How to Choose the Right Flag Material

At Allied Flag, one of the most common questions we receive is which flag material is best. The answer depends on how and where the flag will be displayed. Different materials serve different purposes, and we select each one intentionally to honor both performance and tradition.

Nylon Flags — Built for Outdoor Performance

Nylon is our material of choice for outdoor American flags. It offers the ideal balance of durability, beauty, and value.

Nylon is lightweight yet strong, allowing the flag to fly gracefully even in light breezes. It is also highly fade-resistant, helping maintain vibrant colors and a crisp appearance longer than many other fabrics when exposed to sunlight.

For residential and outdoor displays where wind conditions are moderate, nylon flags provide a beautiful wave, excellent longevity, and dependable performance.

Cotton Flags — A Classic Choice for Ceremonial Display

Cotton flags are ideal for indoor and ceremonial use, such as in schools, veterans’ organizations, memorial services, and parades where the flag is displayed outdoors for a limited time.

Cotton offers a rich, traditional appearance with a soft hand and elegant drape that creates a timeless presentation. As a natural fiber, cotton has been used in flag-making for centuries and remains deeply connected to American heritage.

For this reason, cotton flags are used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as official interment flags, presented to the families of United States Veterans as a lasting memorial. At Allied Flag, we use cotton flags in our flag display cases to ensure a respectful, authentic, and historically accurate tribute.

Choosing with Purpose

By selecting the right material for the right application, you ensure your American flag is displayed with the respect, appearance, and durability it deserves. At Allied Flag, every material we use is chosen with intention—because how the flag is made matters just as much as how it’s flown.