Elevate Your Team Spirit with Custom Cheer Flags

Cheerleading is all about energy, excitement, and having as much fun as you can while making a statement. Whether you are helping direct the energy during pep rallies, leading a team onto the field, or making a dramatic impact at cheer competitions, cheer flags are an essential tool for boosting spirit and adding momentum to performances, and Big Tex Banners has all the tools you need.

What Are Cheer Flags?

But what are cheer flags? And how do they make a difference in school pride? Well cheer flags, also called a spirit flag, cheerleading flag, and a field runner flag, are large flags used by cheerleaders, mascots, and cheer squads to pump up the crowd, showcase school pride, and create stunning performances.

These flags are often custom-designed with a school logo, team name, and usually vibrant colors, all intended as a powerful representation of team unity. Sometimes they are even waved by the crowds as well as the cheer squad. This type of flag is usually made from a lightweight fabric, making them easier to wave.

These custom cheerleading flags from represent more than just team spirit though. These team flags represent the best time in their life right now. The friends, games, pep rally’s, the bond’s formed, and the memories made. These custom spirit flags are more than just flags. They are beloved memories that most of them will save, and take out in later years to lovingly “remember the days” when Homecoming and Prom were the biggest things they had to stress over. These spirit flags are treasured mementos, and Big Tex Banners is honored to have a part in that.

Benefits of Custom Cheer Flags

One of the biggest benefits of custom cheerleading flags is their ability to inspire and unite the team. Seeing their school colors, mascot, or slogan proudly displayed on a flag can motivate players, energize fans, and create a sense of unity. Custom spirit flags are designed to stand out in any setting—from football stadiums to basketball courts to cheer competitions. The bold colors and dynamic movement of these school spirit flags immediately grabs attention and keeps the crowd engaged, which change the atmosphere of a game.

Types of Cheer Flags

Not all cheer flags are the same! Depending on the event, routine, or sport, different types of flags can be used to really maximize the visual impact of these. We will go over a few of these custom flags to better understand.

Run-Through Flags

Large, bold, and meant for action flag

A run-through flag, aka field runner flag, is an oversized banner held by cheerleaders or spirit squad members and used during player introductions or touchdowns. These field runner flags are perfect for running across the field flag in hand, or introducing the team, and celebrating big plays, like touchdowns. These field runner flags are typically 3′ x 5′ or 4′ x 6′, with custom flag sizes available.

In the Spirit of Flags

Energetic crowd engagement flag

Spirit flags, or battle flags are slightly smaller than run-through flags and lighter in weight, making these spirit flags easier to wave continuously throughout a game or routine. These custom cheerleading flags are commonly used for cheer routines during halftime. Their goal is to encourage the fans to get louder. The size range for these battle flags is usually 2′ x 3′ to 3′ x 5′.

Competition Cheer Flags

Choreographed routines and synchronized performances

Competition flags, which are also called battle flags as well, are used in choreographed cheerleading routines where teams incorporate dance, tumbling, and stunts. These battle flags are often lightweight and designed to be easy to spin and twirl. The size for these battle flags are generally 3′ x 5′ or smaller so the flag is easy to control.

Breakaway Banners

Dramatic introductions or entrances

Breakaway banners are held by cheerleaders and designed to be torn through as the team enters the field. These banners are made from vinyl or fabric with Velcro seams, allowing for a clean break when players run through. Good for creating excitement at the beginning of the game. The size of this custom flag depends, but typically 6′ x 10′.

Choosing the Right Spirit Flag

Now that you are familiar with the different types of cheer and spirit flags, you can choose the right one for your team or squad. Here is a few factors to keep in mind.

The flag size should match it’s intended use.

• Large 3′ x 5′, for most field runner flags but custom field runner flags are available.
• Medium 2′ x 3′ and 3′ x 5′, for waving and cheering during games and other events.
• Smaller– under 2′ x 3′, for choreographed routines and synchronized performances.

Fabric and Material Choices

Cheer and field runner flags need to be durable yet lightweight, so these spirit flags don’t become a burden. Some of the material choices for the spirit flag, field runner, and battle flags are polyester, nylon, and vinyl.

• Polyester is very lightweight, durable, and resistant to wear.
• Nylon has a smooth texture, and although it is easy to wave, it is slightly heavier than polyester.
• Vinyl is used for breakaway banners because it is heavy duty and waterproof.

To get the most from your field runner flags, consider the fact that since your field runner flag is going to be used a lot outdoors, weather resistant polyester is probably your best choice for longevity.

Handle and Pole Options

Cheer flags and field runner flags are typically attached to a pole or a handle so the field runners have better control. There is usually a vertical pole pocket attached to these spirit and field runner flags. Simply attach the flag pole to the pole pocket for easy carrying, and easy waving at football games, and other sporting events. There are several sizes of field runner flag poles available to choose from.

Designing Your Custom Flags

A cheer flag should be bold, eye-catching, and instantly recognizable, but one of the best things about cheer flags is the customization.

Choose a Striking Color Scheme- Color is one of the most important aspects of a cheer flag’s design. Using contrasting colors improves visibility, but stick to your team’s official colors to maintain brand identity.

Add Graphics & Logos- Your cheer flag should display your team’s mascot, logo, or custom message. Make sure to use high resolution graphics so your image is not pixelated. And try to keep your layout bold and simple. It can be hard to see from a distance if too much is going on.

Pick the Best Font- If adding text, make sure it’s easy to read, use block style fonts to keep it visible. Avoid using script, and use short slogans, like “Go Team”. Remember to keep your text large and well spaced so it is easy to read when the flag is moving.

If you need a custom design, but don’t want to go through the design process, let our design team help you create a custom design. We use quality materials and high resolution printing. Or feel free to use our online design tool to upload your own logo and design to create your own cheerleading flags.

Choosing the Right Size and Material

Flag Size- Large flags (3’ x 5’ or bigger) are great for run-throughs, while smaller flags (2’ x 3’) are better for competitions. Our custom cheer flags come in various sizes, including 3ft x 5ft, 4ft x 6ft, and 5ft x 8ft.

Fabric Choice- Polyester and nylon are lightweight and durable, making them ideal for cheer flags. Made from durable, outdoor-tested polyester material that is designed to withstand various weather conditions. Both are good for print.

Pole Options- There are options when it comes to a flag pole. Fiberglass poles are light yet strong, aluminum poles offer extra durability, and PVC poles are budget-friendly.

Single Sided vs. Double Sided flag

The best thing for your spirit flag, is to use double sided printing. A single sided flag has the design print on one side, with a reverse image on the back. So the back does not have the same vibrant colors printed as the front. Both feature the same print and quality materials

Field Runner Flags: Design and Features

Field runner flags are designed for extended and repeated outdoor use. Made from lightweight nylon fabric, these field runner flags are easy to carry and run with at sporting events. And double sided means you could have your team name or logo on one side, with a mascot or team logo on the other. Custom sizes are available, in addition to the standard sizes of 3’x5’, 4’x6’, and 5’x8’.

Care and Cleaning

Machine wash with cold water on the delicate cycle to keep your custom battle flags looking new. For drying your wet flag, simply hang it out to air dry your custom flags.

Store your flag in a safe place, rolling the material rather than folding it to prevent wrinkles during storage. If your flag wrinkles, use a cool iron with a towel between the iron and the fabric. For vinyl flags, use a hairdryer on low heat to remove wrinkles.

Ordering and Production

Conclusion

Custom cheer flags are a powerful way to ignite school spirit, and engage crowds. Whether you’re leading the charge onto the field, waving your logo at a competition, or celebrating a big win, cheer flags go hand in hand with cherished memories and moments of pride.