U.S. Department of State (DOS) – Pole Hem Flag

Name: U.S. Department of State (DOS) Pole Hem Flag | Official Design
SKU: U.S. Department of State Flag - Sewn

SKU: U.S. Department of State Flag - Sewn

Choose your options Call-in item. Review what you need, then call or request a quote.

Print method

Sides

Fringe or plain

Construction (sewn flags)

Size

Your selection: Review your options above

Call 703-751-2411 or use the Request a Quote button below. Your selection goes with it.

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U.S. Department of State (DOS) - Pole Hem Flag

Official Department of State design on nylon, made in the USA
Printed or sewn; single-sided, double-sided or mirror-sided
Pole hem, plain or with gold fringe
3x5 FT, 4x6 FT, 5x8 FT or a custom size

Product Description

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) Pole Hem Flag is made for indoor and parade display: lobbies, hearing rooms, auditoriums and the ceremonies where the Department of State is represented. It carries the Department of State’s official design on nylon, it is made in the USA, and it is finished with a pole hem, the fabric sleeve that slides over an indoor or parade pole.

This is a call-in item, so you choose the details with us. Order the DOS pole hem flag printed or sewn, single-sided, double-sided or mirror-sided, plain or with gold fringe, in 3x5 FT, 4x6 FT, 5x8 FT or a custom size. Review your options above, then call 703-751-2411 or request a quote and we will confirm the details before production.

The Department of State leads the foreign policy of the United States. It runs embassies and consulates around the world, issues passports and visas, and represents the country in international organizations. Its headquarters is the Harry S Truman Building in Washington, and its Foreign Service officers serve at more than 270 posts abroad.

Choose Your Options

Every U.S. Department of State (DOS) Pole Hem Flag is made to order, so tell us how you want it built. These are the choices.

Pole hem illustration for the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Pole Hem Flag: a sewn sleeve along the hoist edge slides over the pole — Pole hem: a sewn sleeve along the hoist edge

Illustration of an indoor flag with gold fringe on three edges — Fringe: gold rayon trim on three edges

Single-sided flag illustration, front above back: the design is on the front only and the back is blank — Single-sided: design on the front, blank back

Double-sided flag illustration, front above back: two flags sewn back to back so the design reads correctly on both sides — Double-sided: reads correctly on both sides

Mirror-sided flag illustration, front above back: two layers sewn together, with the back a mirror image of the front — Mirror-sided: the back is a mirror image of the front

Printed or sewn: Printed flags are dye-printed on 200 denier nylon, so fine seal detail reproduces exactly. Sewn flags are appliquéd and embroidered by hand in our Alexandria, Virginia shop: each color is a separate piece of fabric stitched to the field, with lettering and fine detail embroidered.
Single-sided, double-sided or mirror-sided: A single-sided flag carries the design on the front only; the back is blank. A double-sided flag is two flags sewn back to back, so the design reads correctly on both sides. A mirror-sided flag is also two layers, but the back is a mirror image of the front.
Fringe or plain: Gold rayon fringe on three edges is the traditional ceremonial finish for an indoor flag. Plain leaves the edges hemmed. Either way the hoist edge gets the pole hem.
Regular or Premium construction (sewn flags): Regular sewn flags are chain stitched. Premium sewn flags are lock stitched, a stronger interlocking stitch, and they carry a separate part number. Printed flags do not need this choice.
Size: 3x5 FT, 4x6 FT, 5x8 FT are standard. For a custom size, give us the finished width and height you need.

Product Features

Official Department of State design: the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Pole Hem Flag carries the Department of State’s official emblem, reproduced to the agency’s design in the finish and size you order.
Nylon field: lightweight nylon that hangs well on an indoor pole and carries cleanly in a parade.
Pole hem finish: a sewn sleeve along the hoist edge that slides over an indoor or parade pole.
Built your way: printed or sewn, single-sided, double-sided or mirror-sided, plain or fringed, in standard or custom sizes.
Made in the USA: every DOS flag we sell is made in the USA.
Matched sets: order one flag or a set for every office, and the finish and size will be the same on each.

