Choosing the right packaging materials for your apparel brand

The materials you choose for your apparel packaging aren't just about protecting your product; they are a chance to communicate your brand’s bold personality and unique values. Whether it’s an eco-conscious brand showing off its sustainable credentials or a luxury label creating that "wow" factor with premium packaging, making the right choices for materials can really take your brand to new heights.

Let’s delve into the different types of packaging materials that could help your brand stand out whilst reflecting your brand's identity and values.

Choosing the right packaging materials

Your choice of materials says a lot about your brand. Are you committed to sustainability? Are you going for a minimalist aesthetic, or do you want to exude luxury? Let’s explore the most popular, recommended material options for clothing packaging that tick both the form and function boxes.

Corrugated cardboard: A practical and eco-friendly choice

Corrugated cardboard is a reliable and sturdy option for apparel packaging boxes, especially for e-commerce brands. It’s lightweight, durable, and easily recyclable, making it a go-to choice for brands that consider the environment. Plus, it’s perfect for custom printed designs that showcase your brand while offering excellent protection during shipping.

Best for: E-commerce brands, eco-conscious labels, fragile or bulky items.

Kraft paper: A minimalistic and sustainable choice

Kraft paper is a dream for brands looking to embrace an earthy, minimalist aesthetic. It’s 100% recyclable and biodegradable, which makes it a perfect choice for sustainable fashion brands. Not only does it have eco-friendly appeal, but it also adds a stylish, organic touch that works beautifully for online retail packaging bags or wrapping paper inside clothing packaging boxes.

Best for: Sustainable fashion brands, eco-conscious startups, brands with a minimalist aesthetic.

Tyvek: A luxurious, high-end choice

If you’re a luxury fashion brand or want to create a premium feel, Tyvek is an excellent choice. This synthetic material is not only soft to the touch, but it’s also strong, lightweight, and water-resistant. While it’s not biodegradable, Tyvek is recyclable, so it still offers some eco benefits while providing a sleek, high-end finish. It’s a great material to use for apparel packaging bags to offer extra protection for your higher-value items.

Best for: High-end fashion brands, premium products, boutique stores.

Tissue paper: A delicate, thoughtful touch

Nothing says “luxury” like delicately wrapped tissue paper around your product. Lightweight and customisable, it adds a crucial layer of elegance to your packaging. Beyond aesthetics, it serves a practical purpose by keeping garments secure during transit and preventing wrinkles. Enhance the experience by adding your logo or a unique custom print, turning even the tissue paper into a branded touchpoint - perfect for that unforgettable "wow" moment during Unboxing Moments™.

Best for: Gift boxes, boutique clothing, high-end and delicate items.

Biodegradable plastic: A conscious compromise

Plastic still has a role in apparel packaging, but the focus should be on more eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable or recyclable plastics. These options provide the same lightweight protection as conventional plastic but with a much smaller environmental impact. They’re perfect for fast shipping while demonstrating your commitment to sustainability. Be sure to emphasise the eco-friendly nature of your biodegradable plastic directly on the packaging, so your customers know you're making a greener choice.

Best for: Fast fashion brands, bulk orders, cost-conscious companies.

How to choose the right packaging for your fashion brand

Whatever your brand stands for, your packaging should shine brightly. To make the best choice, consider these four key factors:

Brand aesthetic

Your packaging should embody your fashion brand's aesthetic.

Minimalistic brands: Choose kraft paper or uncoated cardstock for a clean, earthy look. These materials are 100% recyclable and biodegradable, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. A subtle, minimalist design with simple typography can effectively convey your brand’s ethos without overwhelming the customer.

Luxury brands: Opt for materials like Tyvek, soft-touch finishes, or high-quality textured paper to convey opulence. Tyvek offers durability and a sleek feel. Incorporating glossy finishes, foil stamping, or embossing adds elegance, ensuring your packaging reflects exclusivity.

Playful and extravagant brands: Embrace vibrant colours, custom prints, and fun shapes to craft an engaging experience. Think recycled cardboard adorned with bold graphics or eco-friendly biodegradable plastics featuring playful designs that scream your brand’s personality. Don’t hold back—experiment with eye-catching patterns and interactive elements like QR codes for a little extra fun. And why not include some brightly coloured tissue paper? It adds a delightful surprise for your customers when they unwrap their package

Functionality

When selecting packaging materials and designs, functionality is key. Your packaging should not only protect clothing during transit but also enhance the overall customer experience. Think sturdy materials like corrugated cardboard to ensure your fashion items arrive in tip-top condition. Incorporate easy-open designs to create a seamless unboxing experience that reflects your brand’s commitment to quality and to your customers. Additionally, resealable closures can add extra value, allowing customers to reuse the packaging.

Don’t forget to consider letterbox-friendly packaging options to facilitate convenient delivery, so customers don’t have to be home to receive their orders. Prioritise space efficiency in your designs to minimise waste and shipping costs while maximising storage capabilities.

Sustainability

Eco-friendly packaging is an expectation from many of today’s consumers. If sustainability is an integral part of your brand, your packaging should reflect this. Choose recyclable or compostable materials, minimise packaging waste wherever possible and communicate your sustainability efforts with your audience. 

Balancing cost with quality

We know that choosing the best materials for your packaging is key to representing your brand, but it’s also important to weigh up whether investing in premium materials is cost-effective for you. Higher-quality, durable materials often offer better protection, reduce returns, and create a more memorable unboxing experience. While premium options may have a higher upfront cost, they can often save you money in the long run by reducing packaging waste and the need for replacements.

Need some inspiration?

Here are some examples of how fashion brands are utilising innovative packaging materials..

Gucci: A luxurious fashion brand example we all know, Gucci, makes the unboxing experience unforgettable with its distinct, high-end packaging. Its commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of responsibly sourced, recyclable materials such as FSC-certified paper and cardboard. The recent introduction of their Rosso Ancora packaging, featuring a logo-imprinted ribbon and recycled cotton dustbags, showcases their dedication to both style and sustainability.

Patagonia: Patagonia uses recycled cardboard boxes and biodegradable packaging bags, clearly marking them as recyclable to promote sustainability. Their packaging minimises environmental impact, reinforcing their eco-conscious brand identity.

Original Fibres: Original fibres partnered with Odillo to create plastic-free, eco-friendly packaging that aligns with their slow fashion principles. The project featured durable, recyclable corrugated boxes, kraft mailing bags, and glassine garment bags in their signature blue. Sourced from the UK and Italy, the materials ensured a reduction in plastic waste and enhanced brand recognition.

L’Estrange: Another notable project, L'Estrange, partnered with Odillo to create stylish yet sustainable packaging solutions for their sustainable men's apparel brand . They implemented high-quality, recyclable materials, including FSC-certified e-flute corrugated cardboard for their shipping boxes. The packaging features a double peel-and-seal closure and a ripper opening for easy access, alongside a QR code for hassle-free returns. This choice not only aligns with their commitment to environmental responsibility but also ensures a premium feel for their customers.

Looking for expert advice on choosing the right packaging materials for your fashion brand? Our team is here to help you and deliver a solution that delights and wows your customers from the moment they receive their order. 

Contact us today to start designing stand out packaging and create unforgettable Unboxing Moments™.