MacWage was after all, looking for opinion. So, I've offered my op.
Quote Originally Posted by beloitpiper
I think national tartans were made so we wouldn't have to argue about this. I believe that if somebody wants to honor their country, region, state, city, etc. they should wear the tartan associated with it and keep the flag where it belongs: flying proudly at the top of the mast.

I do admire the skill required to put a flag in pleats, but I personally do not agree that it should be worn.
Ditto on the skill and national tartans.

I'd better put in on my feeling about wearing the flag as clothing. I will no more wear the flag of any nation as a focal point upon my clothing. I'll honor the nation in the wearing of the national color upon my clothing in an appropriately respectful fashion and general reference to the pennant or banner it flies, but if it starts looking like a flag or too near that imagery, it's naught for me. I find this attitude of mine most difficult to abide in. My daughter gave a precious gift to me. It was a white pullover sweatshirt with the American flag on it. I wore it proudly and often when with her and a number of times without, until I retired the sweatshirt for having shrunk due to washings. I also was given a ballcap with the Balde Headed eagle emblazoned onto the cap in front of the American flag. I love the gifts and proudly wear the life into them. It strains me to improperly display the flag. I'll be true to myself inasmuch as I am also honoring my loved and their love for me. I'll wear the hat as needed for glaring sun, then it's off. I have many hats, most are worn for a season then are either retired or discarded.

As for the American flag,
This link took me to:
The American Legion site of;
Flag etiquette of the United States
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionar...+United+States

and this link takes me to:

TITLE 4--FLAG AND SEAL, SEAT OF GOVERNMENT, AND THE STATES
CHAPTER 1--THE FLAG

http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title4/chapter1_.html