When most people talk about a standard or regular envelope they are making reference to a business size envelope (also known as a commercial envelope). These kinds of envelopes come in legal as well as letter size with the legal size being the most popular without question. Of all the sizes that the legal envelope comes in, the # 10 envelope with measurements of 4 1/8 x 9 1/2 is used most frequently for many different types of correspondence.

Envelopes come in a plethora of sizes, styles and forms. For all of your business needs there is an assortment of envelopes, everything from commercial envelopes to booklet envelopes to open-end envelopes to square envelopes and so many more. The choices are many! Not only do envelopes come in an assortment of styles and sizes, large to medium to small, but also in an assortment of colors, everything from brightly colored reds and greens to pink, light yellow and baby blue pastels. White however is still the favored color for envelopes, no matter what size you choose.

Personal correspondence to a large extent takes place via email today but sending letters through the mail service is still commonplace. Where there are letters, envelopes are of an absolute necessity. An important thing to note is that regular mail also goes by the term snail mail, because let's face it, compared to electronic mail, it is very slow!

Always remember to keep the contents of what you are mailing in mind when you are in the process of choosing an appropriate sized envelope. Envelopes should close in a relaxed fashion and not have to be stretched or forced. And you don't want to strain it until the paper rips and then have to start all over again with another envelope!

A-series envelopes, square envelopes and open-end envelopes can be found in the desk drawers of professional people everywhere. Booklets and magazines travel well in both square envelopes, because of the lack of seams in the weave, and in open-end or catalog envelopes because they have a gummed flap that securely keeps the item inside the envelope intact throughout its mail journey. The more upscale the business establishment, the more inclined they will be to use the A-series envelopes which have a fancier look to them and come in 60 lb, 70 lb and 80 lb.

Commercial envelopes are available in more than just the # 10 size. Most stationery stores such as Staples, should be able to point customers looking for business sized # 11, # 12 and # 14 envelopes in the right direction. Shop around for your office supplies, both in person and over the Internet and you should be able to find what you are looking for with relative ease.