How to Buy An American Flag

Most American Flags are kept outdoors in some of the harshest conditions. That's when purchasing an American Flag you have to look at some options for quality and care.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flag Buying Information
• Internet for Research

1. Choice of Fabric - Nylon fabrics are good fabrics for flags, some flags come in a polyester and cotton which also fair well in all types of weather conditions.
   
   Construction of Flags - As flags wear they begin to show it in their seams and in the ends where most fraying occurs.
   American Made - When you are purchasing an American made flag you are supporting the U.S. Economy and also buying a superior product.
   
   Guarantee - Companies that offer a limited guarantee or known at all may be selling an inferior product. Be sure to ask what is available with your flag purchase.
   
   Price - Flags are priced in all sorts of ranges and you usually get what you pay for. Low cost flags are likely to be foreign made and typically wear quickly. Which in the long run if you have to replace the flag often it will cost you more.

2. Flag Fabric Choices
   
   Nylon - The most popular fabric choice for both outdoor and indoor US flags. Nylon is light and durable, stands up well to the elements, and dries quickly. Because it's light, it flies well in the slightest breeze and has a bright appearance in sunlight.
   
   Super-Tough Polyester - The best choice for extreme weather conditions or high wind areas. Ounce-for-ounce, longer wearing and heavier than nylon. Our Tough-Tex American flags are made with a special weave that has the look and feel of cotton, flies well and lasts far longer than traditional weaves.
   
   Cotton - Cotton is the traditional flag fabric, so if you're a purist, this is the fabric for you. Tough-Tex polyester comes close, but nothing can quite duplicate the warmth of a cotton flag. Cotton flags are designed to withstand outdoor use, but extra care should be taken to preserve your cotton flag.

3. What size flag do I need?
   
   The usual size of a flag used on a home kit is 3'x5'.
   Use the guide below as your guide for flagpoles in residential and commercial settings.
   Flagpole Height=20'/Flag Size=3' X 5' or 4' X 6'
   Flagpole Height=25'/Flag Size=5' X 8'
   Flagpole Height=30'-35'/Flag Size=6' X 10'
   Flagpole Height=40'-45'/Flag Size=8' X 12'
   Flagpole Height=50' Flag Size=10' X 15'
   Flagpole Height=60'-65'/Flag Size=10' X 19'
   Flagpole Height=70'-80'/Flag Size=12' X 18'
   Flagpole Height=90'-100'/Flag Size=20' X 38'+

Tips & Warnings

• Flags will often come with instructions on flag care, flag etiquette, and what dates to display the flag.
• Flying a tattered, worn or dirty American flag is disrespectful.