Flags come in a variety of different materials.

Historically flags were made of cotton, silk, and even wool or canvas. These days however they are made of synthetic materials.

Synthetic materials such as polyester have the advantage of being easy to produce and hard wearing. There are three basic types.

Printed polyester

The most popular flags on the market. Usually they will be 5' x 3' and will have two holes at one end for fixing.

They can differ slightly in quality but most are churned out by factories in the far east. During the last world cup a glut meant that some were selling for as little as 50p each. These tended to be of exceptionally low quality though most around at the moment are OK.

These flags are very light, they are suitable for indoor and for flagpoles where wind is at a premium. They flutter in slight breezes and can last a long time. But like all flags it pays to bring them in during especially bad weather.

Woven Polyester

This is a much heavier material, these flags will usually come with a rope and toggle. 

Woven flags can be printed but usually the design is sewn as you would expect in a 'proper flag'. They are made to be hard wearing but can still fray at the ends in strong winds. Dont forget that the 'crack' you hear when a flag is flying is the flag breaking the sound barrier!

Recommended for flagpoles in more windy areas. 

These flags will often sell for £25 upwards depending on the size but they are more classy than their printed cousins.

Nylon

Nylon flags are usually made tough nylon. The design can be either printed or sewn.

They are hard wearing and a good cheaper alternative to the wocen flags and are recommended for such places as cliff top hotels!

The thinner ones will still flutter in decent breeze.

Places like the England Store sell these for around £10.