Historical Background

The Department of State is the oldest executive department. President George Washington signed the act creating the Department of Foreign Affairs on July 27, 1789, the first agency established under the Constitution, and an act of September 15, 1789 renamed it the Department of State and added domestic duties, including custody of the Great Seal of the United States. It grew out of the Committee of Secret Correspondence of 1775 and the Department of Foreign Affairs of 1781 under the Articles of Confederation. Thomas Jefferson was the first Secretary of State.

The Rogers Act of 1924 merged the diplomatic and consular services into the Foreign Service. The department's seal carries the design of the Great Seal, adopted by the Continental Congress on June 20, 1782, inside a ring reading Department of State, United States of America.

Department of State Flag: Symbolism at a Glance

Eagle facing the olive branch: Peace preferred, with readiness for war.
Thirteen arrows, stripes and stars: The original thirteen states.
Shield without supporters: The United States relying on its own virtue.

Specifications

Product: U.S. Department of State (DOS) Pole Hem Flag
Material: Nylon
Print method: Printed (acid dye on 200 denier nylon) or sewn (appliqué and embroidery)
Sides: Single-sided, double-sided or mirror-sided
Finish: Pole hem along the hoist edge
Decoration: Gold rayon fringe or plain
Construction (sewn flags): Regular, chain stitch; or Premium, lock stitch
Sizes: 3x5 FT, 4x6 FT, 5x8 FT or custom
Display: Indoor and parade
Origin: Made in the USA
Ordering: Call 703-751-2411 or request a quote; this item is not sold online
Hardware: Indoor poles, floor stands and finials are in Hardware and Accessories

Popular Uses & Display Ideas

State Department headquarters and domestic offices
U.S. embassies, consulates and missions abroad
Passport agencies and the Foreign Service Institute
Swearing-in ceremonies, diplomatic receptions and memorial events
Retirement, promotion and award presentations
Post it beside the American flag at a podium, or carry it on a parade pole

Frequently Asked Questions

Which options can I choose on the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Pole Hem Flag?

Printed or sewn; single-sided, double-sided or mirror-sided; plain or with gold fringe; Regular or Premium construction on a sewn flag; and 3x5 FT, 4x6 FT, 5x8 FT or a custom size. Review them above, then call or request a quote.

What is the difference between single-sided, double-sided and mirror-sided?

A single-sided flag carries the design on the front only, and the back is blank. A double-sided flag is two flags sewn back to back, so the design reads correctly from either side. A mirror-sided flag is two layers with the back a mirror image of the front. Double-sided and mirror-sided flags weigh more and need more wind to fly.

Should I order the Department of State flag printed or sewn?

Printed reproduces fine seal detail exactly. Sewn appliqué and embroidery gives the emblem relief and texture, and it is the traditional choice for a ceremonial flag. Both are made in the USA. If you are unsure, tell us where the flag will be displayed and we will recommend one.

What are Regular and Premium construction?

Both are sewn flags. Regular is chain stitched. Premium is lock stitched, a stronger interlocking stitch that holds up to more handling and wind, and it carries a separate part number. Printed flags do not use either grade.

Can the DOS pole hem flag be flown outdoors?

It is built for indoor and parade use. Fringe and a pole hem are ceremonial finishes that wear quickly in weather. For a flagpole, order the DOS grommets flag, which has a canvas header and brass grommets.

How is the Department of State flag flown with the American flag?

The American flag takes the position of honor. On separate poles of the same height it flies on its own right, which is the viewer’s left. When two flags share one halyard, the American flag is at the peak and the Department of State flag flies below it.

How do I order the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Pole Hem Flag?

It is a call-in item. Review your options above, then call 703-751-2411 or send them through our contact page with the quantity you need. We confirm the details before anything goes into production. Agencies that order the DOS flag for several locations can ask about a business account, and we keep the DOS flag design on file so reorders match the first set. Browse the full government agency flag collection for other departments, or read about our appliqué and embroidery work.