So, you just started your record collection; you pull one out of the shrink wrap, admire the artwork, drop the needle, and think: “Okay, now what? Do I really need to protect this thing?” The short answer: YES!
“But why?”
Here are just a few reasons:
- Dust is evil. It sneaks in, scratches vinyl, and makes your records sound crackly.
- Artwork matters. Outer sleeves keep your covers looking fresh, even after years on a shelf.
- Resale value. If you ever trade, sell, or gift your records, a clean jacket is worth way more.
- It’s cheaper than regret. Sleeves cost a small fraction of what you’d spend replacing damaged/ruined records.
Outer sleeves are sort of like a raincoat for your record. They keep dust, fingerprints, shelf wear, or accidents from turning your beautiful album covers into sad, scuffed cardboard. But here’s the catch, there are different styles of outer sleeves, and if you’re new, it can certainly get a bit confusing. Don’t worry, we’ll break it down here.
Single Pocket Outer Sleeves
- Think of these as the basic raincoat.
- One pocket, open on one end; you slide your record in, and you’re done.
- Available without a flap, or with one tuckable flap.
- Protects against dust, scratches, and shelf wear.
- Budget-friendly, and the easiest to use, these are a good place to start for new collectors.
Best for: collectors who want to protect single LPs
Check out our Single Pocket Outer Sleeves ►
Dual Pocket Outer Sleeves
- Like two raincoats glued together back-to-back.
- One pocket holds the cardboard jacket, the other holds the actual record and any liner notes/inserts.
- Comes with a flap on either one or both pockets.
- Why? This way, once you seal up the jacket you never have to take it out to access the record. Less handling = less wear, and less chance for damage to occur.
- Added bonus: by storing the record outside of the jacket, it helps to prevent ring wear (aka The Dreaded Circle of Doom)
Best for: collectors who want extra protection + convenience
Check out our Dual Pocket Outer Sleeves ►
Gatefold Outer Sleeves
- Got an album with a jacket that opens like a book? That’s a gatefold.
- Gatefold sleeves are like a double-wide raincoat.
- Slide the opened jacket in the side, providing protection for both the inner and outer panels’ artwork
- Open at both ends, giving you easy access to the records and inserts
- Available with tuckable flaps, or no flaps
Best for: albums with gatefold jackets
Check out our Gatefold Outer Sleeves ►
Beyond those options, you also have a couple choices when it comes to tuckable or sealable flaps. Some collectors don’t like having a flap on their sleeve, and prefer being able to just slide an album in and out, while others like the added protection the flap(s) provide.
Tuckable Flap
- As the name suggests, these flaps close off the pocket by tucking inside.
- Available on all styles of sleeve (single pocket, dual pocket, gatefold).
- Dual pocket sleeves can have a tuckable flap on either one or both pockets.
- When using sleeves with one flap, the jacket goes into the flapped pocket, while the record and inserts go in the open pocket for quick access.
- Quicker/easier to open than sealable flaps, but don’t provide as tight of a seal.
Sealable Flap
- Sleeves with a sealable flap will come with a tape strip to keep the flap shut, either on the flap itself or the body of the sleeve.
- Keeps the pocket airtight; dust, moisture, and clingy pet hair don’t stand a chance.
- Dual pocket sleeves with a sealable flap are only available with one flap, which is on the pocket meant to store the jacket.
- Provide better protection than sealable flaps, but opening them exposes the tape strip and requires more care.
While it may seem like a lot to consider, the style of outer sleeve really comes down to personal preference. If you are still unsure, you can try one of our Sample Packs to help out with your choice.
Final Thoughts
Low quality sleeves are paper thin, foggy and not archival; they’ll yellow, split, and stick to your vinyl over time. Upgrading to Vinyl Storage Solutions outer sleeves gives your records long-lasting, professional-level protection.
New to collecting? Start with single pocket sleeves.
Want more protection? Add dual pockets and gatefold sleeves.
Storing long term? Use sealable sleeves for airtight coverage.
Upgrade your collection today with outer sleeves that deliver the protection your vinyl deserves.
