NorthStar Flags

Flags are commonly seen all around us. Building frontages, government offices, schools, and even anywhere else that seemingly pronounce to the public the pride of being associated with the representation flags bear is a candidate. Flags come a long way in history as being the bearers of messages and representation. Through time, the manner and materials used in the creation of flags depended on the available material during that time.

In the earlier days, when flags were used mainly to indicate a warring nation, silk was the most usual component for the fabric. It was lightweight, glossy, and quite durable for its intended purpose. However, the use of silk over the years would take a negative toll in its popularity and utility for flags as more material types emerged. Also, silk posed a very serious problem in terms of stains and unraveling.

Nylon soon replaced most of the instances that flags were created. Not only does it have almost the same characteristics of nylon, but is also more accommodating to dirt and stains in the sense that it is easier to clean it up. It is also more durable especially when exposed outdoors.

As polyester came into the fabric scene, it quickly got a good chunk of the share of materials flags are made out of. This is because of its high durability even in harsher weather conditions. Knitted or woven, polyester makes up for durability for its heavier weight. Nonetheless, many choose this type of fabric for their flags because the difference in weight is negligible, especially when hoisted on a pole or mast.

Even if cotton is abundant, lightweight, and easy to clean, it lacks the durability in comparison. This is the reason why usual uses of these flags are for indoor and small sized requirements.

Everywhere we go, we see one or more types of flags or banners being displayed, providing us information or just indicating that their presence is felt. We see many flags of different shapes, color schemes, designs, symbols, and even the material or fabric that these are made out of.

One of the first materials to be made into flags was silk. It was ideal during early times especially as silk was a prime commodity for trade. This material was considered exotic in some areas and therefore had much more value. Creating flags out of this during those times was considered quite above commoners’ status. The material was ideal to be carried around, especially during long journeys or marches like that during war mainly because it was lightweight and had that shimmering effect. However, it was prone to difficulty when cleaning of stains and dirt.

Nylon became the next big thing when making flags. It was as durable or perhaps even more durable than silk, insignificantly weighed more, and was more adept in being maintained properly better even if stains and dirt got in the way. Also it had a significantly lower tendency to unravel unlike its predecessor.

As of present, the most common type of flag material I polyester. Even with its heavier and denser composition, it makes up for the sheer durability especially in outside weather conditions. Rain, wind, sunlight, whatever the conditions are, polyester has a huge advantage over other materials. Furthermore, it is easier to clean this fabric type without risking unraveling or destroying the fabric weave,.