A flag’s fabric can make all the difference in both aesthetics and longevity. The right material will produce a visually appealing flag that will hold up against sunlight, high winds, and other environmental conditions. Ultimately, no matter the skill of the sewing or the attractive enhancements of prints and embroidery, a flag can’t endure without being made of reliable, high-quality fabric.
Understanding the advantages and drawbacks of different types of fabrics can help you choose the best flag material for your needs. Learn more about the pros and cons of two common options: nylon and polyester.
Nylon vs. Polyester Flag Materials
When trying to decide on nylon vs. polyester flags, there are some factors to consider.
Nylon
Nylon is a silk-like synthetic thermoplastic polymer that, depending on your needs, can be an ideal flag material selection. Flag Manufacturers Association of America factory members typically use nylon type 6,6 bright 200 denier SolarMax, which is the flag industry standard in the U.S. for both sewn and printed flags.
Pros
- Flexibility: When comparing cotton vs. nylon flags, nylon balances strength with elasticity. The material will hold up better than cotton and maintain its integrity in the presence of light to medium winds.
- Resistance to ultraviolet light: Certain material treatments for nylon can increase its resistance to UV light, making it suitable for outdoor as well as indoor use without having to worry about excessive fading. Pre-dyed red and blue nylon used in sewn American flags is typically colorfast for one year. Digitally printed nylon color fastness will vary with exposure to UV.
- Light weight: Nylon is a lightweight material — considerably more so than two-ply polyester — allowing for easy handling and flying. It only takes a light breeze for a flag of this light, quick-drying material to unfurl and fly.
- High visual appeal: Fine nylon textile threads have a natural sheen, allowing flag manufacturers to create flags with colorful, glistening designs for a pleasing and attention-grabbing aesthetic.
- Simple to maintain: Using water and mild detergent as part of your regular maintenance routine to maximize longevity, you can easily remove dirt, debris, and stains from nylon flags.
Cons
- Higher price: While nylon remains a cost-effective option for creating a vibrant, richly colored flag, the material is a more expensive choice than light weight imported polyester.
- Lower resiliency: Additionally, nylon doesn’t offer the same durability and lasting appearance as polyester, so it’s not as ideal for locations that consistently experience high winds.
Polyester
Another flag material option is open weave 2-ply or spun polyester, a synthetic 250 denier polymer fiber with its own unique benefits. Flags made with this material are marketed under the trade names Tough-Tex, Poly-Max and Spectra-Max made respectively by the three largest American factories; Annin Flag, Eder Flag and Valley Forge Flag. This open weave heavy weight polyester is different than imported lightweight polyester textiles used primarily for textile printing.
Pros
- Superior durability: Two-ply polyester lends a certain robustness to flag applications, allowing flags to last longer outdoors and in high winds than nylon varieties. Polyester also experiences less tearing as it’s a friction-reducing, open-weave textile.
- Reduced fading in UV light: Like nylon, polyester can benefit from increased UV resistance with the right treatment, minimizing fading even in direct sunlight. The pre-dyed red and blue woven polyester used in sewn American flags is typically colorfast for one year.
- Multiple size options: The melt-spun fabrication of polyester allows manufacturers to combine the material with various organic fibers for greater versatility of size.
- Affordability: Having several sizes available for purchasing polyester flags allows you to choose a flag that best fits your budget.
- Quick to dry: Another advantage of two-ply polyester is its water-wicking abilities, with the material achieving faster drying times compared to nylon. Short drying times also reduce the likelihood of mold or mildew buildup, preserving the flag’s appearance.
Cons
- Heavy weight: Polyester weighs more than nylon. While this allows it to resist damage in high winds, the added weight makes it harder to fly and display properly in a light breeze.
- Reduced vibrancy and drapability: Two-ply polyester may offer greater durability than nylon, but it comes at the cost of vibrancy. This flag material’s colors will be more muted, and the texture isn’t as shiny and smooth. Also, polyester flags are stiffer in appearance as they typically don’t drape as naturally on the flagpole.
Flag Material by Embassy Flag
The best material for a flag will depend on your flag’s intended location, resistance and durability requirements, desired look, and budget. If you’re trying to decide between a nylon or polyester flag, the experts at Embassy Flag, Inc. can help.
Our team of college-degreed professionals and U.S. military war veterans distributes high-quality, American-made flags, flagpoles, and hardware to customers worldwide. Our small business-certified company is a fully compliant, registered U.S. government contractor offering standard and specialty options ranging from state, country, and military flags to custom and commercial varieties. For optimal efficiency, we ship orders directly from our inventory as well as U.S. flag manufacturers to meet your shipping needs.
Contact us for more information about our flags, accessories, and available materials, or request a quote today.
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