What card sleeves fit your Pokémon cards?

Choosing sleeves doesn't have to be hard. Learn which size fits, the difference between types, and what to look for.

What card sleeves fit your Pokémon cards?

You've got cards you want to protect, but the shop shows ten kinds of sleeves and no guidance. Which ones do you actually need? Here's the simple version, no jargon.

First: why sleeves?

A sleeve is a clear protective pocket. It keeps fingerprints, scratches and dust off your card. If you play with your cards, it stops edge wear. If you collect, the card stays mint, which matters if you ever sell or grade it.

The size that fits a Pokémon card

A standard Pokémon card is 63 x 88 mm. Two things fit it. Penny sleeves are thin, cheap pockets, great as basic protection or an inner layer, sold per 100. Deck sleeves (standard size) are sturdier, with a matte or glossy back, made for play. They shuffle smoothly and last. Playing official tournaments? Make sure the back is opaque, or they won't be allowed.

Double sleeving

Valuable card? Many collectors put the card in a penny sleeve with the opening facing down, then slide that into a deck sleeve with the opening facing up. The two openings no longer line up, which keeps dust and dirt out much better. For your priciest cards, add a toploader (a rigid plastic holder) that stops bending.

What to check when buying

Choose by use: storing only, penny sleeves are enough; playing, deck sleeves; protecting a top card, a double sleeve plus toploader. Also check the fit (too loose lets in dust, too tight warps the card) and the thickness if they go in a binder.

Not sure what you need? Start simple with a pack of penny sleeves for your collection and a set of deck sleeves for the cards you play. Browse our sleeves, picked for fit and quality, shipped fast from Belgium.

What card sleeves fit your Pokémon cards?

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