1. Folding Carton Boxes
Folding carton boxes are flexible and suitable for small and comparatively lightweight products such as socks, undergarments, ties, swimwear, etc. These boxes are made from paperboard and are easily collapsible, which makes them easy to store or transport. In many cases, these cartons are used together with the large shipping cartons so that the contents get to the consumer in good condition. They are perfect for storing small items such as stationery and can be branded to give a professional look.
2. Polymailers and Envelopes
Polymailers and envelopes are best suited for shipping of individual, lighter clothing products such as T-shirts, beach wear, and light wear sportswear. Polymailers are made of plastic that will make the mailer resistant to water and tearing. Most couriers provide an opportunity to order printed polymailers that will make your deliveries look more professional. These mailers are used for direct shipping and are preferred for online orders that are packed individually.
3. Corrugated Mailer Boxes
Corrugated mailer boxes are a little bit heavier in nature and can be used for pants, jeans, jackets etc. They are usually from corrugated cardboard material but the ones used for shipping are thicker and have better resistance to being crushed or damaged. These boxes are strong and can also accommodate more weight and can be used for selling as well as shipping. They are also useful for products which require additional protection to prevent them from reaching the client in poor condition.
4. Rigid Boxes
Rigid boxes are a type of luxury packaging used to pack expensive commodities like handbags or scarves or formal wear. They are produced from thick and hard materials to ensure that the content is protected as well as exhibit an executive look. Rigid boxes can be designed with the option of a lid and base or with a magnetic closure for the professional look. Due to their relative durability, they usually need another layer of packaging such as corrugated mailer boxes to enhance their shipment protection.
5. Cardboard Tubes
Cardboard tubes are an exciting and distinctive packaging material that would perfectly fit to pack small items such as socks, undergarments, and ties. The tubes are made from paperboard and can accommodate rolled up garments conveniently. This type of packaging gives a unique feel of unboxing the product and is mostly used where a product requires a creative way of packaging. Cardboard tubes also have the advantage of the compactness of the storage solution.
6. Plastic Bags
They are highly versatile, lightweight and very commonly employed for a multitude of apparels. They are of most value in shielding garments from dust as well as dampness. Compared to other types of packaging, plastic bags are not very sturdy, but they are rather cheap and can be used for both retail and shipping. They are often applied on articles of clothing and other goods that are not of high quality such as T-shirts and belts.
7. Padded Mailers
Poly mailers are basically a type of padded mailer but with extra padding than the regular padded mailer. They are particularly suitable to be used on items that require special care and attention to avoid being damaged during transportation. Polymailers are mostly preferred for bulkier clothes or garments while padded mailers are suitable for smaller apparel items or accessories that need extra protection.
What Are the Different Types of Apparel Packaging in Terms of Design?
Not all forms of packaging are suited for all forms of garments and each of the garments requires specific type of packaging . Below is the most used packing types:
1.Stand-Up Pack: Shirt (90° Angle)
The stand-up pack is suitable for shirts and other apparels which need to be displayed in an erect position. This packaging style has an angled position of 90° wherein the shirt can be folded in a way that would highlight its design and details. Common for store-bought garments, stand-up packs keep the garment in its proper form and make it easily accessible to the consumer. The design usually provides for a transparent front panel or a window, which contributes to the visibility of the product and its protection from dust and physical impact.
2.Flat Pack: Sportswear/Shirt/Trouser
The flat pack is very flexible and is widely used in sportswear as well as shirts and trousers. This packaging style requires the garment to be folded flat and packed in a rectangular package. The flat pack is suitable for garments that are meant to be neatly piled or packaged, and therefore is used widely in retailing as well as in shipping. The method assists in retaining the shape of the garment and at the same time has sufficient area to accommodate brand identity and product details on the packaging surface.
3.Hanger Pack: Blazer, Coats, Pants
Hanger packs are designed for those clothes that should maintain their shape, for example, blazers, coats, and pants. This style of packaging features a hanger that enables the garment to be hung in a better natural position that does not crease the fabric. The hanger pack is ideal for formal wear, special clothes and other delicate wears that require special care when handling. It comes with an extra plastic layer to protect the garment from dust and dirt, as well as to give the product a polished look when on display or being shipped.
4.Semi Stand-Up Pack: Shirt
Semi stand-up pack is the combination of stand-up pack and upright pack used for the shirts that need slightly rigid structure than stand-up pack. This design enables the shirt to be folded partly but stand slightly erect for presentation of the garment in the best manner. For both sales and transportation purposes, the semi stand-up pack is very effective for it allows visibility and at the same time, convenience in packing. It also allows easy stacking and handling of the shirt while at the same time giving a clear view of the design on the shirt.
