Decorative flags have a sleeve across the top. The standard size has tabs sewn in to attach to a pole. Decorative flags do not have grommets. Most flags can be laundered on gentle cycle and hung to dry. There are two basic types of decorative flags: Heat Sublimated and Appliqued.
1. Heat Sublimated Fabrics: Most manufacturers use a variation of polyester, but call it by a different name.
Soft & Thicker Polyester Flags: These are made of soft & thicker polyester to allow printing on both sides. They are velvety soft and smooth. If flags are hung where they are likely to be rubbing or bumping against shrubs or a building, these flags are not the best option because it will 'fuzz'. Machine washable but leave to drip dry.
Soft & Thicker Flags By Vendor:
Carson - Dura Soft: If there is writing on this flag, it will be readable from both sides. Some of the mini flags are GlitterTrends. These are the Dura Soft fabric with iridescent glitter to add sparkle and shimmer.
Premier - PremierSoft: If there is text, it will be readable on both sides
Evergreen - Suede Reflections: Messages will be readable on both sides.
Custom Decor - Doesn’t have a label for it but for the flags that are readable on both sides, they are made of the same fabric
Polyester Flags: Standard polyester is weather-resistant, fade-resistant and durable, yet has a softness that allows for excellent drape and movement in the breeze. This fabric isn't as prone to fuzzing as the thick polyester. Permanently dyed, vivid, machine washable. Leave to drip dry, can put in a dryer at your own risk.
Polyester Flags By Vendor:
Magnet Works - SolarSilk
Custom Decor - 300 denier - Printed in the USA
Toland - 600 denier - Produced in the USA
Premier - Brilliance are sublimated with top-stitching to add detailed highlights. Illuminated sublimated without top-stitching
Evergreen - Satin Reflections
2. Appliqued Fabrics
All Appliqued flags have bright colors on fade-resistant fabrics. These are not heat sublimated. They look stitched like a quilt. They have different sizes within a given vendor. You should not put them in a dryer.
Appliqued Flags By Vendor:
Carson - Durable Fade-resistant polyester
Single Applique - This is a quality applique flag that is a good value. The flag looks great on both sides because of tight embroidery.
Double Applique - A double applique flag is actually two flags sewn together with batting between them, this makes any message on the flag readable on both sides and gives a 3D effect.
Premier - Durable, fade-resistant polyester
Double Applique - A double applique flag is actually two flags sewn together with batting between them, this makes any message on the flag readable on both sides and gives a 3D effect.
Single Applique - Quality, single applique flag.
Evergreen - Quality, single applique flag
Party Animal - Sports Team Flags