Over the years, the American flag has been used in various ways, including as a design element on clothing, especially shirts. People want the flag on their shirts for various reasons, including:

• Patriotism
• Marking national holidays
• Showing allegiance and support in sports events
• Showing pride and support for the military

Whatever the reason, it’s always important to treat the flag with respect and follow flag etiquette.

That’s why you want to deal with a company that knows how to print the USA flag and has the experience to back it. So, what exactly are the American flag on shirt rules?

Do’s of Custom Printing the American Flag on Shirts

It’s understandable that noble desires and intentions can make you eager to wear the American flag on your shirt. If you wear it, ensure you remain on the right side of the American flag on shirt rules by following these guidelines:

1 - Do Properly Display the Flag

The flag is most commonly placed on shirt sleeves. But since this isn’t a hard and fast rule, it can be placed elsewhere too.

The golden rule is to keep it stars before bars when aligning and positioning the flag on the attire. The idea is to have the stars always face the front of the body, with the stripes behind them, in a charging forward style.

Alternatively, picture yourself wearing the shirt or it being mounted on a flagpole. You should see the union first, followed by the stripes, whether you turn to the right or left sleeve. The union, or canton, is the blue background with the 50 stars.

The direction the flag points to is up to the client’s discretion when it’s not being printed on shirt sleeves.

Lastly, the flag needs to be displayed in its entirety, and not cut off at the edges. The image must preserve the proportions of the flag and not distort its image.

2 - Do Use American Made Clothing

Using high-quality American-made shirts is a crucial aspect of custom printing the American flag.

Since the flag is a powerful symbol, it deserves to be displayed on a high-quality material that will last and maintain its integrity.

While there’s no stipulated code on the material for custom-printed products with the American flag, choosing a shirt made in the USA shows your true passion for this country and ensures the shirt will be comfortable, durable, and long-lasting.

Additionally, using a high-quality printing process will ensure that the flag’s design is crisp, vibrant, and long-lasting. Such methods include:

• Screen printing
• Heat transfer
• Direct-to-garment printing
• Embroidery

Remember, the choice of material should maintain the flag’s integrity upon printing, and ensure its durability and longevity.

If you’re unsure about the type or quality of material used, don’t hesitate to consult reputable professionals, such as fancysweetstx, to get started.

3 - Do Use the Correct Color Scheme

The American flag has a specific color scheme that needs to be accurately represented in any custom-printed design. 

While the official colors of the flag are white, red, and blue, the numerous shades of blue and red can lead to varying expectations for a print. 

Thankfully, using the Pantone Matching System (PMS), simply referred to as Pantone colors, helps establish consistent expectations and values for colors, as the table below demonstrates.

The red, white, and blue colors appear in the following proportions: 

• The blue field appears in the upper left-hand corner of the flag (remember the exception when printing on the left sleeve). It covers the flag’s entire width and one-third its height. 
• The seven red and six white stripes alternate and are of equal width. There are 13 stripes in total, representing the 13 original colonies. 
• The blue field contains 50 small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine rows of six stars and four rows of five stars.

Don’ts of Custom Printing the American Flag on Shirts

Printing the American flag on clothes and costumes has historically been controversial, with some speculating that it might even be illegal. 

The American Legion, a leading authority on U.S. flag etiquette, respect, and education, explains that it’s permissible to wear items of clothing that look like the United States flag. However, such clothing can’t be made from an actual flag.

After all, the flag is a powerful symbol of our country’s democracy. Therefore, observe the following rules:

1 - Don’t Improperly Display the Flag

Improperly displaying the American flag on a shirt is a violation of the United States Flag Code. While there are no penalties for such violations, since this code isn’t enforceable by law, it’s still important to show respect for the flag and honor its symbolism and significance.

Here are some instances of improper flag display on shirts:

• Displaying the flag upside down: The American flag is always displayed right-side up, with the blue field in the upper left-hand corner. It’s only permissible to display the flag upside down when signaling distress or a dire emergency.  
• Using less than 50 stars: The stars on the American flag represent the 50 states of the United States. Using a flag with fewer than 50 stars can create confusion or imply disrespect to the current official flag.
• Substituting stars for other symbols: The stars on the American flag are five-pointed and white. Substituting them with other symbols like political symbols or corporate logos is disrespectful.

