What Size Poly Bag for Amazon FBA?
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If you sell on Amazon and need to bag an item for FBA, the first question is usually simple: what size poly bag do I need? A bag that is too small will not close. A bag that is too big can look sloppy, and Amazon says it should not stick out more than 3 inches past the item.
This guide shows you how to measure your item, estimate a starting size, and which of our 14 sizes people often use for shirts, jeans, and hoodies. Measure first, and test one bag before you order a large pack.
Measure your item first
Measure the item as it will be bagged, in inches: width, length, and height (the thickness when it is packed). Soft goods, like shirts and hoodies, can be folded first, then measured. Boxed items cannot be folded, so measure the box. If you are bagging a bundle, measure the items stacked together.
Our bags are listed as width x length, such as 10x12. Length is measured below the lip. For how bag dimensions are measured, see how to measure poly bags for shipping.
A simple starting formula
Use this as a starting point, not a promise that the bag will fit:
- Bag width = item width + item height + 1 inch
- Bag length = item length + item height + 1 inch
The extra inch gives you a little room so the item slides in and the seal can lie flat.
Example: a box that is 10 inches long, 7 inches wide, and 2 inches tall needs a bag about 10 inches wide and 13 inches long (7+2+1 and 10+2+1). We do not sell a 10x13 bag, so look at the next sizes that cover both sides, such as 10x15 poly bags or 11x14 poly bags. If you land between two sizes, go up one size, then check the fit.
Amazon's packaging and prep help says the poly bag should not stick out more than 3 inches past the item. After you pick a size, bag one unit. If there is a lot of loose film, try the next size down, as long as the bag still closes fully and the barcode can be scanned.
Amazon also says FBA poly bags should be at least 1.5 mil thick, clear, and fully sealed, and that bags with an opening of 5 inches or more, measured flat, need a suffocation warning. Rules can change, so check that help page in Seller Central for your item before you ship. We do not promise that a bag, by itself, will be approved for every product. See 1.5 mil poly bags for Amazon FBA and our Amazon FBA poly bag requirements guide.
What size poly bag for shirts, jeans, and hoodies
These starting sizes are general guidance. Brands and folds vary, so measure your fold.
Shirts and t-shirts. A folded adult t-shirt often fits 10x12 poly bags. Long-sleeve tops, or two light shirts bundled together, may need 10x15 poly bags. Folded kids' shirts often fit 8x10 poly bags or 9x12 poly bags.
Jeans and pants. Folded jeans often start at 11x14 poly bags. A looser fold, or bulkier pants, may need 12x18 poly bags.
Hoodies and sweatshirts. A folded hoodie often starts at 11x14 poly bags. A bulky hoodie, or a small clothing bundle, may need 12x18 poly bags or 14x20 poly bags.
Hats, small accessories, and shoes. Hats often start at 9x12 poly bags. Slim items like socks or cable packs may fit 5x10 poly bags or 6x9 poly bags. For shoes, measure the shoe box, then use the formula. Amazon's seller help for apparel and footwear tells sellers to keep shoe material from being left exposed, either in the original shoe box or in a poly bag with a suffocation warning. Check the current help text in Seller Central.
New Amazon FBA sellers who want a mix of 6x9, 8x10, 9x12, and 11x14 can see our new seller student bundles.
Size chart for all 14 bags
Every size below is a clear 1.5 mil self-seal bag with a printed suffocation warning, in packs of 100, 500, or 1000.
| Bag size (W x L) | What usually fits (general guidance) | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| 5" x 10" | Pens, slim tools, socks, slim cable packs | 5x10 poly bags |
| 6" x 9" | Phone cases, cables, earbuds, small beauty items | 6x9 poly bags |
| 6" x 14" | Spatulas, slim hair tools, long slim boxed items | 6x14 poly bags |
| 7" x 14" | Toothbrush multi-packs, slim boxed tools, long accessories | 7x14 poly bags |
| 8" x 10" | Baby and kids' clothes, small paperbacks, small boxed goods | 8x10 poly bags |
| 9" x 12" | Folded kids' t-shirts, journals, hats, small boxed toys | 9x12 poly bags |
| 10" x 12" | Folded adult t-shirts, gift sets, pillowcases | 10x12 poly bags |
| 10" x 15" | Long-sleeve tops, leggings, two-shirt bundles | 10x15 poly bags |
| 11" x 14" | Hoodies, folded jeans, kids' pajama sets | 11x14 poly bags |
| 12" x 18" | Jeans, light jackets, 2 to 3 piece clothing bundles | 12x18 poly bags |
| 14" x 20" | Large boxed toys, throws, coats, bigger apparel bundles | 14x20 poly bags |
| 16" x 20" | Towels, pillows, bath mats, large boxed items | 16x20 poly bags |
| 19" x 24" | Bedding sets, large toys, big multi-packs | 19x24 poly bags |
| 24" x 30" | Comforters, large plush, oversized bedding | 24x30 poly bags |
See every size on the poly bags order page.
How to close the bag and order
Our bags have a permanent self-seal strip. Peel the strip, fold the lip over, and press. The seal does not reopen, so check the fit before you close it. Amazon says the bag must be completely sealed. Make sure the barcode or FBA label can be scanned through the clear bag, or place the label on the outside. For more on the seal and printed warning, see self-seal poly bags with a suffocation warning.
Go to the poly bags order page, pick your sizes, and choose a pack of 100, 500, or 1000. Buy 2 items and get 5% off. Buy 3 or more items and get 10% off. Shipping is $9.95 for a 1-item order, and free on 2 or more items to the lower 48 United States.
If you are still unsure, use the contact page and tell us the item's width, length, and height in inches, or read where to buy poly bags for Amazon FBA.
FAQ
What size poly bag do I need for a t-shirt?
A folded adult t-shirt often fits a 10x12 bag. Kids' shirts often fit 8x10 or 9x12. Measure your fold first, because shirt sizes and folds vary.
What if I am between two sizes?
Go up one size, then check that the bag does not stick out more than 3 inches past the item and still seals fully.
Do I need a different bag for FBA than for regular shipping?
For Amazon FBA, check Amazon's current packaging help for your item. Our bags are 1.5 mil, clear, and self-seal, with the warning already printed. That does not, by itself, mean every shipment will pass.
Can I bag shoes in these poly bags?
Sometimes, but measure the shoe or shoe box first, and check Amazon's footwear rules in Seller Central.