U.S. Flag Code

American FlagEtiquette & Care

How to display it, care for it, and retire it with the respect it deserves.

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How to Display the American Flag

The U.S. Flag Code (4 U.S.C. § 1) sets the rules for displaying Old Glory with honor.

Sunrise to Sunset

Flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset on outdoor flagpoles. If displayed at night, the flag must be properly illuminated.

Lit at Night

A solar flagpole light or downlight is the easiest way to keep your flag flying 24/7 — and meet the U.S. Flag Code.

Weather

Take an all-weather flag (nylon or polyester) down only in severe weather. Cotton flags should never be flown in rain.

Position of Honor

When displayed with other flags, the U.S. flag flies highest and to the observer's left. Never flown upside down except as a distress signal.

How to Make Your Flag Last Longer

A few minutes of care every couple of weeks can double the life of your flag.

1
Inspect Weekly
Check the fly end (the side away from the pole) for fraying. This is where wear shows first. A small frayed edge can be hemmed and re-stitched to add months of life.
2
Wash When Dirty
Hand-wash nylon and polyester flags in cool water with mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly. Lay flat or hang to dry — never machine-dry. Cotton flags can be dry-cleaned.
3
Dry Before Storing
Always dry your flag completely before folding or storing. Moisture causes mildew and color bleeding.
4
Repair Small Damage
Re-hem frayed fly ends with a sewing machine or have a local tailor do it. Most flag lives can be extended 30–50% with one re-hem.
5
Retire When Worn
When a flag is too tattered to repair, retire it with dignity (see below). Never let a damaged flag continue to fly.

What Affects How Long a Flag Lasts?

Wind, sun, salt, and material all shape flag lifespan. Plan accordingly.

Wind exposure

A flag flown 24/7 in steady wind may last 60–90 days. A sheltered flag flown only on weekends can last 1–2 years.

UV / sun

Direct southern sun fades colors faster. Reds fade first, then blues. Rotating between two flags can double total lifespan.

Pollution & salt air

Coastal and urban environments shorten flag life. Rinse with fresh water every few weeks if you live near the ocean.

Material

Nylon and 2-ply polyester both last about 9–12 months of daily flight. Nylon sheds rain, dries fast, and flies in lighter breeze. Polyester is heavier, needs more wind to fly fully extended, and absorbs water — a wet polyester flag gains significant weight and puts more load on the halyard during storms.

Pro tip: Buy two flags and rotate them every few weeks. Each flag gets rest from the sun and you'll roughly double your total lifespan. Shop replacement flags →

When to Fly the Flag at Half-Staff

Federal half-staff days plus presidential proclamations. To half-staff: raise to the peak first, then lower halfway.

Memorial Day — half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to full-staff for the rest of the day
Patriot Day (September 11) — half-staff from sunrise to sunset
Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) — half-staff from sunrise to sunset
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7) — half-staff from sunrise to sunset
Firefighters Memorial Day (Sunday of National Fire Prevention Week) — half-staff
On the death of principal U.S. government figures and by Presidential proclamation

How to Retire a Worn Flag

When a flag is so worn it can no longer serve as a fitting symbol, the U.S. Flag Code calls for it to be retired in a dignified way — preferably by burning.

Most VFW posts, American Legion halls, and Boy Scout / Girl Scout troops hold formal flag retirement ceremonies and will accept worn flags year-round.

Some fire departments and local government offices also serve as drop-off points. Call first to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should an American flag last?

A nylon or 2-ply polyester flag flown daily on a residential pole typically lasts 9–12 months before the fly end starts to fray. Sheltered flags or flags flown only on holidays can last several years.

Can I fly the American flag in the rain?

Yes — if it's an all-weather flag made of nylon or polyester. These are designed to handle rain, snow, and sun. Cotton flags should be taken down in wet weather.

Do I have to take the flag down at night?

Only if it's not lit. The U.S. Flag Code says the flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset unless properly illuminated. A solar flagpole light meets this requirement.

How do I dispose of a worn American flag?

Drop it off at any VFW, American Legion post, or Boy Scout / Girl Scout troop — they perform formal retirement ceremonies. You can also burn it yourself in a respectful, private ceremony per the U.S. Flag Code.

Can I wash my American flag?

Yes. Hand-wash nylon and polyester flags in cool water with mild detergent, rinse well, and air-dry flat. Never put a flag in the dryer — heat damages the fibers and embroidery.

How do I fold the American flag?

Two people hold the flag waist-high, parallel to the ground. Fold lengthwise twice, then make 13 triangular folds starting from the striped end. The result is a triangle showing only the blue field of stars.