Published Wednesday, January 7, 2026
By Heather Fogarty
Introduction
Packaging is no longer just about protection, it’s one of the most powerful ways to tell your brand story before a
customer even touches your product. In a world of social sharing, influencer unboxings, and repeat ecommerce
purchases, the right box can turn a simple delivery into a memorable brand moment.
At DIYpack, we help makers, startups, and growing brands create custom corrugated packaging that’s affordable,
fast, and made sustainably — with no minimums required. Below, we break down four
popular box styles that can
instantly elevate your products and your customer experience.
Why E-commerce Box Styles Matter
Your box is often the first physical interaction a customer has with your brand. The right structure can:
- Protect products during shipping
- Reinforce your brand personality
- Enhance the unboxing experience
- Encourage social sharing and repeat orders
Choosing the right box style helps you balance function, cost, and creativity — without overengineering your
packaging.
1. Mailer Boxes
Mailer boxes are a go-to choice for ecommerce brands shipping smaller items like
cosmetics, apparel, electronics,
or subscription products.
Why brands love them:
- Clean, modern silhouette
- Snug fit that reduces movement and damage
- Easy to open and reclose
- Ideal for custom inside and outside printing
Mailer boxes are perfect when you want a polished, premium unboxing without excess material — and they ship flat to
save space and cost.
2. Gable Boxes
If you’re looking to add personality and charm, gable boxes are a standout option.
Their built-in handle makes them
instantly recognizable and easy to carry.
Best for:
- Gift sets
- Events and popups
- Specialty or seasonal products
Gable boxes turn packaging into part of the product experience — no extra bags or carriers needed.
3. Shipper Boxes
When durability matters most, shipper boxes deliver. These sturdy corrugated boxes are designed to handle heavier
products or multiitem orders.
Ideal use cases:
- Bulk shipments
- Subscription kits
- Products that require extra protection
With plenty of printable surface area, shipper boxes
give you room to tell your brand story while keeping products
safe from warehouse to doorstep.
4. Retail Boxes
Retail boxes are built to do double duty: protect your
product and sell it on the shelf.
Why retail boxes work:
- Strong visual impact
- Great for branding, messaging, and instructions
- Perfect for direct to consumer and retail environments
Custom retail packaging helps your
product stand out whether it’s on a shelf, at a market, or in a customer’s
hands.
Box Finishes That Elevate Your Packaging
Once you’ve chosen a box style, but your finish can take your packaging to the next level. With a range of options
available, this enhances the look and feel of your packaging.
Kraft Finish:
- Natural, uncoated brown corrugate
- Earthy, organic aesthetic
- Popular with eco-conscious brands
White Finish:
- Clean, bright white surface
- Versatile and cost-effective
- Great for bold colors and crips designs
Premium White Finish:
- Smooth, clay-coated surface
- Rich color vibrancy and polished feel
- Ideal for high-end or gift-ready packaging
Tips on Designing Custom Boxes That Get Noticed
Your packaging is a visual extension of your brand. Keep these design best practices in mind:
Stay true to your brand
Your box should reflect your tone, values, and audience — whether that’s playful, minimalist, or bold.
Keep it simple
Clean layouts and intentional spacing often make a stronger impression than overcrowded designs.
Use color strategically
Consistent color choices help customers instantly recognize your brand.
Place your logo with purpose
Make sure it’s visible and balanced — not lost in folds or seams.
Prioritize readability
Choose fonts and sizes that stay clear, even at a glance.
Create Packaging That Works as Hard as You Do
The right box can turn an everyday shipment into a brand building moment. By choosing the right structure, finish,
and design, you’re investing in an experience your customers will remember.
At DIYpack, we make it easy to create custom corrugated packaging
with:
Ready to design your own custom boxes? Explore DIYpack and start building packaging that helps your
products stand
out — right out of the box.
Start designing your sustainable custom beauty box
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