Illinois State Flags

Illinois Flag Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Material for the Prairie State

Flying the Illinois State Seal requires a flag that can handle both freezing winters and humid summers. Match your Illinois region to our American-made fabrics:

• For High-Wind & Urban Canyons: We recommend our 2-Ply Tough-Ply Polyester Illinois Flags. This is our most durable fabric, featuring an open-weave design that allows wind to flow through the material. It is the essential choice for Chicago’s lakefront, Springfield, and the open plains of the Northwest.

• For Brilliant Color & Daily Display: Our Heavy-Duty Nylon Illinois Flags are the top choice for homes from Rockford to Carbondale. These flags are treated with specialized UV-inhibitors to protect the intricate details of the State Seal from sun-bleaching, ensuring the eagle and shield stay sharp and vibrant.

• The Tidmore Standard: Every Illinois flag we sell is 100% Made in the USA, FMAA-certified, and strictly follows the Illinois State Flag Act. We ensure the white field is pure and the "Illinois" text is perfectly proportioned.

If you’re not sure whether nylon or polyester is right for your display, check out our guide to the Illinois State Flag Material Guide - What material is best for your location

What Size Illinois Flag Should I Buy?

The right flag size depends on your pole height and location. As a general rule, a standard 20ft residential pole calls for a 3'×5', while a 25ft pole common at Illinois schools and businesses works better with a 4'×6'.

But Illinois wind conditions — from Chicago's lake-effect gusts to the open Central Plains — also affect which size and material holds up best for your specific setup.

See the full Illinois Flag Size Guide →

Can I fly the Illinois flag with the US flag?

Flying the American flag alongside the Illinois state flag creates a respectful, balanced display for homes, businesses, schools, and government buildings. To simplify sizing and ensure proper etiquette, our American flag and Illinois state flag bundle pairs both flags in matched materials, proportions, and finishes for indoor or outdoor use.

The Meaning of the Illinois Flag: State Sovereignty and National Union

The Illinois state flag, as we know it today, was the result of a design contest in 1915 and a final update in 1970. At Tidmore Flags, we honor the "Land of Lincoln" by adhering to these official symbolic requirements:

• The Bald Eagle: Representing the United States, the eagle holds a red ribbon in its beak with the state motto: "State Sovereignty, National Union."
• The Shield: The eagle perched on a rock carries a shield with thirteen stripes and thirteen stars, symbolizing the original thirteen colonies.
• The Dates: The rock features two dates—1818 (the year Illinois became a state) and 1868 (the year the Great Seal was redesigned).
• The Olive Branch: At the base of the rock, the olive branch symbolizes peace and prosperity for the Prairie State.
• Design Accuracy: In 1970, the word "Illinois" was added to the bottom to ensure the flag was easily recognizable.We ensure the typography and seal colors meet the exact standards of the Illinois Secretary of State.