There is no standard size flag but there are standard proportions for flags. Each national flag has its own recommended proportions, e.g. the UAE flag's proportions are 1:2. The fly is twice as long as the hoist. Most flags in UAE are made in this proportion even though some provincial flags have designated different proportions.
The rule of thumb is 1:4, e.g. a 7.5 foot wide flag should be mounted on a 30 foot pole. Of course, there are some variances. An 8 foot roof mount pole should have a 6 foot flag, not a 2 foot flag because of the distance from the viewer on the ground.
The rule of thumb for stern mounted flags is 1 inch for each foot of boat length. The flag size also has to take into consideration the length of the boat pole and its angle of mount over the water. Courtesy flags are usually about 18" in length.
Manufacturers do not guarantee flags because there are so many variables to their use. A flag that is only flown occasionally will last for decades. A flag that is flown on top of a 15 story building may have to be changed every 3 months. If you are not satisfied that your Planflags' flag or banner has lasted as long as it should, please contact us.
Flag protocol varies in different nations. Most countries stipulate that the national flag holds the place of honour by flying it higher, or it may be larger.
Normally it is recommended that you have a separate pole for each flag, however there are special times when a second flag can be flown on the same staff as a flag. When flying other flags next to a main country flag, they should all be the same size and at the same height. Marine flag poles have several different arms [gaff, crossbars, etc] for more than one flag. If you could rig an "arm" on your flagpole that would suffice. Otherwise, you need two poles. If that is not an option, fly the other flag on a temporary staff or drape it from the building somehow.
There is no legislated protocol in developing a new flag but there are some basic design recommendations which will ensure that your flag projects your concept. Heraldic scholars will offer you many dos and don'ts regarding colours and placements. Here are the Planflags recommendations. Keep it simple. Don't use words on the flag, unless they are a motto in a shield. Let the design speak for you. Juxtapose colours that have good contrast so the design is clear. Remember that, if you are going to reproduce the flag by screenprinting, every colour requires a screen. If cost is important, the fewer the number of colours the better. Choose strong colours which have high UV resistance. Pale colours fade quickly. Do not deface another national flag to be the base of your own new flag. If you wish to send your design to Planflags before it is fabricated, we will be pleased to critique it for you. No charge!
Flags may be displayed vertically. The canton of the flags must be on the upper left corner.
It is not acceptable to deface a flag.
A flag may be lowered to half-mast to honour anyone that is important to you. Normally, you lower it on the day the person dies and leave it lowered until after the funeral, or about one week, whichever is shorter. To half-mast a flag, first you raise it fully, and then lower it approximately one flag width. When taking the flag down, you raise it to full position, then lower it completely.
There is no standard size for a pennant or a burgee. Most yacht clubs burgees are about 18" on the fly.
Flags should all be hung with the canton in the upper left corner. With a symmetrical flag, it does not really show, but if they have ropes and toggles, rather than grommets, the toggle is next to the canton. To display the flags, the host country should always be on the left from the point of view of the spectators, followed by the other countries in alphabetical orders. No flag should be bigger than the host country's flag.
It should break at the top of the pole. The flag is folded 4 times and the halyard is wrapped around it and tucked in so it can be hoisted to the top, then given a tug to unfurl.
