Where to Buy Quality State Flags: Curated Retailers, Sizes, and Fabrics
Looking for a high quality state flag but not sure where to buy or which fabric and size you actually need? This guide walks you through trusted retailers, explains the most common size and fabric options, and helps you filter down to the best state flag for your home, school, or business.
Why Quality Matters for State Flags
State flags often fly longer and harder than decorative flags, so build quality really shows.
State flags are usually flown every day on school flagpoles, outside government buildings, at businesses, and at homes that want to show local pride. Cheap printed flags may look fine for a few weeks, then fade, fray, and tear. A quality state flag uses better fabric, proper stitching, and accurate colors so it holds its shape and still looks sharp after months of wind and sun.
Everyday outdoor use
Most state flags are flown outdoors all year, so UV resistance and stitching quality are just as important as the artwork.
Accurate colors and seals
Many state flags include detailed seals and symbols. Quality printing or appliqué makes these look clean instead of blurry or muddy.
Respect and representation
If you are flying a state flag at a school, courthouse, or business, it should look professional and respectful, not like a disposable novelty item.
State Flag Sizes and Fabrics Explained
Use this as your built in size and fabric filter before you even visit a retailer.
Most common state flag sizes
These sizes cover almost every real world use case. If a retailer lets you filter by size, these are the options you will see most often.
2 ft x 3 ft: Good for small homes, porches, and indoor wall display.
3 ft x 5 ft: Standard outdoor size for homes, schools, and small businesses.
4 ft x 6 ft: Better for taller flagpoles or when the flag needs to be seen from further away.
Indoor sets: Often come as 3 ft x 5 ft flags with fringe for ceremonial indoor sets.
Best fabric choices for state flags
Different fabrics behave very differently outdoors. Think about wind, sun exposure, and how often you plan to fly the flag.
Nylon: Lightweight, flies easily in light wind, bright colors, good all round outdoor choice.
Polyester (2-ply or spun): Heavier and more rugged, ideal for high wind or constant flying.
Cotton: Traditional look with a softer finish, better for indoor or occasional outdoor use.
Appliquéd or sewn: Higher end flags with stitched details instead of printed artwork.
When a retailer lets you filter by fabric, nylon is usually the best default for most homes. Step up to 2 ply polyester if you are in a very windy or exposed location.
Best Online Retailers for Quality State Flags
Curated list of trusted retailers that stock all 50 states with clear size and fabric options.
United States Flag Store
Large dedicated flag retailer with a full range of state flags, flagpoles, and accessories. Easy to filter by fabric and size on most product pages.
Website: united-states-flag.com
Best for: Wide selection of state flags at multiple price points.
State coverage: All 50 states plus territories
Sizes: 2×3 ft up to 8×12 ft on most designs
Fabrics: Nylon, 2-ply polyester, some cotton options
Pros
- • Dedicated pages for each state with multiple size and fabric options.
- • Clear labeling of where flags are made and which are outdoor rated.
- • Good product photos and customer reviews for most state flags.
- • Carries both budget and premium lines so you can choose quality level.
Cons
- • Quality varies between low and high end lines.
- • You need to read the description carefully to avoid the cheapest thin imports.
Gettysburg Flag Works
Smaller specialist retailer known for high quality American made flags. Excellent choice if you want premium state flags that will last.
Website: gettysburgflag.com
Best for: Premium quality state flags made in the USA.
State coverage: All 50 states plus some historical variants
Sizes: 2×3 ft, 3×5 ft, 4×6 ft and larger on request
Fabrics: Nylon, 2-ply polyester, indoor ceremonial sets
Pros
- • Focus on American made flags with strong construction.
- • Clear outdoor vs indoor fabric descriptions.
- • Offers indoor sets with poles, bases, and fringed flags.
- • Good option for institutions and schools that need long lasting flags.
Cons
- • Higher starting prices than mass market retailers.
- • Fewer ultra budget options if price is your only priority.
Flags.com
Simple site with straightforward navigation and filters. Easy to find your state and then pick the size and fabric you need.
Website: flags.com
Best for: Fast shopping experience with clear state flag categories.
State coverage: All 50 states plus some city and specialty flags
Sizes: 2×3 ft to 5×8 ft on most state flags
Fabrics: Nylon and polyester outdoor flags, some indoor sets
Pros
- • Clean product pages with quick fabric and size selection.
- • Offers both economy and premium state flag lines.
- • Helpful explanations about nylon vs polyester on many listings.
- • Good mid range pricing for most buyers.
Cons
- • Selection of very large sizes can be limited for some states.
- • Fewer deep dive product photos than some competitors.
Flag & Banner
Long running flag company that stocks state flags in multiple constructions. Good option if you need both indoor and outdoor sets.
Website: flagandbanner.com
Best for: Schools, churches, and institutions that need complete flag setups.
State coverage: All 50 states
Sizes: Small hand held up to 4×6 ft and larger
Fabrics: Nylon, polyester, indoor ceremonial with fringe
Pros
- • Carries hand held, garden, and full size state flags in one place.
- • Indoor fringed state flags for official and ceremonial use.
- • Option to call for special sizes and custom quotes.
Cons
- • Site layout can feel slightly busy for first time visitors.
- • Not every state flag has all fabrics in stock at all times.
Local flag shops and independent retailers
Many regions still have local flag shops and independent retailers that carry state flags. These are worth searching for if you want advice or need to see fabric in person.
Best for: Personalised advice, special orders, and seeing quality in real life.
State coverage: Usually local state, often can order all 50
Sizes: Common sizes in stock, special sizes to order
Fabrics: Depends on supplier, usually nylon and polyester
Pros
- • You can feel the fabric weight and stitching before you buy.
- • Staff can explain which fabric works best for your local weather.
- • Often happy to help schools and nonprofits with special needs.
Cons
- • Not every area has a dedicated flag shop.
- • Inventory can be smaller than the big online retailers.
Quick Comparison: State Flag Retailers by Size and Fabric
Use this as a simple filter guide before you click out to any retailer.
| Retailer | States | Typical sizes | Fabrics | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States Flag Store | All 50 + territories | 2×3, 3×5, 4×6, larger | Nylon, polyester, cotton | Mix of budget and higher quality options |
| Gettysburg Flag Works | All 50 | 2×3, 3×5, 4×6 | Nylon, 2 ply polyester, indoor sets | Long lasting flags for schools and institutions |
| Flags.com | All 50 | 2×3 up to 5×8 | Nylon and polyester | Simple shopping with clear filters |
| Flag & Banner | All 50 | Hand held up to 4×6 and larger | Nylon, polyester, indoor sets | Indoor sets, churches, schools, ceremony use |
How to Use Size and Fabric Filters on Retail Sites
A simple three step process that works on almost every state flag retailer.
Step 1: Pick your state and location
Start by narrowing down to your state and where the flag will fly.
- Home porch or small pole: usually a 2×3 or 3×5 ft nylon flag.
- School or business pole: 3×5 ft is standard, 4×6 ft for taller poles or open spaces.
- Indoor display: look for indoor or ceremonial state flag sets.
Step 2: Filter by fabric based on weather
Most retailers let you pick the fabric after you choose a size.
- Mild to moderate wind: nylon is usually the best balance of weight and durability.
- Constant strong wind: choose 2 ply polyester even if it costs a little more.
- Mostly indoor use: cotton or indoor nylon with fringe looks the most traditional.
Step 3: Check construction details
Do a quick quality check before you click add to cart.
- Look for reinforced canvas headers and brass grommets.
- Check that seams are double stitched, especially on the fly edge.
- For detailed seals, zoom into product photos to see print quality.
- If reviews mention fading or fraying, consider stepping up a quality level or switching fabric.
Care Tips to Make Your State Flag Last Longer
Even the best fabric will fail early if you do not treat it right.
Give your flag a break
Rotate between two or three flags if you fly your state flag all year.
A simple rotation system is one of the easiest ways to double the lifespan of each flag. When one starts to look tired, clean it, repair any loose threads, and move the next one into service.
Respect bad weather
High winds and storms will destroy even heavy polyester flags.
If a serious storm or very high winds are forecast, lower your state flag temporarily. It is better to take it down for a day than replace it every few months.
Clean gently
Most outdoor nylon and polyester flags can be washed on a gentle cycle.
Use cool water and mild detergent. Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals. Always air dry and never throw flags into a hot dryer.
Retire damaged flags
Once a state flag is badly faded or torn, it is time to retire it.
Many communities, veterans groups, and scout troops offer proper flag retirement services. A fresh, bright flag looks better and shows more respect for what you are flying.
Final Recommendations
Best picks by situation
- • Most people at home: 3×5 ft nylon state flag from United States Flag Store or Flags.com.
- • High wind or exposed locations: 2 ply polyester state flag from Gettysburg Flag Works.
- • Schools and institutions: Outdoor nylon or polyester plus indoor ceremonial set from Gettysburg Flag Works or Flag & Banner.
- • Local support and advice: A nearby flag shop that can show you fabrics in person.
Key takeaways
- • Decide your size and fabric before you shop.
- • Use retailer filters to narrow down by fabric and outdoor rating.
- • Treat your state flag as an investment rather than a throwaway decoration.
- • A slightly higher price for better fabric usually pays off within a single season.
If you pick the right size and fabric for your conditions and avoid the very cheapest options, a good state flag should give you many months or even years of service. Use the comparison table and retailer list above as your short list and you will not go far wrong.