A vinyl sleeve is a protective covering designed for storing and preserving vinyl records. Typically made from paper or plastic, these sleeves help prevent scratches, dust, and other damage to the record's surface. They come in various sizes to fit different record formats, such as 12-inch or 7-inch records. In addition to protecting the records, vinyl sleeves often feature artwork or information about the album, enhancing the overall presentation. Many collectors prefer using high-quality inner sleeves made from materials like polyethylene or anti-static compounds to further safeguard their valuable music collections.