Not sure which flag you need? Take our new flag quiz!

Use code SHOPPING24 for 18% off + free shipping on thousands of flags and accessories.  

Honor our U.S. Veterans with top-quality flags. Use code HONOR24 for an extra 15% off at checkout!

We’re Here for You!
1-877-USFLAGS (1-877-873-5247)
Same day shipping!
All in-stock items ordered by 3pm EST weekdays.
Excellent 4.6 out of 5 cms/trustpilot-logo

How to Choose the Best American Flag

A flag is a flag, right? Actually, no. Though flags may have the same design, there are lots of variables that determine a flag's quality, durability and price. Materials vary in thickness and weight, as do grommets (the metal rings used to hang the flag). The quality of the inks used and the printing process employed determines whether your flag will fade. The weight of the thread and methods used to stitch the flag, especially on the fly ends, determines whether your flag will fray or shred in the wind.

We understand choosing the right flag is not always easy, which is why we created this flag quiz to help you get started. Just answer a few questions, and we’ll direct you to the perfect product for your needs. You can also continue reading or check out our resources for more info!

According to our customers, our top-rated flags are the following. 

  1. Annin Tough Tex Flags - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 Stars (30 reviews)

    • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Our flag has flown 24/7 in southern AZ and is in great shape, with only some fading—no fraying at all. We bought a replacement just because it has been a year and three months outside, which is like a record based on "normal flag replacement" recommendations! Really like the quality of the flag and the quick shipping from American Flags." - Bill C.

    • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I have bought these flags in the past and have always been very satisfied. They last forever, and with us living in South Dakota, that says a lot. We get a lot of sun, and the colors hold up. I have recommended this flag to several people." - ToJo

    • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Very durable flag. I am about to order my third one of these flags in four years, meaning I'm getting two years on average per flag. These flags have yet to show any signs of wear flying 24/7/365 in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. I've only replaced them due to minor fading." - Roseberry

    Beacon® Nylon American Flag - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 Stars (10 reviews)

    • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Best flag. This is the most outstanding American flag I have ever owned. It looks bright and beautiful with true colors. Excellent quality and exceptional work detail." - Taffy

    • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great flag. This is an excellent flag. I think it's the fourth or fifth 2' x 3' flag I've bought from AmericanFlags.com. When they fade after a few years, I just buy a new one. They are always durable and look good for years." - Jim

    • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The best flag. This flag is, without question, the best you can buy. I have been flying 'Old Glory' for well over a year, 365 days a year, 24/7. While, yes, there is some fading, she is still a grand old flag!" - Gunner B

Keep the following in mind when choosing the best American flag for you

When buying an American flag, there are a few key things to keep in mind to get the best value and make sure your flag lasts. Choosing the wrong material can cut down the lifespan of your flag while picking the wrong size might make it look out of place on your flagpole. Plus, if the flag finish isn't right, you might struggle to hang it properly. Don't worry, though — AmericanFlags.com is here to help you navigate all these details so you can find the perfect flag for your needs.

Polyester American Flag Polyester American Flag

Material

Although nylon is great for most uses, our extensive line of American flags are also available in polyester and cotton. You can learn more about American flag materials on our resource page, Nylon vs. Polyester flags.

Nylon - The most popular fabric choice for both outdoor and indoor U.S. flags. Nylon flags are light and durable, stand up well to the elements, and dry quickly. Because they’re light, they fly well in the slightest breeze and have a bright appearance in sunlight.

Nylon American flags are perfect for everyday home use. Choose our Beacon® Nylon U.S. Flags and get a six-month guarantee on your purchase.

Polyester - the best choice for extreme weather conditions or high-wind areas. Ounce-for-ounce, our polyester American flags are longer-wearing and heavier than nylon. Made from durable 2-ply polyester with the look and feel of cotton, these flags fly well and last far longer than traditional weaves. That’s why our polyester flags are top sellers among our customers.

Need a heavy-duty flag? Purchase our Tough-Tex polyester flags today. These flags are made in the U.S.A. and come in over a dozen sizes!

Cotton - Cotton is the traditional flag fabric, so if you're a purist, this is the fabric for you. Our Tough-Tex polyester comes close, but nothing can quite duplicate the warmth of a cotton flag. Our cotton flags can withstand some outdoor use as long as they’re kept dry, but we recommend them primarily for indoor displays.