5.Half Fold Pack: Pant
The half fold pack is intended for pants, and other similar garments as well, but it is the most suitable for pants. This type of packaging entails wrapping the pants and folding the item in a way that it will fit in a rectangular shaped packet. The half fold pack helps in ensuring that the garment retains its shape while at the same time helping to conserve space for storage or even shipping. They come in a compact and orderly arrangement which makes it convenient to pile up and move around while at the same time giving ample space on the containers for company logos, descriptions and other relevant details. This method proves most efficient in the large scale shipment as well as the retail shelving unit.
What Are the Essential Apparel Packaging Techniques?
1.Merchandising Apparel packaging
Merchandise package is the package that a consumer gets when he purchases the product. In what ways must a merchandising package be designed to create demand for the product in the pack? As per the POV of a consumer, the merchandise package should have the following purposes:
- Identify the product
- Increase the value of the product
- Capture the attention of the consumer towards the package
- Safeguard the product quality until the consumer uses the item.
The transparent plastic film is quite helpful in meeting all the above needs. With the product being physical in most of the cases, it becomes easy to point out and target the consumer. Color and design on the package are other ingredients that are used to identify, enhance and attract.
The way the product is packed geometrically is another factor which contributes to the improvement of the outlook of the garment. The convenience that the package brings is one of the key consumer magnets. Another reason which encourages consumers is the artistic value of a package.
2.Vacuum Packaging
Vacuum packaging involves the following functionalities:
- To minimize the shipping volume of unfinished apparels
- To minimize the weight of garments that are shipped.
- To avoid the garment from getting dusty or developing unpleasant smell before and during the shipping process.
- To avoid having garments develop the ugly looks of being wrinkled or creased this will have to be removed before the retailer stocks the garments.
- To reduce the space required in the storage by both the manufacturer and the retailer
Vacuum packaging is used not only for packing and storing of garments but also for packaging of other household accessories in textiles such as blankets, bed spreads, pillows, towels and anything that could be compressed.
Vacuum packaging was developed in the 1970s by Swematex AB, a company based in Ganghester, Sweden. It is a wise way of safeguarding clothes during storage as well as during transportation. Here's how it works:
Remove Moisture: First, the garment is hung on a conveyor belt and taken through a special chamber. Within this chamber, dry air minimizes the moisture content in the garment, thereby cutting out chances of mold or mildew.
Encase in Plastic: After drying, the garment is packed in a plastic film sack to avoid contact with moisture in the air. This sack is made in a way that it will cover the item and leave very little room between the item and the sack.
Vacuum and Compress: The air inside the sack, and the air which is trapped in the garment, is then evacuated through a vacuum. When the air is expelled out, the garment shrinks, thus occupying a lesser space which makes it easier for storage or shipment.
Seal the Sack: Last of all, the sack is well closed to ensure that the garment is compact and does not expand until it is needed.
This process aids in maintaining clothes clean, dry and folded in a way that they can be easily handled and stored.
3.Shipment Packaging
Shipment packaging is significant in ensuring that clothes get to the retailer or wholesaler from the distributor. Here's a simple breakdown:
Purpose: Shipment packaging refers to what carriers use to transport clothes. It helps in making sure that the clothes reach their intended destination, whether it is a retailer or wholesaler, without any harm to them.
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Types of Packaging:
- Closed Containers: These are boxes or cartons that completely cover the garments. In such containers, it is possible to wrap clothes individually or leave them open, yet they will still remain protected.
- Open Containers: These are somewhat more open and may not be covering the clothes fully. For instance, suits or dresses could be transported on hangers in open containers such as racks without their individual covers.
- Closed Packaging: Clothes in closed containers such as cartons with hanger racks referred to as Hanger Pac are fully covered or protected.
- Open Packaging: Clothes which are placed in baskets or any other similar receptacles may not necessarily have hangers and their own lids. This is mostly used in situations where packaging is not required for each item like in the case of bulk transport.
- Fusion: Organize and store all related items safely.
- Separate: Maintain garments so that they do not rub with each other or become damaged in any way.
- Brace: Add support to prevent movement or applying pressure.
- Ward Against Water and Dirt: Keep garments away from water and other forms of moisture as well as dirt.
- Embossing
- What It Is: Cutting or engraving patterns or text on the surface of the box.
