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The US Government Frowns On Your Flag Clothing

Kate Upton, flagrantly flouting the Senate's recommendations for flag attire. Photo via GQ.
Kate Upton, flagrantly flouting the Senate's recommendations for flag attire. Photo via GQ.

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Dressing in red, white and blue is totally fine, but our government does not endorse wearing reproductions of the American flag on your clothes or accessories. Just how much of a violation is flag apparel? Slate points out that it isn't illegal but instead, simply frowned upon.

As this government document explains, those flag tees and bandanas kind of tarnish the flag's rep, you dig? "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery...The evident purpose of these suggested restraints is to limit the commercial or common usage of the flag and, thus, maintain its dignity," it details. "While wearing the colors may be in poor taste and offensive to many, it is important to remember that the Flag Code is intended as a guide to be followed on a purely voluntary basis to insure proper respect for the flag."
· The United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions [Senate.gov]
· My American Fellows! [Slate]
· 86 Incredible Sales To Celebrate Our Independence [Racked]