American Flag Clothing
Patriotism is an emotional attachment to a nation which an individual recognizes as their homeland. This attachment is also known as national pride. Being patriotic is internally having or vigorously & outwardly expressing devotion and support for one's country.
Symbols of patriotism in the United States come in several forms. One symbol of patriotism in the USA is the American Flag.
Images of the
American flag are often used on clothing
as a way for people to express support & respect for the country. Although
American flag apparel is very popular on holidays such as the 4th of
July & Memorial Day, they are also worn every other day of the year.
The flag of the United States of America, often referred to as the American flag, is the national flag of the United States of America. It consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton (referred to specifically as the "union") bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars. The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America, and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, and became the first states in the US.
American flag clothing comes in many different forms. The U.S flag has been put on just about every type of apparel imaginable. American flag t-shirts are very popular among men, women, and children. Socks, jackets, leggings, underwear, shoes, and other types of clothing are made with flag designs as well.
Wearing “images” of the flag is a good way to express patriotism. However, it is important to understand that it is generally understood that we should not turn an actual flag into clothing. The actual flag must be treated with care and should not be folded, cut, or sewn into garments of any kind.
Nicknames for the flag include The Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, and The Star-Spangled Banner.
Important information regarding the United States Flag Code of conduct & apparel:
The United States Flag Code outlines certain guidelines for the use, display, and disposal of the flag. For example, the flag should never be dipped to any person or thing, unless it is the ensign responding to a salute from a ship of a foreign nation. This tradition may come from the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, where countries were asked to dip their flag to King Edward VII: the American flag bearer did not. Team captain Martin Sheridan is famously quoted as saying "this flag dips to no earthly king", though the true provenance of this quotation is unclear.
The flag should never be allowed to touch the ground and, if flown at night, must be illuminated.
If the edges become tattered through wear, the flag should be repaired or replaced. When a flag is so tattered that it can no longer serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner. The American Legion and other organizations regularly conduct flag retirement ceremonies, often on Flag Day, June 14.
The Flag Code prohibits using the flag "for any advertising purpose" and also states that the flag "should not be embroidered, printed, or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use". Both of these codes are generally ignored, almost always without comment.
Section 8, entitled Respect For Flag states in part: "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery", and "No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform". Section 3 of the Flag Code defines "the flag" as anything "by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag of the United States of America".
Note: it is the understanding of Apparel Search that the intention of above is to not use an “actual flag” as clothing. Printing a flag design on t-shirts, or other types of clothing is a different story. Our understanding of the concept behind section 8 of the flag code is that people should not cut or sew parts from an actual flag. If you think that we are misunderstanding the rule, please let us know so we can update this page accordingly.
An additional part of Section 8 Respect For Flag, that is frequently violated at sporting events is part (c) "The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free."
Although the Flag Code is U.S. federal law, there is no penalty for a private citizen or group failing to comply with the Flag Code and it is not widely enforced—indeed, punitive enforcement would conflict with the First Amendment right to freedom of speech. Passage of the proposed Flag Desecration Amendment would overrule legal precedent that has been established.
We hope that this products page has helped you better understand American flag clothing. This type of apparel is an important aspect of the American lifestyle & culture. If you don’t already own patriotic shirts, pants, underwear, etc., you should head to your closest apparel retailer and make a few purchases.
You may also have interest in learning about novelty t-shirts. Novelty t-shirt designers often create interesting and patriotic clothing.
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