- Why It Matters: It provides a kind of a 3D look to it and emphasizes some features. This can make your logo or design more appealing and feel richer, awesome and thinner at the same time, without having to add any extra weight.
- Foiling
- What It Is: Coating some of the sections on the box with a metallic shiny coat.
- Why It Matters: It gives it a bright and shiny look that is likely to attract the attention of every onlooker. Foiling can help to emphasize your brand name or logo on the box, making the box look luxurious.
- Glossy Finish
- What It Is: A smooth surface of the box with a shiny look.
- Why It Matters: It gives the box a more professional and colorful look. Shiny appearance can enhance colors and make them appear vivid while giving the surface a professional look.
- Matte Finish
- What It Is: A non-glossy, fine surface texture.
- Why It Matters: It makes the box to be more classy and less cluttered than when it possesses the colorful look. There are two types of finishes: matte and glossy; matte is less reflective and can give the place a classy look.
- What Makes You Different: Are you using high quality materials in your product? Are you eco-friendly? Can you boast of having great value for the amount of money that people spend to get your services?
- Understand Your Customers: Understand the demographics of your target customer, such as their age, gender, and other parameters of interest. This assists you in designing packaging that will appeal to their emotions as well as meet their requirements.
- Find Your Niche: Ensure that your packaging targets the right audience that has similar values as your brand.
- Appeal to Their Style: Your hang tags, labels, and boxes should be aligned to the tastes and preferences of your consumers.
- Emotional Choices: Consider how your packaging may or may not evoke emotions in the customers. If your packaging can put them in a good mood, or make them feel better about themselves, then you are headed in the right direction.
- Design with Feeling: People often buy things to feel comfortable, look good, or feel powerful, and your packaging needs to appeal to these feelings.
- Hang Tags and Labels: Do not underestimate these! The tags relay useful information about the clothing including the fabric type and how to wash it. Some consumers are label-conscious and some might be convinced to purchase an item based on the label's attractiveness.
- Attention to Detail: Ensure that your hang tags and labels are well designed and informative because they are the first contact points with your customer.
Personalize Your Garment Packaging With Custom Printing and Finishes
The idea of personalizing your box is appealing since it gives the box a unique look and a good first impression is important. Here's how you can do it and why it matters:
1. Custom Printing
What It Is: Having your logo or brand design printed on the box.
Why It Matters: It makes your box personalized and easily identifiable, especially by your customers or clients. Every time people look at the logo, they can easily identify the source of the product and the importance of the content of it. Such branding creates the image of your product in people's minds and gives it a professional look.
2. Finishes
These are additional elements that you can use to enhance the look and feel of your box. Here are some popular options:
3. Protection
What It Is: Making certain the box is strong and cannot easily be opened.
Why It Matters: A good box ensures that your clothes do not get damaged when they are being shipped. It also protects their acquired item from wear and tear during handling and other conditions that may harm the product, yet, it is easy to open by the customer.
Including these options in your box not only gives it a unique look but also plays a role in product protection and customer satisfaction.
How to Design Clothing Packaging
Clothing packaging is an essential element in the garment industry and thus designing it requires much consideration. Packaging your clothing products is not just about placing your product in a box and that is where design comes in.
1. Reflect Your Brand's Identity
It is important that your packaging communicates the uniqueness of your brand. Keep in mind the following things:
2. Target the Right Audience
You need to accept that not every person on this planet is going to be a fan of your brand. Keep your ideal customers in mind:
3. Create an Emotional Connection
People often choose clothing based on emotions:
4. Make Details Stand Out
Small details matter a lot in fashion:
Conclusion
Evaluating and choosing the right clothing packaging is a vital component of any clothing company. The right packaging does more than just protect your garments and have them delivered to your customers in pristine conditions but also portray the right image of your brand and its values. Whether it is about ensuring your items are safe with strong material or about branding with unique designs and finishing, everything counts. When deciding between folding carton boxes or polymailers, or going upscale with luxurious rigid boxes, the idea is to optimize the packaging’s practicality, appearance, and environmental impact.
This way, your brand can develop packaging that speaks to your customer's emotions and aligns with the overall positioning strategy. As you know, packaging is not just about the protection of the product but also an added value to the customer experience which can affect the customer's decision on whether to remain loyal or not.
If you want to get the best apparel packaging and take it to the next level, you can turn to The Box Lane for assistance. We focus on designing and developing packaging that provides protection and at the same time make your brand stand out. Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers, let us help you package your success!