Feather Flags Buyers Guide

Custom printed feather flags are a popular outdoor advertising product. They are a fantastic combination between traditional flags and banners, which is why they are sometimes also referred to as feather banner stands. Unlike normal flags, they are not reliant on the wind to be clearly visible as the material is stretched over a flexible tensioned frame ensuring your marketing message can always be seen. Feather flags come in all shapes and sizes so we have outlined the key features to help you choose the right solution.

Uses for feather flags:

• Product Launches
• Forecourt garage signage
• Event Branding
• Creating an arena
• Promotions
• Store openings
• Concert and shows
• Real estates sales

Considerations when choosing the best flag for you:

• Weather resistance
• Print quality
• The base
• Flag fabric
• Shape and size

Let's start with why are they called feather flags? Quite simply because they are shaped like a feather and are light weight. Despite the fact that feather flags can be seen everywhere today, the idea is not new, in fact feather flags as you see them now were around in the early 1980’s to promote business and services. Originally they were just a top arm which held the flag out in light winds, but today manufacturing techniques and materials have led to many different styles. Unlike static forms of outside advertising these flags move in the wind which helps attract attention making them ideal for outdoor events.

Some other terms you may hear for feather flags:

• Sail Flags
• Teardrop Flags
• Banner flags
• Bow flags
• Swooper Flags

Digital printing has revolutionised customised displays over the last few years making single prints affordable even when they are in full colour. Flags are printed using a dye sublimation process. This process infuses the image into the weave of the material giving it a long outdoor life.

Although double sided flags are possible, feather flags need to be light so they are nearly always printed single sided. This means the message is a mirror image on the back. As with all printing, our advice is to make sure you use an experienced company to ensure you get crisp images, bright text and UV stable inks that will last outdoors.

You will come across some stock feather flags such as "store opening" and "sale" but most feather flags are custom printed, allowing you to display a personalised marketing message or your company's branding.

Although traditionally the shape is similar to a feather, these advertising flags now come in a number of shapes; concave, convex, angled, straight, teardrop or rectangular. They all behave in a similar fashion, so it really comes down to personal choice and the type of design you want printed. Teardrop flags have a smaller available space to promote your brand than feather flags, so bear this mind.

Frames used for sail flags tend to be made from either aluminium or fibreglass. There is not a lot to choose between the two materials. They both come in sections that push together, so they are easy to transport and store. As with all displays quality comes at a price.

Look out for cheaper fibreglass options, they may crack and break and only last a few days. These are cost effective advertising displays, but they have to stand up to the rigours of being used outdoors so spending a little more will pay off in the long run.

Alongside different shape flags you will also see a variety of bases that hold the flag securely. The type of base you choose will depend on the environment in which you will place the flag and how often you will transport it around. For example, ground spikes work great for soft ground like dirt, whereas metal bases are ideal for hard flat ground. Fillable bases are very strong but are not as lightweight as other bases. The table below highlights some common bases and their defining features: