Do you know the different parts of a flag? Whether it’s the American flag or a state flag, most flags feature a few common parts. But not everyone is familiar with these parts. For a better understanding of the parts of a flag, keep reading.
Fly End
The fly end refers to the outermost end of a flag. It’s known as the “fly end” because it flies in the wind. On the embroidered American flag, the fly end consists of the edge with the red-and-white horizontal stripes.
The Hoist End
The hoist end is the innermost end of a flag. Opposite of the fly end, it’s the part of a flag that’s adjacent to the flagpole. Like most flags, the American flag has a fly end and a hoist end. The fly end is the edge with the red-and-white horizontal stripes, whereas the hoist end is the edge with the stars at the top and a few lines of red-and-white horizontal stripes at the bottom.
Canton
The canton is an important part of most flags. In vexillography, it refers to a rectangular section in the corner of a flag that contains a specific design. The canton is found on the hoist end. On the American flag, the canton houses the 50 stars, with each star representing one of the country’s 50 states. Other flags feature a canton as well, but their respective design may vary.
Field
The field is essentially the background of a flag. it may be limited to the canton, or it may encompass other parts of the flag. The American flag, for instance, has a field that’s limited to the canton. The American flag’s canton is blue. In the canton located in the upper-left corner of the American flag, there are 50 stars against a blue background. This blue background is the field.
Sleeve
Some flags come with a sleeve. You can find these U.S. flags with a sleeve available for sale here. A sleeve is a narrow and hollow passage that runs vertically along the hoist end. It’s used to support a flagpole. If you plan on displaying a flag on a flagpole, you’ll typically need to use the sleeve. You can slide the flagpole through the flag’s sleeve.
Grommet
When shopping for a flag, you may discover that some of them feature grommets. Grommets are rings that are designed to protect the adjacent material from wear and tear. With grommets, flags are less likely to sustain damage.
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About the author
Barry Mason is a proud third-generation American whose grandfather served in World War II. Born and raised in small-town Tennessee, Barry developed a deep appreciation for American history and traditions from an early age, learning about the sacrifices made by previous generations. Barry has spent over a decade writing about flag etiquette, patriotic traditions, military history, and the stories behind America's most cherished symbols. When he's not researching the fascinating history of Old Glory, you can find Barry volunteering at veterans' events, coaching youth baseball, or exploring America's national parks with his family. A firm believer in supporting American manufacturing and small businesses, Barry is passionate about celebrating the craftspeople who keep American traditions alive. He lives with his wife and two children in a home where the American flag flies proudly every day. Favorite quote: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan
