Sleeve Assembly Options Explained
The four ways a sleeve can arrive and close - taped and flat, assembled, peel and seal, or flat with no tape - and how to choose.
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Two sleeves that look identical can arrive very differently. One is flat and needs opening, another is already a tube, another closes with a peel-off strip. The choice affects how fast you pack, how much space the order takes to ship, and how the sleeve looks on the shelf. There are four options, and you pick one when you request a quote.
Taped & Supplied Flat
The seam is already joined with tape, and the sleeve is folded flat. You open it into a tube and slide it on.
- Best for
- Packing lines and fulfillment. It is quick to open, and the flat sleeves take little room in the box.
- Keep in mind
- Each sleeve still needs opening by hand before it goes on.
Supplied Flat, No Tape
Flat, open sheets with no adhesive. You close them yourself with a sticker, tape or a locking tab.
- Best for
- The smallest packed size, and the most flexible. Handy for apparel, odd-shaped products and anyone who already has a closing method.
- Keep in mind
- You supply the closing method, and each sleeve takes a step more to apply.
Taped & Assembled
The sleeve arrives already opened into its final shape, ready to slide straight onto the product.
- Best for
- The fastest to use, and the neatest result. A good fit when sleeves go on at the point of sale or in a hurry.
- Keep in mind
- Assembled sleeves take much more space to ship and store than flat ones.
Peel & Seal Adhesive Strip
The sleeve has a strip of adhesive with a backing liner. You wrap it around the product, peel the liner and press to close.
- Best for
- Belly bands and wraps that close around the product itself, with no tools and no extra tape.
- Keep in mind
- The adhesive strip is part of the design, so allow for it when placing your artwork.
How to choose
- Packing a lot of sleeves by hand? Choose taped and flat, so they stack small and open quickly.
- Want the sleeve ready to slide on, and have room to store it? Choose taped and assembled.
- Wrapping around the product itself? Choose peel and seal.
- Already have stickers or tape, or the product is an unusual shape? Choose flat with no tape.
Not sure? Ask us. We will suggest the option that suits your product and how you pack it. You can also see how each sleeve style closes on its page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the assembly option change the price?
It doesn't change the price in the calculator. Tell us your choice on the quote and we confirm it with your final price.
Which option is cheapest to ship?
The flat options (taped and flat, or flat with no tape) pack the smallest, so they take the least room. Assembled sleeves take the most.
Which option is best for belly bands?
Peel and seal works well because the band closes around the product with no extra step. If you prefer a sticker or your own tape, choose flat with no tape.
What about tab-lock sleeves?
A tab-lock sleeve closes with folding tabs that tuck into slots, so it needs no tape or adhesive at all. See the tab-lock sleeve page for how it works.
Can I change my mind after ordering?
You can change the option any time before you approve the digital proof, at no cost. After that, production begins.
Ready to choose your sleeve?
Pick your style, size and assembly option, and get a price in seconds.
Or call +1-312-910-5253