Why Is the U.S. Flag Backwards?

We get this question a lot. Not so much  from our customers who already know the answer, but from people who see you wearing Roger Wilco hats and shirts and just can’t help but ask, “Hey, do you know the flag on your hat is backwards?”

We think this might be one of the best trivia questions or at least a topic that always makes you look really smart! So, if you don’t know the answer, here’s the scoop:

American military uniforms feature the U.S. flag, which is worn facing backward. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flag's blue stars facing forward.  The basic idea is the flag should look as it would if it were flying in the breeze as the person wearing it moves forward - as into battle. During the Civil War, both mounted cavalry and infantry units would designate a standard bearer who carried the flag into battle. 

Now you know and now you can be confident in explaining the answer to others. Believe us, wear one of our hats around any group of people and you’ll most likely get the “Uh, excuse me, why is the flag on your hat backwards?” question almost immediately.  And one final tip, it never hurts to throw in a final, “Go, USA!”