A8 envelopes are largely overlooked because of their odd size, which gives them limited uses and are almost useless for businesses. Though these envelopes are 5 1/2 inches by 8 1/8 inches, there are some things which they are very well suited for.

There are plenty of domestic uses for these envelopes, and in most cases buying them in bulk is recommended.

A8 envelopes are most often used for personal mail, though rarely for casual letters. Holiday, birthday, and thank you cards are usually mailed in number 8 envelopes because they generally fit very well (and are often found at the store with the cards). However, those are not the only domestic uses for these envelopes.

Invitations are most suited for them, as many of the ones that can be bought in bulk do fit inside. Wedding invitations are usually customized along with the envelope, as are graduation invitations. There are specialty stores which specialize in beautiful custom-designed styles that can be made to match the inside invitation perfectly. These customized A8 envelopes do not have to be bought with invitations and are completely purchasable on their own.

The short answer to this question is yes. There are some instances where using A8 envelopes for business purposes is acceptable, although they are rare.

They are most often used for announcements in businesses, if at all. If bought in bulk, number 8 envelopes can be used to send 'Thank You's or special occasion notices. They give a personalized flair to something that would otherwise be completely seen as automatic and possibly even unwanted.

Some mail order businesses have turned to A8 envelopes for their direct mail to throw the consumer off a bit. A10 envelopes are usually used for direct mail, and consumers do not expect business mail to come in a size so different. As always, the envelope affects how likely a consumer to open the mail.

It is possible to purchase A8 envelopes in a multitude of colors, paper types, and stylized designs from almost any distributor. Getting a specialized or customized set is a little more tricky.

While they are most often found stylized along with matching invitations, there are specialty websites that professionally design them for any occasion. Many of them take your order and really make the envelope your own creation, as well as theirs. These can be perfect for any card or announcement you want to send out and be special. Though really this is most often done with holiday cards, don't let that limit you to stick with holidays.

All in all, these envelopes are very versatile in the right situations. While they do not have a wide variety of commercial uses, they are acceptable for a huge range of personal uses. A8 envelopes are often overlooked when purchasing, but they are never ignored when they are finally received.