Last Updated on May 29, 2023 by dashespoke
You should always put your Pokemon Cards in sleeves. But what card sleeves and what size?
First, you want a penny sleeve. Penny sleeves are thin sleeves that provide a small amount of protection.
Additionally, you want to put your Pokemon card into a penny sleeve and then into a top loader. Top loaders are a thicker piece of additional protection for your card.
Pokemon cards are 2.5 x 3.5 inches OR 6.3cm wide x 8.8cm in length. Pokemon Jumbo cards are 5.75 x 8 inches OR 15.3cm wide x 20.3cm in length.
It is worth mentioning that jumbo cards prior to 2020 are 6 x 8 inches.
Which Sleeves and Top loaders should I buy?
I always buy ‘Perfect Fit Sleeves.’ Why? They fit perfectly (pun intended). Notice at the top of the sleeve. There isn’t much room!
But seriously, there is no room at the top of the sleeve. Some people choose to double-sleeve their cards. If you choose to do that, one of the sleeves must be a perfect fit sleeve to make sure the fitting is correct.
If you store your cards in binders as I do, note that some binder pages won’t fit the traditional-size sleeves.
Also, make sure your sleeves are acid-free! Acid or PVC sleeves will degrade and break down over time. They will destroy your cards!
Top loaders offer extra protection. They do not fit in binder pages so you will have to store them separately. They are thick and can withstand drops and scratches!
Which Sleeve and Top Loaders Brand Should I Buy?
I can only speak for the brands that I’ve tried personally. I can definitely say these brands have served me well.
- Pro Support Ultra Clear Sleeves – Ok, Ok – it’s not a major brand everyone speaks about. But I have found their sleeves fit PERFECTLY for Pokemon cards. Their quality is amazing at a fraction of the cost.
- Dragon Shield – This company should be number one. Not only for their penny sleeves but for competitive play sleeves. However, I find them extremely pricy. If the price doesn’t matter to you, I would totally stick to this brand.
Top loaders
- Ultra Pro Premium Top Loaders – The most recognizable brand in the industry, Ultra Pro top loaders (and sleeves) are acid-free and have incredible durability.
- *Beware of their penny sleeves. They have amazing sleeves, but most searches will yield standard-fit card sleeves. You must buy their Inner Sleeves if you want a tight fit.
- VaultX Rigid Top Loaders – A little more expensive than Ultra Pro, VaultX top loaders are a great choice due to their immense protective qualities.
- *I noticed that cards are tough to remove from VaultX Rigid Top Loaders
Why Should I Sleeve My Pokemon Cards?
Condition. One day you may want to sell or trade your cards. Sleeves will protect your cards from scuffs, scratches, edge wear, corner damage, whitening, dents, and smudges.
If you choose to send your cards in for grading, you must use protective sleeves to preserve their pristine condition.
Conclusion
- Standard Pokemon Card Sizes are 2.5 x 3.5 inches OR 6.3cm wide x 8.8cm in length.
- Pokemon Jumbo cards are 5.75 x 8 inches OR 15.3cm wide x 20.3cm in length.
If you take anything away from this post – please sleeve your cards! Keeping your cards in good condition will help retain or increase your Pokemon card’s value.
Always put your cards into penny sleeves BEFORE putting them into a binder page.