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The 70mm and 86mm Secret: Why Mason Jar Standardization is a Design Marvel
Ever wonder why Mason jars are so much more useful than standard glass bottles? The secret lies in the 70mm and 86mm mouth standards. We explain the functional differences between Regular and Wide mouth jars and how this standardization creates a world of endless accessories.
Have you ever lost the lid to a random spaghetti sauce jar only to find that no other lid in your kitchen fits? It’s a common frustration with modern packaging. However, if you own a Mason jar—whether it was made yesterday or fifty years ago—the lid will almost certainly fit perfectly.
This isn’t luck; it’s the result of one of the most successful examples of industrial standardization in history. At WETROYES MASON JARS, we believe that understanding the “Regular” vs. “Wide” mouth distinction is the key to unlocking the full potential of your glassware.
The Two Golden Standards
Almost every genuine Mason jar in the world adheres to one of two specific thread diameters:
Regular Mouth (70mm / 2.75 inches): The classic opening that tapers slightly at the top.
Wide Mouth (86mm / 3.38 inches): A straight-walled opening where the mouth is the same width as the jar body.
Why Are There Two Sizes?
It’s not just about variety; it’s about functionality.
The Regular Mouth was designed primarily for liquids and pourable foods. The slightly narrow neck creates a “shoulder” that helps keep solid foods (like pickles or peach halves) submerged under the brine or syrup, preventing spoilage. It is also the preferred size for pouring juices or milk without splashing.
The Wide Mouth was a later innovation designed for chunky foods and easy cleaning. It allows you to fit a whole hand inside for scrubbing, or to easily pack large items like whole cucumbers, beets, or wedges of meat. It is also the go-to choice for freezer-safe jars because the straight sides allow frozen food to expand upward without breaking the glass.
The "Open Source" Hardware of the Kitchen
The magic of the 70mm and 86mm standard is that it has created a massive ecosystem of accessories. Because the industry agreed on these two sizes over a century ago, a Mason jar is no longer just a jar—it’s a platform.
By knowing your mouth size, you can transform a WETROYES jar into:
A Fermentation Crock: Using specialized airlock lids.
A Soap Dispenser: Using stainless steel pump attachments.
A Cocktail Shaker: Using perforated strainer lids.
An Apothecary Organizer: Using slotted “daisy” lids for cotton swabs.
A Travel Mug: Using BPA-free sipping lids and straw holes.
At WETROYES, we stick to the global standard. This ensures that when you invest in our jars, you aren’t just buying a container—you’re buying a lifetime of versatility.
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