The Complete Guide to Advertising Flags: Types, Sizes, Bases & Uses
Advertising flags are one of the most eye-catching ways to promote a business, event, product or brand.
Their height and movement naturally attract attention, while their lightweight construction means they can be transported and used in locations where a permanent sign or larger display simply wouldn't be practical.
You'll see advertising flags outside showrooms and shops, at exhibitions, sporting events, festivals, forecourts, open days and corporate events.
But there are several different shapes, sizes and base options available, so which advertising flag should you choose?
In this guide, we'll explain the main types of advertising flags, how single and double-sided printing works, which size to consider, how to choose the right base and what you need to know about using flags outdoors.
What Is an Advertising Flag?
An advertising flag is a portable display consisting of a printed fabric graphic supported by a lightweight pole system and an appropriate base.
Unlike a traditional rectangular flag flying horizontally from a flagpole, modern advertising flags are tensioned into distinctive shapes that keep much of the printed graphic visible even when there is little or no wind.
This makes them ideal for displaying:
- Company branding
- Logos
- Promotional messages
- Event information
- Directional messages
- Product promotions
- Sponsor branding
- Opening or sale messages
At Sussex Banners, our shaped advertising flags are printed onto 117gsm knitted polyester using dye-sublimation printing, producing vibrant full-colour graphics suitable for indoor and outdoor displays.
What Types of Advertising Flag Are Available?
The biggest visual difference between advertising flags is their shape.
Although different styles perform a similar basic job, the shape can influence the appearance of the display and the way your artwork is presented.
Feather Flags
The Feather Flag is one of the most recognisable styles of advertising flag.
Its tall, curved profile provides a substantial area for branding while creating the distinctive shape associated with promotional flags.
Feather Flags are particularly suitable for:
- Exhibitions
- Showrooms
- Car dealerships and forecourts
- Retail locations
- Events
- Business entrances
- Schools and colleges
- Promotional campaigns
They're a good all-round choice when you want a tall, highly visible display with plenty of space for your branding.
Teardrop Flags
A Teardrop Flag has a more rounded profile, with the fabric tensioned into the characteristic teardrop shape.
Because the graphic remains relatively taut, the overall shape is clearly defined and creates a neat, distinctive display.
Teardrop Flags work particularly well for:
- Events
- Sports venues
- Retail promotions
- Business entrances
- Exhibitions
- Forecourts
- Festivals
- Directional displays
If you prefer a compact, curved appearance rather than the longer profile of a Feather Flag, a Teardrop Flag can be an excellent choice.
Crest Flags
Crest Flags provide another distinctive alternative to traditional Feather and Teardrop shapes.
The different outline gives you another way of presenting your branding while retaining the benefits of a portable flag system.
They can be used indoors or outdoors and are particularly useful when you want several coordinated flags to create a strong branded entrance or promotional area.
Fin Flags
Fin Flags are similar in principle to Feather Flags but incorporate a curved lower edge that gives them a distinctive appearance.
They're particularly effective where you want something slightly different from the conventional advertising flag shape.
Fin Flags are suitable for applications including:
- Exhibitions
- Outdoor events
- Showrooms
- Retail locations
- Promotions
- Corporate events
Like our other shaped flags, they are lightweight, portable and available with different base options.
Arch Flags
An Arch Flag is quite different from a conventional upright advertising flag.
Instead, it creates a large branded arch or gateway.
At approximately four metres wide and over three metres tall, our Custom Printed Arch Flag is designed to create a highly visible entrance, start or finish point.
It's particularly suitable for:
- Running events
- Cycling events
- Triathlons
- Charity events
- Festivals
- Corporate events
- Branded entrances
- Start and finish lines
Because people can pass underneath the display, an Arch Flag can also create a strong focal point for event photography and sponsor branding.
Feather vs Teardrop vs Crest vs Fin – Which Should I Choose?
There isn't necessarily a "best" flag shape.
Much of the decision comes down to the appearance you prefer and how your artwork fits the available graphic area.
As a general guide:
Choose a Feather Flag if you want a classic, tall promotional flag with plenty of vertical branding space.
Choose a Teardrop Flag if you prefer a compact, distinctive curved profile.
Choose a Crest Flag if you want an alternative shape that helps your display look different.
Choose a Fin Flag if you like the vertical appearance of a Feather Flag but want a more distinctive curved lower edge.
Choose a Blade Flag if you want a strong contemporary shape or need left- and right-facing flags for a coordinated installation.
Choose an Arch Flag when you want to create a branded entrance, gateway, start or finish point rather than a conventional upright flag.
The best choice can also depend on your artwork. A design that looks excellent on one flag shape may not work as effectively on another.
What Size Advertising Flag Should I Choose?
