Flag and history

Patriotic clothing raises two questions that a size chart cannot answer: is it respectful to wear the flag, and what does a design actually mean? These guides answer both with sources you can check.

The U.S. Flag Code, at 4 U.S.C. 8, says the flag should never be used as wearing apparel. The American Legion explains that this applies to real flags, not to printed or knitted designs. Is it okay to wear American flag clothing? walks through what the Code says, what it does not say, and how patches and lapel pins fit in.

Some designs carry history of their own. A shirt reading 1776, or one showing the circle of 13 stars on the Betsy Ross flag, refers to the founding era, and both have picked up other meanings since. 1776 and Betsy Ross flag shirts explains what each one refers to, so you know what you are wearing before you buy.

For what to wear on each patriotic holiday, see the holidays guide.