The size flag you fly depends on the height of the flagpole, aesthetics, and any impediments such as trees, gutters or bushes that might interfere with the flag while it’s flying.

When selecting your flag size, keep in mind that the flag shouldn’t touch the ground. If the American flag is flying with other flags, it should be the largest flag. The other flags should be either the same size or smaller.

For general pole to flag ratios, use the charts below:

Outdoor Flagpole Heights Examples

Indoor Flag Heights and Examples

When it's time to dispose of your flag, here are a few good options:

• Contact your local VFW or Boys' Scout Troop to see if they are accepting flags. Local chapters usually conduct flag retirement ceremonies a few times a year.
• You can symbolically dismantle them yourself by carefully cutting out the starfield and then cutting down the stripes so it can no longer be flown. Then the pieces can be kindly burned in a campfire or thrown away.
• Create your own flag retirement ceremony and burn it in a campfire.

* PLEASE NOTE: All flag burning ceremonies should be done outdoors in a well-ventilated area. *

** The key for proper flag retirement and disposal is respect. If you would like to retire as opposed to disposing of it, machine wash the flag (if not too weathered), fold it and put it in a plastic or wood case. 

FYI - It's disrespectful (per the flag code) to keep a poor quality flag flying but with respectful dismantlement and a ceremonial burn, you will be within proper flag disposal protocol. **

Yes! However, no flag should be flown higher or be bigger than the American flag.

Here are a few general guidelines:

• State flags should be the same size as the American flag or one size smaller and flown directly below the American flag.
• Government, business, school or organization flag(s), should be the same size as the state flag or one size smaller. If being flown with the American flag only, we recommend that it's one size smaller than the American Flag.
• Country flags should be flown on a separate pole at the same height, but not higher than the American Flag. Country flags should not be flown below the American flag on the same pole.

Although our flags are made with an all-weather materials, we do not recommend flying the flags during inclement weather. 

If you are unable to bring the flag in with each storm, we highly recommend making a point to bring it in during blizzards, hurricanes and strong storms. This weather can damage the flag, pole and/or bracket.

Bringing your flag in during inclement weather is both respectful of the American flag and will increase its longevity.

The longevity of your flag depends on the type of material, where it's flying and general care.

Beach, bay, river, lake and mountain areas tend to be windier and increase the overall wear and tear of flags. For these areas, we recommend High-Wind Polyester flags whenever possible. 

When you are setting up your display, being careful to avoid trees, gutters, bushes, cable lines, etc. allowing the flag to fly freely will also increase the longevity.

You may also find that some areas around your home are windier and sunnier than others. For example, if you have a flag on the front of your home and one in the back, depending on how your home is oriented, the sun and elements will effect each a little differently. Additionally, if you're flying your flag off a balcony of an apartment, condo or townhome, you may discover wind pockets or wind tunnels.

We always tell our customers that unless you're a sailor, you never realize how much wind circulates around your home until you fly a flag!

American flags are available in All-weather Nylon, High-Wind Polyester and Cotton.

All-weather Nylon is our most popular and widely available flag material. It's durable, fast-drying and solar-resistant.

High-wind Polyester is a 2-ply spun weave and has less sheen than the All-weather Nylon. It is heavier and designed for high-wind areas with more inclement weather like the beach or mountains.

Cotton is the least durable but provides a historic look and feel. This material is preferred by some of our customers for its look and feel. It's also the recommended fabric for casket flags.  

Due to the lingering supply chain and labor shortages from the COVID-19 pandemic, certain sizes and materials may be unavailable or have extended lead times. High-wind Polyester and Cotton flags are in less supply. Please contact us for availability and lead times.

The American flag is flown at half-staff during national times of remembrance or mourning. The President determines when the American flag should be flown at half-staff.

If the American flag is flow at half-staff, state and all other flags should be flown at half-staff as well.

