Buying and caring for Old Glory.(flags)

Some 75 million American flags were sold last year. That's triple the usual number, according the National Flag Foundation. Here's what you need to know to buy a new flag or refresh one that has seen heavy use since Sept. 11.

Flags come in many weights; in synthetics, cotton, and cotton blends; printed and pieced. Most are made in the U.S. You'll find them in hardware and discount stores and on web sites such as American Flags Express (www.flagsexpress.com). Prices range from about $4 to more than $30 for a flag roughly 3x5 feet. We tested flags of all kinds and found that what to buy depends largely on where you plan to fly it.

Outdoor use. Nylon is a good choice because it's strong. Choose a lightweight flag for a sheltered area with little wind. It's more likely to catch a breeze and fly. Heavier weights hold up better in strong wind. Quadruple-stitched edges are best at preventing the tatters seen on so many flags traveling at highway speed. None of the nylon flags we tested faded in the bright light; one polyester flag did.

Indoor use. Cotton and cotton-polyester blends lack nylon's strength, but they are a fine choice for indoor or occasional use.

Inexpensive flags are usually a pattern printed on fabric. With better flags, strips of fabric are sewn together to make the stripes, and the white stars are either embroidered or appliqued on the blue background.

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