2 - Don’t Distort the Flag’s Design

Whether you’re custom printing shirts for official or unofficial purposes, it’s unacceptable to distort the American flag design. Avoid engaging in any of the following practices:

• Adding extra elements to the flag: The flag can appear distorted if any text or logos are added over it, which can be interpreted as disrespecting the flag. When text accompanies the flag on a print, it must always be below the flag—never vice versa. 
• Using low-quality material: Printing the flag on low-quality material can degrade its color and image, making it look blurry, faded, or distorted. 
• Improper proportions: The American flag has specific proportions for its stars, stripes, and colors. Failure to maintain these proportions when printing the flag on a shirt can cause distortions and absurdities in its design.

3 - Don’t Use the Flag Disrespectfully 

When it comes to creating custom-printed American flag shirts, it’s important to ensure that the flag is treated with the utmost respect. Some disrespectful uses of the flag when creating custom shirts include:

• Using the flag as a decoration: Since the flag isn’t a fashion accessory, it may not be used as a decorative element or ornament. This includes using the flag as a background for other design elements or adding decorative elements to the flag itself. 
• Using the flag for commercial purposes: Don’t use the American flag for commercial purposes like advertising or marketing. It must be treated as a symbol of the country and its values, not a marketing tool that implies endorsement by the United States government. 
• Using the flag in a disrespectful manner: Abstain from using the flag in a manner that communicates disregard for what it represents. This includes using the shirt it’s printed on as a rag to clean up grease or spills. 

Get Your Shirt Custom Printed at fancysweetstx

Excited by the prospect of working with experienced designers and custom printers who’ll get it right when creating high-quality branded merchandise?

Reach out to fancysweetstx to alleviate any anxiety about breaking any American flag on shirt rules, guidelines, or specifications. 

You can even tour the fancysweetstx store and production facility to get a glimpse of our scale and tech, and how we work. 

We’re tried and tested, as Christina assures: 

Used for company t-shirts. Excellent price, quality, design team, and quick shipping. First time customers, but we'll be back! Thank you, fancysweetstx.
- Christina P.

Share on Facebook:

The flag was adopted as a symbol of patriotism during the American Revolution. It evolved over the years to become a fashion item on runways and celebrity red carpets.

Nowadays, anyone can wear the flag on their clothing, whether it’s t-shirts, bags, caps, dresses, or hoodies, thanks to screen printing and embroidery technology.

As we take you through the 246 years of the American flag’s history, you’ll learn interesting information about:

• What events inspired the use of the American flag on clothing
• What types of American flag clothing are available today
• The correct direction the American flag should face on clothing
• Efficient methods of transferring the American flag to your shirts

Birth of the American Flag

The origin of the first official flag isn’t totally clear, but historians believe that either New Jersey Congressman Francis Hopkinson or Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross made it during the American Revolution.

Before the revolution, there were different unofficial flag variations with their own meanings:

• Join or Die flag: Urged Americans to unite for freedom or be captured by the French and die
• Don’t Tread on Me flag: A warning from the Americans of their willingness to act in defense from coercion by the British empire
• An Appeal to Heaven flag: Symbolized that if any person or a group of people were deprived their rights, they could appeal to heaven

During the Revolutionary War, Congress decided that America needed an official flag to unite the colonies that were rebelling against British rule. An act establishing an official national flag was passed on June 14, 1777.

Congress resolved that the flag be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, and the Union be represented by thirteen stars, white in a blue field, to signify a new constellation.

Today, there are fifty stars to represent the fifty states of the Union, while the stripes remain thirteen to represent the original thirteen colonies.

It was during the time of the American Revolution that Americans embraced the flag as a symbol of patriotism to their country, and resistance to British rule. It was a sign of honor to the men and women who died during the war to secure America’s freedom.

At that time, there was no flag clothing as the flag had just been made official, and only military and government officials could access it.

How American Flag Clothing Began

It took nearly a century after the adoption of the American flag for it to be proudly displayed on property, products, and clothing.

The American Civil War (1863–1865) played a significant part in popularizing the flag. Citizens raised flags at home and work to show solidarity during war, and their soldiers wore it on their clothing during battle.

During the first and second world wars, women pinned red, white, and blue ribbons in their hair to show support for their male relatives fighting in the war.

Next came the hippie movement of the 1960s, when young people rebelled against societal norms. They started wearing clothes with the American flag to mock conformists, and from there, flag clothing spread far and wide.

The American flag was also incorporated into clothing during the 1970s as a lapel pin worn by politicians to show political commitment.

American flag clothing began to take root during the late 19th century, but the 20th century is when the trend became established. This is owed to America’s adoption of screen printing technology, which enabled faster and better printing onto fabric.

American Flag Clothing in the Modern Era

Fast forward to the 21st century and there’s been an explosion of American flag clothing around us: t-shirts, shorts, stilettos, bathing suits, cowboy hats, and more. 

Advancements in modern printing technology have made it possible to create countless variations with digital printing now being readily available.