State Governors may also declare state-wide times of remembrance or mourning. State and all other organizational flags should be flown at half-staff during these times while the American flag remains at full staff. 

To stay in the loop with American half-staff notices and reminders, join our newsletter.

At sunrise, the flag should be raised to the top of the flagpole, held for a moment then lowered to half-staff.

At sunset, the flag should be raised to the top of the flagpole, held for a moment then lowered and taken in for the night.

At sunrise on the following day, the flags can be raised directly to the top of the flagpole and flown normally.

If the American flag is properly illuminated, it may be flown at half-staff throughout the day and night.

If the American flag is flown at half-staff, all flags should be flown at half-staff.

FOR MEMORIAL DAY

At sunrise, the flag should be raised to the top of the flagpole, held for a moment then lowered to half-staff.

At NOON the flag should be raised to the peak and flown at full-staff until sunset.

If the American flag is flown at half-staff, all flags should be flown at half-staff.

In these cases, you can add a black mourning bow or ribbon to the pole as a sign of respect.

This is usually down with flags on shorter poles, like 5 or 6 ft. aluminum spinning poles.

We refer to flag attachments as flag finishes. There are three main flag finishes:

• Heading & Grommets
• Polesleeve
• Polesleeve & Fringe

For outdoor use, we recommend flags finished with a Header and Grommets. This is the most common finish and comes with a white canvas header and 2 brass grommets.

For some outdoor situations, you may also use a Polesleeve. This style is made for use with a 5 or 6 ft. pole and should not be used with in-ground flagpoles.

For indoor and/or parade use, you can use flags finished with a Heading & Grommets, Polesleeve or Polesleeve & Fringe.

We recommend the Polesleeve or Polesleeve & Fringe options for a more polished look; especially for indoor displays. Fringed flags should be used for indoor and/or parade use only. It is not designed for everyday, outdoor use.

Each order is special and unique. We work to process all orders within 2-3 business days.

Product lead times are included on each product page on our website.

In the event of extended lead times, we will contact you to provide an update and discuss other options if necessary.

Custom flags have an estimated lead time of 4-6 weeks from the proof approval date.

You can call us Monday - Friday from 11am - 4pm.

202-363-1610

You can email us 24/7:

[email protected]

Or, you can submit your information through the Contact Form on our website:

Take me to the contact form.

Yes! We specialize in printed flags. The best way to get started is by filling out this form here.

We will receive your response and get an estimate started for you.

Should we have any additional questions, we will reach out. Look forward to hearing from you!

Currently, most printed flags require 3-4 weeks for production and shipment.

Stick flags require 6-8 weeks for production due to the minimum quantity requirements.

Yes! You will be emailed a proof for your review and approval.

Once you approve the proof, we will send your flag into production. 

For most flags, production requires 3-4 weeks.

You can email us your art: [email protected] or complete the Custom Form here.

The Art Department requests vector files. 

If you are unable to provide properly vectorized files, you may incur art fees charged per hour of art time. If there are any art fees, we will include this on your estimate.

If you can't provide vector files, send us what you have and we will provide estimated art fees for bringing your design to life.

Custom Process Overview

1. Complete and submit the Custom Flag Request Form.
2. We will receive your request, follow up with questions, if needed, and then email you an estimate for your review.
3. After you approve the estimate, we will receive a notification and we will email you an invoice for payment.
4. Once payment is received, we will email you a proof for your review & approval.
5. After you approve the proof, we will send the flag(s) into production.
6. Production generally requires 3-4 weeks lead time. We will include an estimated lead time in your estimate.
7. Once your flag is in cue for production, we will update your invoice with the estimated ship dates.
8. Your flag ships! We will send you the shipping tracking information.
9. You receive your flag and let it fly!

What if my team or leadership needs to see a proof before we pay?

If your order requires a lot of art time, we may require a non-refundable payment for the art prior to providing the proof.

Please let us know and we work with customers on a case-by-case basis in these scenarios.