New York State Flags

New York Flag Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Material for the Empire State

Hoisting the "Excelsior" banner requires a material that can handle New York’s intense geography—from the humidity of the Hudson Valley to the freezing winds of the Tug Hill Plateau. Match your region to our American-made fabrics:

• For High-Wind & Coastal Regions: We recommend our 2-Ply Tough-Ply Polyester New York Flags. This is our "Weather-Warrior" fabric, designed specifically for Long Island, Staten Island, and Rochester. The 2-ply construction is engineered to resist the "whiplash" fraying caused by the relentless winds of the Atlantic and Lake Ontario.

• For Brilliant Color & Quick-Drying: Our Heavy-Duty Nylon New York Flags are the #1 choice for homes in Westchester, Saratoga Springs, and the Finger Lakes. These flags are vapor-jetted with specialized UV-inhibitors to protect the deep "Navy Blue" field and the golden sun from sun-bleaching during long summer days.

• The Tidmore Standard: Every New York flag we sell is 100% Made in the USA, FMAA-certified, and strictly follows the 2020 State Budget Legislative Update. We ensure your flag includes both official mottos for modern compliance.

If you’re not sure whether nylon or polyester is right for your display, check out our guide to the best flag materials for New York weather to match your material to your wind, sun, and weather conditions.

What size New York Flag should I buy?

While our Heavy-Duty Nylon is the standard for color, and our 2-Ply Polyester is built for Upstate winds, the most important factor in a professional display is the scale. Before you order, see our New York State Flag Size Guide to learn why a 20ft residential pole typically requires a 3x5ft flag, whereas a 25ft pole—common for CUNY/SUNY campuses and local businesses—is better suited for a 4x6ft design.

The Meaning of the New York Flag: Ever Upward

Originally adopted in 1778 and most recently updated in 2020, the New York flag is a map of American liberty. At Tidmore Flags, we honor the "Empire State" by adhering to these official symbolic requirements:

• The 2020 Update (E Pluribus Unum): Following the 2021 State Budget, the secondary motto "E Pluribus Unum" (Out of many, one) was added below the primary motto. We ensure all our New York flags are updated to this latest legal standard.

• Liberty and Justice: The shield is supported by two figures. Liberty (left) holds a staff with a Phrygian cap and has a discarded crown at her feet, symbolizing freedom from the British monarchy. Justice (right) is blindfolded, representing impartiality and the rule of law.

• The Hudson River Scene: The central shield depicts a ship and a sloop on the Hudson River, bordered by a grassy shore and the Highlands, representing the state's vital role in domestic and foreign commerce.

• The Eagle and Globe: Above the shield, an American bald eagle perches atop a world globe, facing right (a symbol of good omen) and representing New York’s global influence.

• Excelsior: The primary motto, "Excelsior," remains at the heart of the design, translating to "Ever Upward"—a testament to the state's persistent spirit of progress.