[alvinta]

Hi! Just wanted to stop by and introduce myself to see if I could get the correct information to ensure I don't disrespect the American Flag. I found a website selling flag clothing and I like the designs there. It will be ok to have a t-shirt with the flag on it? Flag-wear Attitude & pride AllCountries flags. The design I like most is United States flags : AllCountries flags - Attitude & Proud flagwear Proud to be an american.

Alvinta

[cal]

Hello, Alvinta!

I'm rather new here myself, but from previous experience I am aware that the US Flag Code says (not verbatim) that the flag shall not be used as apparel. Now, there are a whole lot of apparel manufacturer's and retailer's out there providing this stuff, they may be unaware, don't care... I don't know. Anything for a buck. The one you linked to is out of Australia, so how would they know?
Peter A. will have a definitive answer I'm sure, and maybe there is an accepted allowance of sorts for this industry, but I would say from what I've read in the Code, if you're going to wear the flag it better be unadulterated (not integrated into another design with puppies or something in the middle of it), it should be over your heart, and since the flag is considered a "living thing" your apparel now comes under the rules of respect, display, care and disposal for the flag. Which is probably why they suggest you don't put it on apparel...

[alvinta]

Hi Cal,
Nice to receive a reply so quickly. Thank you very much for your advice. I appreciate it a lot.

Reading the forum "US flags on uniforms and clothing" I am lost. Some members are saying that it as long as the clothing itself is not made of a whole or part of an actual American flag its Ok, some disagree.

what I understand is the website print the design on clothing they are not using a REAL flag.

I will wait for a while before make a decision, may the members of this forum help

Thank you very much,

Alvinta

[Peter Ansoff]

Hi, Alvinta,

Reading the forum "US flags on uniforms and clothing" I am lost. Some members are saying that it as long as the clothing itself is not made of a whole or part of an actual American flag its Ok, some disagree.

I don't blame you for being confused. The problem is that the US "Flag Code" itself is not entirely clear about this point. Here is what it actually says:

The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
. . .
No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.

My interpretation of this would be that you should not use an actual flag, or part of one, as clothing, but that it's OK to have a picture of a flag, or stars-and-stripes decorations, on clothing. This strikes me as reasonable, and it's what seems to be the norm in real life. For example, a person wearing an "Uncle Sam" costume, which is made up of flag motifs, is normally thought to be patriotic rather than disrespectful. However, the words are not perfectly clear, and there is certainly room for disagreement.

Also, the "Flag Code" itself is not enforceable law -- it's just a set of suggestions for how to use and display the flag in a respectful way. You are free to make your own judgement about what you think is proper. Respect isn't just following arbitrary rules; it is showing that you understand the special meaning of the flag as a symbol of our nation.

Best regards,

Peter Ansoff