Rhode Island State Flags

Rhode Island Flag Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Material for the Ocean State

Hoisting the "Hope" banner requires a material that can handle the humidity of the Bay and the high UV bounce-back from the water. Match your region to our American-made fabrics:

• For Shoreline Winds & Salt Exposure: We recommend our 2-Ply Tough-Ply Polyester Rhode Island Flags. This is our "Seacoast-Grade" fabric, designed specifically for Bristol, Westerly, and South Kingstown. The 2-ply construction is vital for the Rhode Island flag because its unique square-leaning proportions create different wind-load patterns than rectangular flags.

• For Brilliant Color & Quick-Drying: Our Heavy-Duty Nylon Rhode Island Flags are the #1 choice for homes in Cranston, Pawtucket, and East Greenwich. These flags are vapor-jetted with specialized UV-inhibitors to protect the "Golden Anchor" and the 13 stars from sun-bleaching, ensuring the white field stays a crisp, brilliant white.

• The Tidmore Standard: Every Rhode Island flag we sell is 100% Made in the USA, FMAA-certified, and strictly follows the Rhode Island General Laws § 42-4-3. We ensure the yellow silk (or gold thread) fringe is available for indoor/ceremonial versions as required by law

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

What size Rhode Island should I buy?

Unlike most state flags that follow a 2:3 or 3:5 ratio, the Official Rhode Island Flag has unique proportions (almost square). While Tidmore Flags produces the official 29:33 ratio for government use, most residential customers prefer the standard 3x5ft version for outdoor flagpoles. Before you order, see our Rhode Island State Flag Size Guide to learn why a 20ft residential pole typically requires a 3x5ft flag, whereas a 25ft pole—common for Narragansett Bay marinas—is better suited for a 4x6ft design.

The Meaning of the Rhode Island Flag: Hope and the Sea

Adopted in 1897, the Rhode Island flag is one of the most recognizable in the Union. At Tidmore Flags, we honor the "Ocean State" by adhering to these official symbolic requirements:

• The Golden Anchor: A symbol of Rhode Island’s maritime heritage and its state motto, "Hope." The anchor was first used as a state symbol in 1647.

• The 13 Gold Stars: These represent the Original 13 Colonies and Rhode Island’s status as the 13th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

• The White Field: Traditionally representing the state's desire for peace and the white-capped waves of the Atlantic.

• The Blue Ribbon: We ensure the "HOPE" motto is perfectly centered on the blue scroll beneath the anchor, rendered in the correct gold lettering.

• Historical Accuracy: We use the official gold-to-white color ratio to ensure your flag doesn't look "washed out" when displayed against the bright New England sun.