Advertising flags are available in different sizes because the right height depends on the location and viewing distance.
Our main shaped flag ranges are available in four sizes.
When deciding which one you need, consider:
Viewing Distance
If the flag needs to attract attention from a significant distance, a larger flag can provide greater visibility.
Available Space
An Extra Large flag might look impressive outside a large showroom but could overwhelm a small exhibition stand.
Surroundings
Consider nearby buildings, signs, vehicles, trees and other displays.
Your flag needs sufficient clear space around it to work properly and shouldn't be positioned where the fabric can snag against surrounding objects.
Transportation
Larger flags use larger pole systems, so consider how frequently the display needs to be transported.
Your Artwork
The amount and shape of your artwork can also influence the appropriate size.
Remember that bigger doesn't mean you should add more information. A larger flag can often be more effective with a bigger, simpler message.
What Should I Put on an Advertising Flag?
Advertising flags are usually viewed quickly and often from some distance away.
Keep the design simple.
An effective flag might contain:
- Your logo
- Company or brand name
- One short message
- A simple product or service description
- Directional information
- A strong graphic
Avoid trying to turn a flag into a brochure.
Telephone numbers, lengthy web addresses, multiple bullet points and detailed service lists can become difficult to read, particularly when the flag is moving.
A useful rule is:
If someone only looks at the flag for two or three seconds, what do you want them to remember?
Make that the focus of the design.
How Are Advertising Flags Printed?
Our shaped advertising flags are printed onto 117gsm knitted polyester using a dye-sublimation printing process.
Dye sublimation uses heat to transfer the printed image into the polyester fibres rather than simply leaving a layer of ink sitting on the surface.
This produces vibrant graphics while retaining the lightweight characteristics required for flag applications.
What Does 80–90% Show-Through Mean?
On a standard single-sided flag, the print can be seen from the reverse because the dye penetrates through much of the fabric.
Our standard single-sided flags achieve approximately 80–90% show-through.
There is an important difference, however:
When you view the back of a single-sided flag, the design appears reversed or mirrored.
For many applications, this is perfectly acceptable.
A logo, colour or simple graphic remains clearly recognisable from either direction.
However, text viewed from the reverse will also be mirrored.
Single-Sided vs Double-Sided Flags
This leads to one of the most common questions about advertising flags:
Do I need single or double-sided printing?
Single-Sided Flags
For many applications, single-sided is the best and most economical choice.
You receive a lightweight flag where the image shows through to the reverse at approximately 80–90%.
The reverse image will be mirrored.
Double-Sided Flags
A double-sided flag is constructed differently.
Two printed fabric graphics are used with a blockout membrane positioned between them.
This prevents the artwork on one face showing through to the other, allowing both sides to display correctly.
Double-sided flags are useful when:
- Text must read correctly from both directions
- Different artwork is required on each side
- Both approaches to the display are equally important
There is, however, an important trade-off.
Double-sided flags are considerably heavier than single-sided flags.
That extra weight affects the loading on the pole and base, so the intended installation needs to be considered carefully.
For many applications, a standard single-sided flag will be the more practical option.
Which Flag Base Do I Need?
Choosing the flag itself is only half the decision.
You also need an appropriate base.
The correct flag base depends primarily on:
- Flag size
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Hard or soft ground
- Location
- Expected weather conditions
There is no single base that's right for every situation.
Ground Spikes
Ground spikes are designed for suitable soft ground such as grass or soil.
They are commonly used for:
- Outdoor events
- Festivals
- Sports grounds
- Grass verges
- Temporary promotions
Bases for Hard Surfaces
If you're displaying your flag on concrete, paving, an exhibition floor or another hard surface, you'll need a suitable freestanding base rather than a ground spike.
Depending on the flag and application, options can include cross bases, weighted bases or other purpose-designed flag supports.
Always make sure the base you choose is compatible with the particular flag and size you're ordering.
Can Advertising Flags Be Used Indoors?
Yes.
Although they're commonly associated with outdoor promotions, advertising flags can also make excellent indoor displays.
They're particularly effective in:
- Exhibition halls
- Shopping centres
- Showrooms
- Large reception areas
- Indoor sporting venues
- Conferences
- Retail environments
For indoor use, you'll normally require an appropriate freestanding base rather than a ground spike.
Also consider ceiling height when choosing your flag size.
Can Advertising Flags Be Used Outdoors?
Yes, provided the flag, base and installation are appropriate for the conditions.
Our main shaped advertising flags are designed for indoor and outdoor use and are rated for winds up to Beaufort Force 4, approximately 13–18mph, when appropriately installed.
However, this isn't a target wind speed or a guarantee that a flag can simply be left outside regardless of conditions.
