Which is better for an outdoor flag - nylon or polyester?
Shopping for an outdoor flag isn’t easy. You’ll need to know enough about the materials to help you determine which options suit your needs. Out of the five materials commonly used to make flags, though, only nylon and polyester fit the bill. If you can’t decide between the two, here’s a guide to help you.
The material is lightweight, which is a plus, the Classroom says. That quality makes it easy for nylon flags to fly in the breeze, which is what a flag should look like. In addition, the material is shiny, which is ideal if you’re putting up a flag made of bright colors. The shiny material makes your flag stand out even more. If that’s one of your goals, then this is a good option for you. Another point in its favor is that nylon flags are cost-effective. They’re affordable, which is one of the reasons why nylon is a popular choice. Many nylon options also have fast-drying properties.
The drawback of using nylon is that the material isn’t as durable as, say, polyester. However, you can check out options that have been specially treated to ensure superior resistance to ultraviolet exposure. They don’t last as long, but the low cost makes up for that. If you want flags for the short term, nylon options are your best bet. If you want them to last longer, though, move on to polyester.
The material is durable and can outlast nylon. If the flags are exposed to extreme weather conditions regularly, shop for options made of polyester. These are sturdy, and some come with reinforced lock stitching in the seams, which helps the flags last even longer. All these qualities make polyester the best choice when you look for outdoor flags. And while both polyester and nylon have fast-drying capabilities, only polyester has better water-wicking qualities as well.
The colors on a polyester flag aren’t rendered as bright or shiny, unlike nylon flags. If you want shiny, bright colors, you may need to swap with nylon. The duller surface of polyester flags may be an issue if you plan on using it for certain events. Also, because polyester is heavier, it doesn’t fly as easily as nylon. You need to wait until a proper breeze is around if you want to see the flag fly.
Which One is Right for You?
Polyester is more durable. However, that doesn’t automatically mean that it’s the best choice for you. Nylon offers bright and shiny colors. To determine which material is right for your flag banners, consider your needs. Do you want to save on costs? Are you looking for flags that you’ll only use for the short term? Then nylon fits the bill. On the other hand, if you’re shopping for flag options that will withstand rough weather conditions and last you a lot longer, then go for polyester flags instead. By knowing the pros and cons of nylon and polyester, you’ll have no problem deciding which option suits you.