Wearing the American flag is one of the best ways to show gratitude for the great country we call home. Some patriotic apparel brands even manufacture their clothing here in the states, so you’re supporting American companies while practicing patriotism - two birds, one stone.
The problem is, you’re probably seeing the American flag displayed in different ways from one brand to the next. Sometimes it’s on the left sleeve; in other cases, it’s on the right. Sometimes, the flag is reversed. So, what sleeve does the American flag go on?
The truth is, you can technically wear the flag on either sleeve. The US Code doesn’t dictate where the flag should be positioned. You could make the case for either sleeve. We’ll talk more about proper etiquette for wearing Old Glory below.
But if you just want to get the most comfortable, durable, well-made patriotic clothing for men or patriotic women's clothing, look no further. We here at RiserUnited honor the flag and all that it stands for with apparel that embodies the gratitude and resilience of the American heart.
What Sleeve Does the American Flag Go On?
So what sleeve does the American flag go on? Whether it’s for military uniforms, law enforcement attire, or everyday casual wear, the last thing you want is to inadvertently cause offense with how the flag is displayed.
The good news is you really don’t have too much to worry about regarding proper American flag placement on sleeves. There are a few other pieces of etiquette you’ll want to keep in mind, though.
Is There Really a “Proper” American Flag Placement on Sleeve?
Technically the U.S. Flag Code doesn’t specify an official rule for which sleeve the American flag should be worn on civilian clothing. The rule of thumb is that it needs to be displayed with respect and symbolism in mind. So what does that mean?
If the flag is worn on the left sleeve it should be placed normally - with the stars (union) in the top left corner and the stripes flowing horizontally toward the back.
On the right sleeve, however, the flag needs to be reversed so that the stars face forward (toward the wearer's chest) and the stripes flow toward the back. The symbolism here is that the flag always advances, never retreats. It’s like a flag waving in the wind as a soldier moves forward in battle.
This is our preferred placement for our own clothing featuring the American flag at RiserUnited. We believe It does a better job symbolizing strength, momentum, and forward movement.
Additional Etiquette for Wearing the American Flag on Sleeves
Beyond what sleeve the American flag should be placed on there are a few other things you need to keep in mind to avoid disrespecting Old Glory and those who have fought for her. These include:
- The flag should never be worn as an article of clothing itself. Don’t get us wrong, we love flag-inspired designs on t-shirts and apparel. But draping, cutting, or altering an actual flag into clothing is considered disrespectful.
- The flag must be displayed cleanly, without distortion. A wrinkled, faded, or misshapen flag patch doesn’t honor the flag the way it should. That’s why embroidered patches are the way to go. They have much more staying power than printed designs.
- Avoid placing the flag lower than other logos or symbols. The flag should hold a position of prominence and should not be overshadowed by other design elements.
- Be mindful of alterations or stylized versions. While creative designs inspired by the flag can be patriotic, recoloring, distorting, or over-stylizing the flag can take away from its true symbolism.
A couple of other quick hitters we want to mention as far as what not to do. The flag should never be placed upside down. There shouldn’t be any text placed over an image of the American flag either.
Other Ways the American Flag Can Be Worn on Clothing
Aside from wearing the American flag on shirt and sweatshirt sleeves there are a few other ways you might incorporate it into patriotic outfit ideas. Here are some of our favorites.
American Flag Placement on Jackets and Outerwear
There’s a bit more flexibility in where the American flag can be placed on jackets and outerwear. While it can also go on one of the sleeves, it’s also commonly added to the chest or back.
It needs to follow the “stars before bars” rule for sleeve placement. When worn on the chest, though, it needs to be placed on the left side, over the heart, as this is considered a place of honor. The flag can be showcased in its proper orientation on the back of a jacket.
Patriotic Hats and Headwear With the American Flag
Hats are one of the most versatile and widely accepted ways to wear the flag in daily life, be it baseball caps, beanies, or bucket hats. Flag patches, embroidered stars and stripes, or subtle flag-themed elements are easy ways to show patriotism.
A flag patch on the front or side of a hat is always an appropriate placement. However, the flag cannot be placed upside down just like in clothing.
Flag-Inspired Graphic Tees and Subtle Designs
You can’t go wrong wearing patriotic shirts for men in your everyday life, whether you’re relaxing at home or hitting the gym. This is one of the best ways to wear your values.
There’s quite a bit more room for creative freedom with this approach - provided the design upholds the flag’s integrity, of course. For example, a small flag print on the chest/sleeve keeps the design understated and respectful when you don’t want to make a grandiose statement.
Meanwhile, vintage or distressed flag graphics can add character while keeping the traditional flag orientation in place. One thing we don’t love seeing, though, is full-flag designs draping across the shirt.
Another thing we recommend is avoiding designs that make the flag appear torn, incomplete, or improperly displayed. These can be seen as offensive. On that note, it’s important you take good care of your American flag apparel to prevent it from getting this way over time.
Purchasing high-quality apparel from a trusted brand is a great way to ensure you’re getting shirts built to withstand the test of time. For that, RiserUnited has you covered
Wear Your Gratitude and Look Good Doing it With RiserUnited
We believe what you wear should reflect what you stand for. Our apparel is nothing like most patriotic clothing - it’s not loud or divisive. Rather, we focus our attention on quiet gratitude, craftsmanship, and quality that lasts.
Everything we make is designed with purpose and integrity. We bring our clothing to life through American craftsmanship and only the best materials so you can rest assured your shirt or hoodie will last. In fact, some of our clothing is guaranteed for life.
Some of our men’s patriotic hoodies, specifically our US Navy hoodie collection, feature the American flag on the right sleeve, reversed in orientation to keep stars before bars. You can’t go wrong with these if you want to bring the American flag with you throughout the day.
Or, check out some of our more subtle, everyday patriotic wear. You can honor American values however you see fit here at RiserUnited. We stand behind our products with a commitment to fairness, transparency, and customer satisfaction because quality and trust go hand in hand.
So, wear gratitude and craftsmanship in everything you do by wearing RiserUnited.
Final Words on the Proper American Flag Placement on Sleeve
So, what sleeve does the American Flag go on? The key takeaway is there isn’t exactly a one-size-fits-all approach to the proper American flag placement on sleeves.
But whether it’s put on the left or right sleeve, keeping the alignment “stars before bars” is really what matters most. This means it needs to be reversed on the right sleeve. We hope this brief conversation has provided you with some clarity on wearing the American flag with honor.
You know why patriotism is important, and you also realize this is the best way to show gratitude in your daily life. So stock up on apparel that embodies the ethos of American craftsmanship and wear what you stand for today. Get patriotic shirts and hoodies at RiserUnited.
