Box Style Guide
Not sure which box style is right for your product? This guide covers the most common packaging styles, what they're best for, and the trade-offs of each. Tap any style to learn more.
Straight Tuck End (STE)
Also called: Tuck top, tuck bottom
Best for: Cosmetics, supplements, small retail products, pharmaceuticals
Both the top and bottom flaps tuck in the same direction. Clean, professional look with a flush front panel. The most common folding carton style — simple to assemble and cost-effective to produce. Works well for lightweight to medium-weight products.
Reverse Tuck End (RTE)
Also called: Opposite tuck
Best for: Food products, tea boxes, small electronics, candles
Top and bottom flaps tuck in opposite directions. This creates a more secure closure than straight tuck because the flaps interlock when the box is closed. Slightly more rigid feel than STE. Very popular for food and beverage packaging.
Auto-Bottom (Crash Lock)
Also called: Auto-lock bottom, snap-lock
Best for: Heavier products, bottles, jars, candles, food items, subscription boxes
The bottom folds flat for storage but snaps into a locked position when opened — no glue or tape needed. Provides a sturdy, reliable base that can support heavier products. Top closure is typically a tuck flap. Higher production cost than tuck end styles but significantly stronger.
Mailer Box (Roll End Tuck Top)
Also called: E-commerce box, RETT
Best for: E-commerce, subscription boxes, direct-to-consumer brands, gift boxes
A one-piece box with a front tuck closure and dust flaps. Designed for shipping — sturdy enough to protect products in transit while looking great when opened. The interior is fully visible when unboxed, making it ideal for branded unboxing experiences. Usually made from corrugated material.
Sleeve & Tray
Also called: Matchbox style, drawer box
Best for: Premium products, cosmetics, confectionery, tech accessories, gift sets
A two-piece design where an inner tray slides into an outer sleeve. Creates a slow, deliberate unboxing experience that feels premium. The sliding motion adds a tactile element. The sleeve provides a large, uninterrupted print surface for branding.
Tray & Lid (Telescope)
Also called: Two-piece box, rigid-style
Best for: Apparel, jewellery, luxury goods, high-end retail, gift boxes
A separate base tray and a lid that fits over the top. The classic gift box shape. Can be made from folding carton or rigid board. When made from thick chipboard, this is the standard luxury box. Provides excellent product protection and a premium presentation.
Pillow Box
Also called: Pillow pack
Best for: Small gifts, jewellery, party favours, sample packs, promotional items
A curved, pillow-shaped box made from a single piece of card. The curved ends tuck in to close. Compact, lightweight, and distinctive — stands out on a shelf or counter. Best suited for small, lightweight items. Not ideal for products that need rigid protection.
Display Box (Counter Display)
Also called: PDQ, point-of-purchase box
Best for: Retail counters, trade shows, impulse-buy products, samples
An open-front box designed to sit on a retail counter or shelf and display multiple products. The front panel is cut low so customers can easily see and grab the product. Often used for small items like lip balms, candy, sachets, or sample packs.
Gable Box (Carry Box)
Also called: Barn box, handled box
Best for: Bakeries, takeout food, gift packaging, party favours, meal kits
A box with a built-in carry handle formed by interlocking top flaps. No separate handle needed. Popular in food service and bakery packaging. Easy to carry and visually distinctive. The gable shape provides extra headroom inside the box.
Six Corner Box
Also called: Hexagonal tuck, six-point box
Best for: Fragile items, electronics, supplements, heavy bottles
Features six folding points at the bottom that create a reinforced, sturdy base when assembled. Provides significantly more structural support than standard tuck end boxes. The bottom is more secure and resistant to pushing through. Ideal when you need folding carton convenience with extra strength.