The flag has had thirteen stripes since the Flag Act of April 4, 1818 — one for each of the original colonies, fixed by Congress after a brief stretch where the count fluctuated with the number of states. The stars grew with the country. The stripes stayed put.

This piece renders the flag as a working object — weathered, stripped of polish, the cream of age replacing the white of new fabric. The kind of flag that has been flown rather than stored. Distress is not damage; it is the visible record of use.

The flag has been part of American working life since the country was a working country. Hung in shops, raised over jobsites, stitched onto union banners, painted on the sides of trucks. This tee belongs to that tradition rather than to the parade-ground or the showroom.

This piece is part of the Classic Patriot pillar — Iron Union Co.'s collection of pieces honoring American patriotic and military heritage. The flag carries its own weight; the tee carries the flag.

Our t-shirts are 100% combed and ring-spun cotton — substantial in the hand, classic fit, side-seamed with shoulder taping for shape retention. Built to last, made to wear in for years.