Purchase a cotton U.S.A. flag if you want added tradition and elegance. These flags are perfect for indoor display, folding up for a display case, or draping over a casket.

Want to learn more about the different flag materials? Check out our resource page, "Nylon vs. Polyester Flags: A Complete Guide to American Flag Selection." 

Flag Size

Not sure which outdoor flag size to buy? The usual size of a flag used on a home kit is 3 x 5 ft, 2.5 x 4 ft, or 2 x 3 ft. Those who have a taller flagpole can use our flag chart for guidance. For more information on flag sizes, check out our blog, "How to Choose the Right American Flag Size for Your Home."

Flag sizes for in-ground flagpoles:

  • 20 ft flagpole / 3 x 5 ft flag

  • 25 ft flagpole / 4 x 6 ft flag

  • 30 ft - 35 ft flagpole / 5 x 8 ft flag

  • 35 - 40 ft flagpole / 6 x 10 ft flag

  • 50 ft flagpole / 8 x 12 ft flag

  • 60 ft flagpole / 10 x 15 ft or 10 x 19 ft flag

  • 70 ft flagpole / 12 x 18 ft or 15 x 25 ft flag

  • 80 ft flagpole / 20 x 30 ft or 20 x 38 ft flag

  • 100 ft flagpole / 25 x 40 ft flag

  • 120 ft flagpole / 30 x 50 ft flag

Flag sizes for wall-mount flagpoles:

  • 5 ft flagpole / 2 x 3 ft or 2.5 x 4 ft flag

  • 6 ft flagpole / 3 x 5 ft flag

  • 8 ft flagpole / 4 x 6 ft flag

  • 10 ft flagpole / 5 x 8 ft flagpole

Quality of Construction

How a flag is made plays a huge role in its price and durability. The most durable flags have sewn stripes and embroidered stars. These flags go through a careful manufacturing process that includes individually embroidering all fifty stars, hand sewing all thirteen stripes, and reinforcing the ends with extra stitching.

On the other hand, cheaper flags are made by running a single piece of fabric through a printer, resulting in a flag with the American flag pattern. While printed American flags create vibrant displays, they may bleed if displayed long-term in rainy conditions. We recommend using these for special holidays only.

Be cautious of online retailers that don’t clearly indicate how their flags are made.

When flags wear out, it shows first in the seams and in the ends where you might see fraying. Our flags are made of the best materials and are sewn with the strongest seams. Both our polyester and nylon flags are the very best you can buy and are specifically engineered for durability. 

Finish

Flag finish refers to how your flag attaches to its pole. The edge of the flag is often reinforced with a sturdy strip of fabric called a header, ensuring extra strength where it’s needed most. Most flags use two brass grommets (holes) for attachment, providing durability and compatibility with any flagpole. Others come with a fabric tube called a pole sleeve, which is user-friendly and ideal for home use. You can learn more about flag finishes in our blog, What’s a Grommet vs. Pole Sleeve - Choosing the Right Header for Your Flag.

American Made

When you buy an American-made flag, you are not only supporting the U.S. economy, but you are buying a far superior product. If your flag does not come with a tag that says "Made in America," it probably wasn't.

At AmericanFlags.com, we are proud members of the Flag Manufacturers Association of America, and all of our outdoor American flags are made in the U.S.A. This ensures you receive the highest quality flag that honors the craftsmanship and standards our nation deserves.

Price

With flags, you usually get what you pay for. Low-cost alternatives are likely to be foreign-made, constructed with cheap materials, sewn quickly and cost more in the long run as you replace them more often.

Our tips for buying flags and other products online:

* While you may not be familiar with major flag brands, there are a few flag manufacturers that have been around for hundreds of years and have perfected flag-making. We carry flags made by Annin Flagmakers, Valley Forge Flag, and Eder Flags. These are the major manufacturers, and we recommend sticking with them over no-name flags sold on eBay, Amazon, and some websites.

* Phishing sites designed to steal your credit card information often use hyphenated domain names. We suggest avoiding websites with hyphenated domain names.

* Stay away from fly-by-night online stores that make outrageous claims, feature fake customer testimonials, and boast about being the "biggest" and the "best."

*Reputable flag retailers often have certifications or memberships in industry organizations, which can be a mark of quality. At AmericanFlags.com, we are members of the FMAA, guaranteeing the flags you purchase are made in the United States of America

Avoid the hassle! Stick with the trusted name in flags - AmericanFlags.com