What is a Single Reverse Flag?

A single reverse flag is a type of flag construction where the design appears correctly on one side and as a mirror image on the other.

Understanding the Single Reverse Flag

According to a common explanation, a single side reverse flag is one that reads correct on the front side of the flag and is a mirror image, or reverse, on the back side of the flag. This is a standard construction method for many types of flags.

Essentially, the flag's design or text is printed or applied onto one piece of fabric. The ink or dye bleeds through the fabric (or the design is applied to be visible from both sides), resulting in the reverse side showing the design flipped horizontally.

Here's how the two sides typically appear:

• Front Side: The design, including any text, reads correctly from left to right. This is considered the "correct" side.
• Back Side: The design is visible but appears as a mirror image. Any text on this side will read backward.

This construction method is cost-effective and suitable for designs that are symmetrical or for flags where visibility from a distance is key, and the readability of text on the back side is less critical. Many national flags and decorative flags are made this way.

In contrast, a "double-sided" or "double-ply" flag uses two pieces of fabric sewn together, often with a liner in between. This allows the design to read correctly on both sides, but these flags are typically heavier and more expensive. The single reverse flag is the simpler and more common construction.