The US flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery.
Every Fourth of July, your social media pages are sure to be filled with friends and followers wearing clothing with the American Flag on it. From swimsuits to flip-flops to sunglasses, everyone celebrating Independence Day is sure to be wearing something patriotic.
According to the Section 8 of the U.S. Flag Code, the act of wearing anything with the image of the American Flag on it is to be considered "disrespectful."
"The flag should never be carried flat, or horizontally, but always aloft and free."
An American flag covers the field before an NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in Philadelphia.
At major sporting events, an American Flag is brought out to cover the field or court during the singing of the national anthem. Despite being used in an innocent sense during the anthem, having the flag held horizontal to the ground is not considered to be appropriate.
"The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat."
Having an American Flag draped on any portion of a vehicle or boat is considered disrespectful to the flag. A flag is allowed to be on a car, boat or train, but there are specific requirements needed.
"The [flag] staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender," according to Section 7 of the U.S. Flag Code.
"No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform."
Despite being seen on costumes or portions of a myriad of different uniforms, only a flag patch is deemed appropriate by the code.
"A flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations."
According to the code, the flag itself is considered to be a living thing since it represents a living country. Therefore when the flag is used as a lapel flag pin, it must be worn on the left lapel and close to the heart.