And the trend has caught on well, with designers such as Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren using the flag to inspire their clothing lines, and models now wearing them on runways.

One of the most iconic American flag clothing items is a dress from French Designer Catherine Malandrino. The “Stars and Stripes” dress was worn by celebrities such as Madonna, Halle Berry, Julia Roberts, Sharon Stone, and Tatyana Ali. 

The dress remains in demand even to this day.

Fashion aside, American flag clothing is still as much a symbol of patriotism in the modern era as it was during the Revolutionary War.

This was especially evident after the September 11 terrorist attack when American flag paraphernalia sprung up everywhere. From bags, t-shirts, and hats, to all types of apparel, people were able and proud to show patriotism through flag clothing during that difficult time.

Though American flag clothing has become popular, it hasn’t been without incidents. In 2015, rapper A$AP Rocky designed a t-shirt featuring an upside-down flag. It had to be quickly taken off the shelves due to criticism from the military and the public.

Placing the flag upside down is against the American flag code, and it’s only recommended during times of extreme danger to life or property.

But despite the occasionally disruptive incident, which doesn't happen often, Americans’ love for flag clothing is undeniable, and they continue to wear it with pride.

Get Your Clothing Printed With the American Flag—the Correct Way

If you didn’t know, there’s an official way to orient the American flag on clothes. When placing it on the sleeve, the stars should face towards the front of the body and the bars to the back.

This specific placement is meant to mimic a flag hoisted high and flying backwards in the wind as it did during times of war.

The shirt below is a good example of how to place the flag on a sleeve.

If you prefer that the flag be placed on the front, back, or on panels other than the sleeves, you can choose which direction you want it to face.

fancysweetstx can embroider or print the American flag for your personal, institutional, or company apparel. We’ll put it right where you want, whether on the sleeves, front, or back.

We personally recommend screen printing or heat transfer if you want the American flag to appear on a large area of the shirt. Repeated embroidery on a large area will cause your shirt to feel bulky.

The table below compares screen printing and heat transfer.

If you don’t want to use the American flag as it is, we can use its colors to create beautiful logos that your company or institution can show off. Check out this example:

At fancysweetstx, we pride ourselves on our creativity. 

If you’ve toured our shop, we'll be happy to take you on a tour of the rest of our building, especially our renovated rooms.

fancysweetstx Can Help You Revisit the History of American Flag Clothing

American flag clothing has a history that dates back to the Revolutionary War, when the first official flag was made.

After soldiers started wearing the flag on their uniforms during the civil war, the trend continued through World War I and II, all throughout the hippie movement, and currently into the 21st century where it has become a fashion statement.

Revisit the history of American flag clothing by getting fancysweetstx to print or embroider your shirts with the flag. You’ll be proud to show them off on special days such as July 4th (Flag Day), or any other.

“We used them for company t-shirts. Excellent price, quality, design team and quick shipping. We’ll be back! Thank you fancysweetstx.”
— Christina P

Make your order now and let’s get you in a patriotic mood with American flag clothing.

Share on Facebook:

Surprisingly, it's not as easy as it seems. 

I'm going to walk you through why using American made shirts is important, who we see order American made shirts most frequently, and the five most popular shirts we use for wholesale orders.

So if you're looking to place an order for your business and use shirts that are proudly made in the USA, this guide is for you. (And if you want us to help with that order, you can get in touch with us here.)

Why American Made Clothing is Important

Utilizing American made manufacturers is quickly becoming more and more important. 

In fact, there is a major groundswell of support all over the country to use, promote, and prioritize American made products of all types. 

This can be anything from cars to appliances to electronics to food to consumer products and, of course, to clothing.

There are many reasons people want to source products made in the USA. 

It's no secret that Americans are proud of their country. Supporting domestic manufacturing is an opportunity to show that pride. 

For many people, it's a badge of honor when a product is proudly adorned with a 'Made in USA' label.

This pride stems from the fact that American manufacturers provide good paying, ethical jobs that build local communities. 

Made in the USA is a symbol of quality. 

As manufacturing left the US and moved overseas, low cost was prioritized over product quality and quality of life. 

So while you may need to pay a little bit more for an American made shirt, it is made to higher standards and there is extra value because it is creating American made jobs.

Who Wants American Made Shirts?

The demand for American made shirts has steadily increased in recent years. 

We see brands and businesses of all types ask for help choosing the best American made shirt option.

The requests for shirts made in the USA are made by companies that manufacture domestically, have union labor, and value quality, environmental sustainability, and ethical manufacturing. 

