American Flag Specifications · 100% Made in the USA!
American flags come in a variety of styles and materials. Here, we'll review the various types of American flag materials available, discuss available flag features, and outline how to choose the material that works best for you.
American Flag Materials
One of the most common questions we get from our customers is: what type of American flag material is right for me? In the short video below, we answer that question and review three of the most common American flag materials that we offer.
Selecting the Right Flag Material
- Nylon: This heavyweight Dupont nylon is the most versatile and longest lasting nylon fabric available. Its combination of strength and brilliant display, along with its quick-drying ability, make it suitable for a wide range of applications. Great in rainy areas, its lightweight and close weave enable it to fly in the slightest breeze, giving it the fullest visual effect.
- 2-Ply Polyester: 100% spun polyester with a woven construction utilizing a 2-ply spun polyester thread for extra strength. Combining durability, strength, and quality appearance with a rich feel and look, these are ideal for extreme weather conditions without excess weight. Best for high-wind areas and daily flying.
- Cotton: A traditional and historically relevant fabric, flag cotton is natural fiber bunting made of heavyweight 2-ply mercerized cotton. It combines extremely rich, vibrant colors and decent wearing quality for excellent overall appearance and value. Of the three materials, cotton is the least suited to sustained outdoor use and will wear fastest.
American Flag Construction Features
We exceed U.S. government specifications for material and workmanship on our nylon American flags. Unlike others, we use superior bonded nylon thread for extra strength. Our American flags are 100% Made in the USA.
Check out the key flag construction features that set our American flags apart:
Canvas Header & Brass Grommets
Durable canvas header and #2 solid brass grommets provide a strong, secure connection to your flagpole hardware.
Reinforced Fly End Stitching
The flag fly end is reinforced by four rows of needle lock stitching. The fly corners on all sizes of our Battle-Tough® and Steadfast® flags are box stitched for extra durability. All other flags 8x12' and larger feature multiple rows of reinforced fly end stitching with increased stitching as sizes increase.
Close-up of reinforced fly end stitching — multiple rows of lock stitching prevent unraveling even under sustained wind stress.
Rope, Thimbles & D-Rings
Nylon halyard is run through the header for strength purposes on most sizes 8x12' and larger. Instead of grommets, these larger flags feature galvanized thimbles to ensure a secure connection to your flagpole.
On select larger flags, metal D-rings are used in lieu of rope and thimble for heavy-duty mounting.
Embroidered Stars
Richly embroidered stars are featured on all U.S. flags unless otherwise indicated. Larger sizes may have fully sewn appliqué stars, whereas some budget-minded flags may have printed stars.
American Flag Stitching
Remember that old strand of Christmas lights? The kind that when one bulb goes out, they all go out? It's the same way with many and how they are stitched! If you purchase a flag with chain stitching, as soon as one single thread breaks, the whole stripe will come completely apart! You've probably seen them on neighbors' houses, right?
Well, our outdoor flags will not do that! Ours have lock stitching not only on the fly end, but also on every stripe and around the canton (star field). Rest assured that no matter what material you choose, when you shop with Gettysburg Flag Works, you are getting the very best
What Is the Lifespan of a Flag?
A flag's lifespan is impossible to predict — it's like predicting the weather. The major enemies of a flag are wind, sun, and carelessness, which is the single greatest cause of flag deterioration.
No one can control the weather, but you can take care of your flag and lengthen its life by doing the following:
- occasionally in warm mild detergent
- Letting your flag dry thoroughly before storing it
- Having your flag repaired at the first sign of fraying
- Taking your flag down at night and during bad weather
Our flags are manufactured to give maximum service in return for reasonable care and prudent use. Remember, no two flags receive identical wear. The best way to stretch your "flag dollar" is to have three flags: one flying, one in the wash, and a clean one in storage for special occasions.
Curious about flag lifespan in detail? Read more about the life span of a flag.
Have Questions About Flag Materials?
Give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 or contact us online and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction.