choosing the right flag type
At Flagmaker & Print, we want to be the easiest way to Print & Design your flag online. To achieve this, we offer more than 35 ways to print and manufacture your custom flag through our site.
Would you like your flag to be single-sided? Double-sided? A desk flag? A bespoke shape, perhaps? The amount of choice may be overwhelming, so this page breaks down how to choose the right custom flag for you.
All Custom flag types explained
Because all our custom flags are manufactured by hand, we can technically fit them to any size and cut. However, to keep things simple for our team, we bundled our product offering in the four most popular types of flags:
- Single-Sided: One-sided flags for decoration and indoor use.
- Double-Sided: 3-layer and single-layer flag models for outdoors and flag pole use.
- Small Flags: Desk Flags and Hand Waving Flags. These are great for parades, conventions and desk accents.
- Bespoke size and/or cut: This includes specific flag shape and format requests that don't fit our normal offering. For this, see our Custom Order page
Double-sided flags
Our most popular product is the traditional 3x5ft double-sided flags for outdoor purposes. These flags come with a
classical hoist and grommets which can be easily attached to a flagpole or other hanging apparel.
Because they can be seen from both sides, double-sided flags are printed on both the front and back of the flag.
There are two main ways of producing a double-sided flag: The 3-layer (Stitched) or Single Layer (Print-Through) technique.
3-layer double-sided flag
As the name implies, 3-layer flags are created by stitching two single-sided flags together. A third light blocker layer is added in the middle for added strength and durability.
The result is a thick, premium flag that reads perfectly on both sides. However, because these are heavy flags, they will not fly well in low wind conditions.
Single-Layer Double-Sided Flag
Also called a Print-Through flag - single-layer double-sided flags are printed using a special technique. This 'print-through' technique allows ink to be absorbed by two sides of the same polyester sheet, creating a flag where the back (reverse) side is a mirror image of the front.
While in single-sided flags, the back is a white opaque version of the front, with double-sided flags the design is preserved perfectly. However, because of the print-through technique, the back of the flag will always be mirrored: it is not possible, for example, to have legible text on both sides of the flag.
"Love that I can have my flag printed from Inkscape. My cat loves it too!"– Ismael
"We loved this flag! Took it on a trip to Pisa. Long live the Danubian Federation!"– The 'Karl Franz Gang'
"Absolutely phenomenal. I would have expected to pay twice this amount for such quality!"– Ted
Single-Sided Flags
If your flag is intended mostly for indoors use, we recommend choosing a single-sided flag instead. These flags, also called Wall Flags or Display Flags, are intended primarily for decoration purposes.
The back of single-sided flags is unprinted and white - generally showing a white outline of the print on the front of the flag.
Smaller Flags
Occasionally, you may not need a big printed flag, but a small accent or souvenir to liven up an event or convention. In these cases, our Small Flags are an excellent alternative.
Desk flags
Our Desk flags come with an aluminum pole and foot so they can be put up on your desk. The poles can be detached and are screwed in, making these small flags easy to transport and set up in different venues.
Hand-Waving Flags
These flags are mounted on lightweight plastic poles (approximately 40 cm long) with rounded or pointed ends. These are ideal for events, rallies, classroom activities, or handouts at celebrations.
