Fabric Parade Banners vs Vinyl Parade Banners

Parade Banners – Your introduction to the crowd

The main purpose of a parade banner is to introduce your group, team, school, or business to parade spectators. As your group approaches marches through the procession route, the parade banner will be one of the first things they see as you approach.

Having a custom banner that tells people about your organization, contact info, and possibly achievements. Whether you are a marching band or sports team, custom parade banners can relay a variety of information.

Parade Banner Material Choices

A custom parade banner goes a long way to introduce your group to the crowd. Before deciding what info you want on your banner, you will need to decide what banner material you want to go with.

The three most common choices are paper, vinyl, or fabric parade banners. Knowledge about the features and benefits each option can help you decide which banner option will work best for your needs.

Paper Parade Banners

Paper parade banners are a common banner type for smaller affairs. They are easy to make and can be a really inexpensive option. While a paper banner can be the easiest and cheapest option, there are numerous negatives.

• PRO – Paper Parade Banners are inexpensive and easy to make.
• CON – Usually only good for one use, poor outdoor durability.
• CON – Extremely lightweight and easily effected by windy conditions or rain.
• CON – Not very professional looking, not recommended for a business or large organization.
• CON – No Pole Pockets for banner pole.

Vinyl Banners

Vinyl Banners are the most common type you will find at a parade. Vinyl Banner material is a rugged and durable material. PVC material can accept high resolution graphics or cut lettering to display the details of your club or school. Also, pole pockets make the banner easy to install a banner pole for displaying your sign.

Usually a pole pocket is installed on both top and bottom of the banner. This allows for a counterweight to be inserted in the bottom pole pocket. This helps to ensure the banner displays better in windy conditions. Below you will find a breakdown of the pros and cons of vinyl banners being used as a parade banner.

• PRO – PVC Banners offer excellent outdoor durability.
• PRO – Offers convenience of being displayed using a banner pole inserted into pole pocket.
• PRO – Fast Production times, digitally printed artwork provides crisp images for best results.
• PRO – Variety of finishing options and accessories for your custom parade banner including grommets.
• PRO – Easy to find at an online supplier or local store in your town.
• CON – A vinyl banner must be rolled up for storage, limiting storage options.
• CON – Printed graphics on pvc banners can be scratched if not handled or stored correctly effecting future use..
• CON – Heavier vinyl material can the the weight of the banner with pole.
• CON – The look of a vinyl banner can be plain and give your custom banner a plastic appearance.
• CON – Can become stiff and brittle in extremely cold weather.

Fabric Banners for Parades

Finally the oldest and most traditional option for custom banners is a fabric material. Fabric parade banners offer a multitude of advantages over the other custom banner material options we discussed.

Traditional Sewn Applique Fabric Banners

As mentioned, fabric parade banners are the oldest option for custom parade banners. Older cloth banners were made using a sewn applique method.

A sewn appliqué banner is a decorative banner created using the sewn appliqué technique. Appliqué is a sewing technique in which cloth pieces are sewn onto a larger piece of cloth to create a design or pattern. In the context of a parade banner, this technique is used to create visually appealing and vibrant banners.

These banners are popular with marching bands and certain clubs. in parades, festivals, events, or as decorative elements in various settings.

A sewn applique banner is usually pretty expensive due to all the intricate work and labor involved. These banners are usually beautifully decorated and considered to be a piece of art and usually used by marching bands and public servants like the police and fire fighters.

Digitally Printed High Resolution Graphics for Custom Parade Banners

While you can still order a sewn applique banner, most cloth parade banners are digitally printed. A cloth banner that is printed, instead of done with the sewn applique method as previously discussed is much lower in price and offers shorter production times.

Fabric Banner Durability

Unlike a printed image on a vinyl banner, images printed on cloth will not scratch or become stiff and brittle in freezing weather.

Easy Care and Storage

A polyester banner offers several advantages when it comes to caring and storing your custom parade banner. This is especially convenient for groups or clubs that regularly participate in processions like a marching band or school club.

Unlike vinyl or paper parade banners, you can machine wash your custom banner. Just use the gentle cycle and air dry. Your cloth banner can easily be ironed on a low setting for any wrinkles or creases from being folded.

Instead of rolling up your custom banner for storage, a cloth banner is easily folded, saving space and providing a more convenience. When paired with a telescopic banner pole, you will find travel and setup are a breeze.

Some Drawbacks

While cloth banners offer a wide range of advantages compared to vinyl and paper, there are a few drawbacks with Fabric parade banners.

• Cloth Banners cost a little more than vinyl or paper options.
• Fabric Parade Banners have a slightly longer turnaround time, but not bad as delivery is usually 7 – 10 business days after proof approval.
• Because a cloth banner is lighter than the vinyl option, wind can effect display. Using a deluxe banner pole option or weighing down the bottom can fix these issues.