From patches to pins, shirts to boxers, capes to hats, flags are a colorful and distinctive addition to a modern outfit. They can show pride in one’s home country, or they can add a touch of exoticism or display the countries a well-heeled traveler has toured. Flags are an important symbol to many people, so regardless of the intent to wear them, etiquette requires that someone who wants to buy and display flag apparel respect what they symbolize. Especially in patriotic countries like America, the personal significance of the flag can differ from person to person. The key is to balance the respect for such a powerful symbol with your own personal expression.
The first rule of thumb when dealing with national flag apparel is to pay close attention to the customs associated with the various nations. In the modern age, it is custom that wearing clothing designed to resemble a flag is a sign of devotion to the country that it comes from. However, this was not always universally the case. The United States has a set of legal codes that govern the “proper” wearing of flag-related apparel, and while laws protecting freedom of expression make the codes technically unenforceable, there are certain social taboos related to these flag codes, especially among current or retired service members.
Other cultures are not so stringent, but it still pays to be aware of customs and codes before buying national flag boxers on the internet (though other flag apparel such as lapel pins are more universally tolerated). The UK, for instance, has no single flag code. In Germany, wearing the national flag has only recently reached tacit acceptance at sporting events. In a reversal, Israel’s flag was based on a Jewish prayer shawl. In Japan, the flag design is commonly worn on headbands without stigma, and the Danish flag is a commonly observed sign of good fortune due to its rich historical background.
In most countries, however, some common rules (whether formal or informal) apply. Disrespecting the flag—even on flag apparel—is discouraged, though what qualifies as disrespect varies from culture to culture and person to person. It is impossible to satisfy every potential complaint all of the time, but many social norms are common between cultures. For instance, writing on flag apparel is usually discouraged, and advertising on it even more heavily discouraged. Using a flag pattern in bikini wear or bra may be also taboo (and in some countries such as Brazil, illegal). Finally, using a flag itself as clothing is often a severe sign of disrespect.
As stated before, flag apparel comes in more varieties than just clothing. Flag accessories can be a relatively uncontroversial way to show support for a country. Pins, charms, and keychains are just a few of the kinds of accessories one can add either out of a sense of patriotism or internationalism. Whether you conservatively adhere to tradition or break out and try your own, make sure that your decision reflects your own sense of style.
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