Toploader
Toploader (noun): a rigid plastic holder, open at the top, used to protect a single trading card. The standard workflow is penny sleeve first, then toploader.
Toploaders in More Detail
Toploaders are sized by card thickness, measured in points (pt). Regular cards fit the standard 35pt toploader; thicker cards — relics, patches, and multi-layer hits — need 55pt, 75pt, 130pt or larger. Always sleeve the card first so it doesn't slide and wear inside the holder.
For shipping, a sleeved card in a toploader is the hobby-standard minimum; for display or premium singles, most collectors step up to a one-touch.
FAQ
Toploader vs one-touch — which should I use?
Toploaders are the affordable default for storage and shipping; one-touches are magnetic-closure holders with a cleaner look for display and higher-end cards.
What size toploader do I need?
35pt fits standard cards. Measure thicker cards or check the product listing — relics and patch cards commonly need 55–130pt.
Related Resources
- Glossary: Penny Sleeve · One-Touch · Graded Card
- Shop: Card Sleeves & Toploaders · All Card Supplies