What US flag should I hang?

June 2, 2009 8:06 AM

Now that Summer's here, I want to get an American flag (stars + stripes) for the front lawn. Thinking 3x5 is best, but may go for a 4x6 - what's the best flag manufacturer on the market? Should I go with a nylon one to withstand the weather (in the rust belt)? Not too picky on price, but prefer it to be US made...
posted by neoist to society & culture (6 comments total)

I'd recommend contacting your Member of Congress (House members being generally more responsive) and requesting a flag. With few exceptions, all House Members do this and if you really want to go all out, they can have it flown above the Capitol for you as well. All flags that are sold through the Congress by law are made in the U. S. of A. They can generally turn these requests around in a matter of weeks if you want it flown, or sooner if you just want the flag.

Nylon will definitely handle the weather better than the cotton. Cotton flags are generally used in doors.

As for the size? that's a personal issue, depending on the size of your house, the pole you're going to put it on, etc. If in doubt, stick with the smaller one, I suppose. But that's more of a coin flip on my part.

This link should be helpful.
posted by indiebass at 8:33 AM on June 2

I get my flags in person from Alamo Flag, but they sell online as well.
posted by candyland at 9:05 AM on June 2

National Capital Flag Co. of Alexandria, VA is one of the companies that makes flags for the government and military (demand for flags being particularly high in and around Washington). Although some of the poles and other accessories they sell are imported, the flags themselves are made on-site. Their FAQ covers the different types of fabric, but the bottom line is that nylon is generally recommended.

I'm sure you could call them if you wanted more specific guidance, and they ship worldwide.
posted by Kadin2048 at 9:09 AM on June 2

Annin & Company is one of (if not the) oldest and largest Flag manufacturers in the US. They are the official UN flag supplier and produce a large volume for the US gov't. The factory is right near my house, so I know a bit about them.

Seems they have an online catalog, I'd check them out.

Fun facts about them in this Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verona,_New_Jersey
posted by teabag at 10:58 AM on June 2

The Best Flag I Ever Bought was a 2-ply polyester state flag which is as far as I'm concerned the ultimate material for flags forever and ever, amen. The only US flags worth flying have sewn stripes and embroidered stars: much of the character of our particular flag comes from the stitching. As much as I'm not a fan of nylon for anything else, the American flag does look pretty good with a satiny sheen: mine came from Home Depot and I've been perfectly happy with it.
posted by Ogre Lawless at 12:38 PM on June 2

You could purchase from Stars & Stripes, a local-to-me store that's part of an organization that helps veterans.
posted by knile at 7:42 PM on June 2