A Quick Guide to Paper Weight

One of the biggest things that changes the look and feel of stationery?
Paper weight.

A design can look completely different depending on whether it’s printed on a lightweight smooth stock, a soft cotton paper, or an ultra-thick double thick card.

If you’ve ever wondered what paper weights actually mean, here’s a simple breakdown of some of our most popular options and where they shine best.

Light & Flexible

Around 94 lb.

Thin enough to layer, sturdy enough to still feel polished.

Great for:

RSVP cards
Inserts
Programs
Multi-piece invitation suites

This weight keeps suites feeling refined without becoming too bulky in the mail.

The Go-To Middle Ground

Around 105–120 lb.

This range is the sweet spot for everyday stationery projects. It feels substantial in-hand while still staying practical and versatile.

Commonly used for:

Invitations
Announcement cards
Holiday cards
Flat stationery
Menus

Within this range, finishes can completely change the vibe — from smooth and modern to textured, shimmer, or coated stocks with extra crisp printing.

Thick & Premium

Around 130 lb.

Once you move into heavier stocks, the paper starts becoming part of the statement itself.

Perfect for:

High-end invitations
Postcards
Premium marketing pieces
Bold minimalist designs

This weight instantly feels more luxurious and substantial.

Double Thick Stocks

Around 210–240 lb.

These are the heavyweight favorites.

Super thick, ultra sturdy, and made for designs that want maximum impact.

Best for:

Luxury invitations
Business cards
Branding pieces
Statement stationery

Minimal designs especially pair beautifully with thicker paper because the stock itself becomes a focal point.

Cotton Papers

Cotton paper has a completely different feel from traditional cardstock. It’s softer, richer, and incredibly tactile.

Specialty Materials

Not every project needs traditional cardstock.

Acrylic

Modern, sleek, and instantly eye-catching. Often used for signage, invitations, and statement pieces.

Translucent Stocks

Soft and semi-transparent, making them perfect for overlays, layering, and romantic detail pieces.

The Best Paper? It Depends.

There’s no one “best” paper weight — it all comes down to the look and experience you want your design to create.

Some projects call for soft texture and subtle detail. Others deserve ultra-thick drama.

That’s the beauty of print — the paper is part of the design.