One example is a local Jesuit high school. They have an ethics policy that requires they source their products from Fair Trade or American made sources. As a result, many of the shirts we print for them are one of the brands listed below.

Another common example is local construction companies. We print a lot of safety apparel for local contractors and subcontractors.

Not only do we see a lot of American made shirts being used in this industry, but it's also common to print the American flag on their shirts. With the practice of putting Old Glory on the sleeve, we feel strongly that the shirt should definitely be made in the USA.

We love to promote American made shirts and can offer them to anyone for any reason. 

Without further ado, here are our favorite and, in our opinion, the best American made shirts on the market for brands and businesses.

The Best American Made T-Shirt Brands

Bayside - The True American Made Tee

Bayside is the largest apparel manufacturer in the USA. 

For many screen printers that got their start after NAFTA, they are considered the original American made shirt. 

Because for a while, there just weren't many out there and Bayside provided the best options. 

While Bayside is mostly known for making a heavyweight shirt, they make all varieties and types - 100% cotton, blends, ringspun cotton, long sleeve. 

In addition to making all clothing in the USA, they even have a line of Union Made shirts. It doesn't get any more appealing than a union made shirt for union contractors, subcontractors, and manufacturers. 

We use Bayside apparel for wholesale shirt orders for businesses that want to support American and ethical manufacturing.

Los Angeles Apparel

Los Angeles Apparel is the originator of the American and ethically made fashion shirt. Their first iteration however, was branded American Apparel. 

When business for American Apparel took a downturn and ownership changed hands, their founder picked up where he left off with LA Apparel.

Arguably, he still makes the finest and highest quality American made clothing.

While their original niche was in soft, fashion fit t-shirts (our faves are the TR01 and FF01), LA Apparel has evolved with recent trends and now is known just as much for their thicker, garment dyed shirts. 

If you're going for a look that emulates vintage garment dyed long sleeve and pocket tees from your favorite vacations, check out their ever expanding line of high quality garment dyed clothing.

As always, LA Apparel is proud to be made in America, ethical and sweatshop free manufacturing. 

Royal Apparel - Made In USA

Royal Apparel stands out as an American apparel manufacturer with a commitment to the environment. 

Known for soft shirts and fleece, Royal Apparel stands out with a full line of blank organic clothing. If you're not in the wholesale apparel industry, it might come as a surprise that this is very rare.

In addition to using organic cotton, they also have shirts made of other eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, hemp, and recycled plastic.

Environmentally sustainability goes hand in hand with American manufacturing. 

One of the greatest appeals to domestic manufacturing is its reduced carbon footprint. Once the product is made, it doesn't need to be transported as far. 

For Royal Apparel, their commitment to going green and manufacturing in the USA makes them stand out. 

We've always been a fan of their triblend tees. In fact, some of the very first shirts we used for our retail brand were the 20051.

Next Level Apparel (USA)

Next Level Apparel is our most commonly used shirt brand for bulk wholesale orders. 

They make great, consistent shirts that our customers love and we love to print on. They have a wide range of colors and deep inventory.

While most of their shirts are not made domestically, they are expanding their line of USA made clothing. This is great for our customers who have used Next Level in the past but want to make the change to support American made.

The key indicator to identify a Next Level shirt as made in America is if it has an 'A' at the end of it's product number. For example, the 6010A is their triblend American made shirt.

We're excited that Next Level now has American made shirts.

American Apparel (USA)

American Apparel, which was started by the founder of LA Apparel, was a major force in re-popularizing American made apparel.

Coincidentally, they no longer makes all of their shirts in America. That's what happens when the largest shirt manufacturer in the world buys you out of bankruptcy.

While American Apparel isn't the same as the originally were, they haven't completely abandoned their American roots and ethical manufacturing.

If you want a soft American made shirt, they're still a great option.

The important thing is that if you are placing a wholesale order for American Apparel shirts, only the shirts labeled with USA are made domestically. 

I can't predict if American Apparel will continue to make shirts in America in the future, but for now they still do and it's a great shirt.

Ready to Order Custom American Made Tees? Let's Get Started.

We put this list together of our favorite blank American made t-shirts to help our customers that want to support US manufacturing. 

There are a lot of options out there and it's tough to wade through all of the options. 

Sometimes finding American made options can be like finding a needle in a haystack. We hope this article helps you when making a decision on which shirt to use for your brand or business.

Of course, we can help design, source, and print your next order of shirts. Click the button below to get started!

Your favorite holiday tank is back! In this tank, you can celebrate your city and your country at the same time! Our 4th of July festive tank top will only be available for a limited time. They are available in our store and on our website. Grab one and show everyone your 16153 Genova and American pride!