Nylon vs. Polyester: Which Flag Material is the Best?
December 22, 20182 min read
When you think of purchasing a flag, there are many things that you consider. But one of the most important things you should be keeping in mind is the material the flag is made out of. The flag fabric is a major factor in deciding the flag’s aesthetic value and durability.
When it comes to popular flag material, the most commonly used fabrics are nylon and 2-ply polyester. In terms of resilience stretch resistance, wrinkle resistance, shrink resistance, and easy care, both the materials have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both the materials and see which one’s best for use.
Most of the flag these days are made out of nylon. Due to its versatility and other attributes, it’s a popular flag material choice.
Pros
Nylon is one of the most flexible flag materials; they’re also really easy to care for. Nylon flags are typically made from a fine and shiny material. This is why they’re very bright and attractive in appearance. Some nylon flags are also specially treated for sun resistance and fast drying qualities.
Nylon is a comparably more lightweight material than 2-ply polyester. This means it can fly easily in even the lightest of winds. It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage. Nylon is also usually more cost-effective than other materials.
Cons
Nylon is comparatively more lightweight than 2-ply polyester. Although it’s pretty versatile, it’s not as resilient as polyester. So you need to be mindful of the area you live in. If your area characteristically has fast, buffeting winds, a nylon flag may not last that long. It’s more suitable for outdoor use in light to medium winds.
Another popular flag material is 2-ply polyester. It also has its own set of unique pros and cons.
Pros
Polyester, especially 2-ply polyester is more suitable for outdoor usage since it’s more durable and robust than nylon. Because of this, polyester has a great outdoor lifespan. It also has great wind resistance which makes it ideal for flag flying in extremely windy weather conditions.
2-ply polyester also has a better water wicking capability than nylon so it dries fast. Polyester can retain its color and luster for a longer time period as well.
Cons
2-ply polyester flags are durable but they might not be as bright and shiny in appearance as a nylon flag. A polyester flag surface can be duller and rougher to the touch. And since polyester is heavier than nylon, it takes a considerably strong breeze to fly properly.
Nylon flags are more suited for indoor usage while 2-ply polyester flags are perfect for the outdoors. If you’re looking to buy high-quality American flags, we at Federal Flags offer a wide range for you to check out! From custom-printed flags to retractable banners, we have it all!
