A Guide on the Best Flag Materials for Outdoors

Which is the best material for outdoors depends on a couple of factors, so you should think hard before you commit yourself to purchasing the perfect flag for the flagpole you’re planning to install.

Therefore, we’ll start from the basics and compare two very popular materials: nylon and polyester.

Size and Local Climate Are Very Important

In order to pick the best material for your flag, bear in mind the weather conditions. Are the winds strong or breezy on most days, or just during specific periods? Would you say the temperatures are rather high and colors of other materials tend to fade fast unless the objects are placed in the shade? Pollution and mildew matter as well. 

In addition, decide on the size you intend to fly. That can also be the deciding factor when choosing the flag material.

Nylon as a Flag Material

Without a doubt, nylon is a very popular choice for outdoor flags. For example, nylon is an extremely durable material, yet very lightweight. Even a light breeze is bound to lift a nylon flag and make your heart fill with pride. Nylon is stronger than natural materials such as cotton, for instance, and it is definitely lighter than hemp flag material. On the other hand, this also means that if you happen to live in a windy area with occasional gusts, they can be torn more easily too compared to heavier flag materials.

Nylon is very resistant to chemical pollution and with proper additives, even UV resistant, which means the colors will be clearly visible for quite some time. Make sure you check for any color maintenance additives or the colors should fade faster than expected.

You can also bend the nylon flag without any fears of it cracking so you can be rest assured it will all fall into place easily.

Mildew is no special issue for nylon flags whatsoever and this material is quite resistant to water, too.

Admittedly, washing nylon flags is just as easy as washing polyester. It is extremely easy to maintain because you can wash it by hand or set the washing machine program to delicate and use mild detergent.

Regarding the cost, nylon is very cost-efficient since it is cheaper than some other similar flag materials, e.g. polyester.

2-Ply Polyester for Flags

Another extremely preferred option for outdoor flags is poly or polyester. What is of extreme importance is the fact that it should be a 2-ply polyester.

Being heavier than nylon, poly demands a stronger breeze to fly its beautiful colors. However, it also makes the flag more durable if you live in a windy state or city.

Regarding the sun and its impact on colors, polyester will serve you well since it is more resistant to UV rays. The colors won’t fade as fast as they do in the case of nylon. Still, if it is that shiny effect you are looking for, then nylon would be a more obvious choice.

As for the heavy downpours, 2-ply polyester is more than recommendable. It is slightly more water-resistant than nylon, though bear in mind neither of them is 100% waterproof (unless treated with special chemicals).

Regarding the washing process, we would say there is no difference between these two materials.

Final Recommendation

To sum up, both nylon and polyester have their share of advantages and disadvantages as flag materials. Take the size, weather condition, and material features into consideration and decide what should work the best in your case. Alternatively, you may see what works best when you try one after the other! All that matters, after all, is that the flag flies proudly in your yard. 

Sources:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2011-title4/html/USCODE-2011-title4-chap1.htm

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/properly-wash-nylon-flags-washing-machine-24900.html