Flags should be dismantled when weather conditions become unsuitable.
What Happens to Flags in Strong Winds?
Wind places additional loading on:
- The fabric
- Stitching
- Pole
- Base
- Bearings and fittings
Heavy rain combined with strong winds can be particularly demanding because the wet fabric becomes heavier at the same time as wind loading increases.
For this reason, advertising flags should be taken down during adverse weather and whenever wind speeds exceed the recommended limit.
How Long Does an Advertising Flag Last?
There isn't an honest answer such as "an advertising flag lasts exactly two years".
A flag is a textile product that moves continually when exposed to wind.
Its lifespan depends on:
- Hours of use
- Wind exposure
- Weather
- UV exposure
- Location
- How it is installed
- Whether it catches against surrounding objects
- How it is stored
- How well it is maintained
For a regularly used outdoor flag, a realistic maximum lifespan can be around six months, although actual lifespan varies considerably according to conditions and usage.
A flag used occasionally at indoor exhibitions could naturally last considerably longer than one flying outside every day.
How Should I Look After My Advertising Flag?
Good care can help maximise the useful life of your flag.
Don't Exceed the Recommended Wind Limit
Take flags down when conditions become unsuitable.
Keep Flags Away From Obstructions
Make sure the fabric isn't repeatedly rubbing or catching against buildings, fences, trees, signs or neighbouring flagpoles.
Allow Wet Flags to Dry
Never pack a wet flag away for storage.
Allow the fabric to dry completely first.
Store It Properly
When the flag isn't being used, dismantle it carefully and store the fabric and pole system somewhere clean and dry.
Inspect It Regularly
If a flag is being used frequently outdoors, periodically check the fabric, stitching, pole and base for signs of wear or damage.
Using Several Flags Together
One flag can attract attention.
Several coordinated flags can create an entire branded area.
This works particularly well for:
- Car dealerships
- Showrooms
- Event entrances
- Festivals
- Sports events
- Schools and colleges
- Retail parks
- Corporate events
When positioning several flags, leave enough space between them to prevent the fabric from catching on neighbouring poles.
You can also alternate colours or designs to create a coordinated sequence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Advertising Flags
What is the best advertising flag?
There isn't one best shape for every application. Feather, Teardrop, Crest, Fin and Blade flags all offer different appearances while providing highly visible portable advertising. The best choice depends on your location, preferred appearance, artwork and available space.
Can you see the design from both sides of a single-sided flag?
Yes. Our standard single-sided flag material provides approximately 80–90% show-through. However, the image on the reverse will appear mirrored.
Do I need a double-sided flag?
Usually only if text needs to read correctly from both directions or you need different artwork on each side. Double-sided flags are heavier than standard single-sided flags, which also needs to be considered when choosing the installation.
How much wind can an advertising flag withstand?
Our main shaped flags are rated up to Beaufort Force 4, approximately 13–18mph, when appropriately installed. Flags should be dismantled in adverse weather or whenever conditions exceed the recommended limit.
Which flag base should I use on grass?
A suitable ground spike is generally the most appropriate option for firm grass or soil, provided it is compatible with your chosen flag.
Which flag base should I use on concrete?
For hard surfaces such as concrete or paving, use a compatible freestanding or weighted base designed for your particular flag.
Can advertising flags be used at exhibitions?
Yes. Advertising flags can make excellent exhibition displays. Choose an appropriate indoor base and make sure the flag height is suitable for the venue and your exhibition space.
Can I leave an advertising flag outside overnight?
We wouldn't recommend treating a portable advertising flag as a permanent outdoor sign. Weather can change considerably overnight, so taking the flag down when it isn't being monitored can help protect the fabric, pole and base.
Which Advertising Flag Should I Choose?
Start by asking yourself five questions:
Where will I use it?
Indoor or outdoor?
What surface will it stand on?
Grass, soil, concrete, paving or an exhibition floor?
How far away will people see it?
This helps determine the appropriate size.
Does text need to read correctly from both directions?
This determines whether single or double-sided construction is appropriate.
Which shape works best with my branding?
Feather, Teardrop, Crest, Fin and Blade flags each create a different visual effect.
Once you know the answers, choosing the right combination of flag shape, size, print option and base becomes much easier.
Advertising Flags from Sussex Banners
At Sussex Banners, we offer a range of custom-printed advertising flags for exhibitions, events, showrooms, retail environments, forecourts and business promotions.
Choose from Feather, Teardrop, Crest, Fin, Blade and other specialist flag systems in different sizes, with base options to suit a variety of locations.
Browse our Advertising Flags range to compare the different options.
If you're unsure which flag, size or base is most suitable, contact Sussex Banners and we'll be happy to help you choose the right display for your application.