The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for selecting an outer package pattern of express. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a feature of a recipient of to-be-delivered express; determining a population type which the recipient belongs to according to the feature; and selecting an express outer package or an express outer package pattern with pattern contents matched with the determined population type. According to the method provided by the invention, real demands of the recipient can be known by analyzing data of the express recipient, and the outer package pattern of the express suitable for everyone is selected for users, so that the outer package of the express is more intelligent and humanized.