DuraFlag vs Standard Polyester vs Nylon: Which Flag Lasts Outdoors?

For a flag that flies outdoors regularly, the best choice in our range is the DuraFlag: 150gsm knitted polyester, dye printed, with four rows of stitching on the fly end. Standard woven polyester flags are the cost-effective option for indoor or occasional outdoor use, and 210D nylon flags are light enough to fly in a gentle breeze. No flag is permanent outdoors, but the right fabric makes a real difference.

The three flag types at a glance

Standard woven polyester flags

Our standard flags, the Flagtex range, are made from 100% woven polyester and screen printed in bold, clear colours, with a mirror image on the reverse. They have double-sewn edges on all sides and a header band with two metal eyelets on the hanging side. They come in small 3ft x 2ft, standard 5ft x 3ft and large 8ft x 5ft.

We describe them as suitable for indoor or occasional outdoor use. This is the cost-effective range, with over 1,200 designs in stock, so it is where you will find the widest choice of countries, counties, causes and themes. They are ideal for events, parties, sports matches, classrooms, clubhouses and decorating a room. They will fly outdoors, but if a flag is going to stay up on a pole for weeks at a time, a heavier fabric will usually serve you better.

You can browse the whole range under flags, or see the Union Jack flag as an example.

Nylon flags

Our nylon flags are made from 210 denier nylon with eyelets, and are available in 3x2 and 5x3 on popular designs such as the Union Jack. Nylon is lighter than our other fabrics and has a slight sheen. Because it is light, it lifts and flies in a lighter breeze, so the flag is more likely to be seen flying rather than hanging limp on a still day.

That makes nylon a good fit for sheltered gardens, low-wind spots and occasions where you want the flag to move and catch the light. If your pole is in an exposed spot, a heavier fabric is the safer choice.

DuraFlag: our premium outdoor flag

We released the DuraFlag range in 2017 as our premium stock flag. It is made from 150gsm knitted polyester, around 50% heavier and of a higher quality than the industry standard 115gsm. The design is dye printed, giving near 100% colour show-through on the reverse, so it reads clearly from both sides as a mirror image.

The construction is where it earns its place outdoors. Fraying usually starts at the fly end, the free edge that takes the most punishment in the wind, so DuraFlags have four rows of stitching there, plus double-sewn edges and a reinforced header. They come with rope and toggle, or clips on some sizes, for use on a flagpole with a halyard.

DuraFlags also come in more sizes. The Union Jack DuraFlag, for example, comes in a 20x12in courtesy size, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 yard, 5ft x 3ft and 8ft x 5ft, which makes it easier to match the flag to your pole. See the full DuraFlag range.

The honest answer: no flag lasts forever

In our own words: "There is no such thing as a permanent outdoor solution, as flags will of course eventually wear when up against the elements." Wind, sun, rain and salt air all take their toll, and flying a flag day and night greatly shortens its life compared with flying it in daylight only.

As a rough industry guide, lightweight 115gsm knitted flags last about 3 to 6 months of continuous outdoor flying, while heavier fabrics last around 6 to 12 months or more. These are not promises. A flag on an exposed coastal pole flown 24/7 will wear far faster than one on a sheltered pole flown at weekends. Our guide to how long a flag lasts outdoors goes into this in more detail.

How to make any flag last longer

• Take it down in strong winds; UK makers commonly suggest above about 31 mph (Beaufort force 6).
• Fly it from sunrise to sunset rather than around the clock.
• Trim and re-hem the fly end at the first sign of fraying.
• Own two flags and rotate them, so one rests while the other flies.
• Wash it following the care label and dry it fully before storing. See how to wash and care for a flag.

Which should I buy?

A flag for your garden flagpole, flown most days

Choose a DuraFlag. The heavier fabric, stitching and rope and toggle fitting are made for regular outdoor flying, and the yard sizes help you match the flag to the pole.

A flag for a party, match or one-off event

A standard polyester flag is the sensible choice. It looks bright and clear, the range of designs is wide, and you are not paying for durability you will not use.

A flag for indoor display

Standard polyester works well on a wall, in a window or in a hall, where wear is not a concern.

A flag for a sheltered spot with little wind

Consider nylon. It lifts in a lighter breeze, so it is more likely to fly rather than hang.

A flag for an exposed or coastal site

Choose a DuraFlag, consider going down a size, and take it down in strong winds. Expect to replace it sooner than you would on a sheltered site.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best flag material for outdoors?

In our range, DuraFlag, which is 150gsm knitted polyester with extra stitching on the fly end. It is designed for indoor or outdoor use, including regular outdoor flying.

Can standard polyester flags go outside?

Yes, for occasional outdoor use. For a flag that stays on a pole for long periods, a DuraFlag is the better choice.

Is nylon better than polyester for flags?

Nylon is lighter, with a slight sheen, and flies in a lighter breeze. That suits sheltered spots. For exposed sites and regular outdoor flying, we recommend the heavier DuraFlag.

How long will a DuraFlag last?

It depends on wind, sun, coastal air and whether it flies 24/7. Heavier fabrics typically last longer than lightweight 115gsm flags, but no flag is permanent outdoors.

For a flag that is built to fly outdoors, browse our DuraFlag range, or see our full selection of flags for indoor and occasional use.