What Are Triangle Banners Called? Pennant Banners, Bunting, and Flag Garlands Explained
Triangle banners are most commonly called pennant banners, pennant flags, bunting, or flag garlands. The exact term depends on the flag shape, material, spacing, and how the decoration is used.
Pennant Banner
A pennant banner is a line of repeated triangular or tapered flags attached to cord, webbing, or ribbon. It is widely used for grand openings, schools, dealerships, festivals, sporting events, birthdays, and temporary retail decoration.
Bunting
“Bunting” can describe decorative flags or gathered fabric used for patriotic and event displays. In casual retail use, triangular flag strings are often sold as bunting even when they are technically pennant banners. Traditional patriotic bunting may use fan-shaped or pleated fabric rather than individual triangles.
Flag Garland
A flag garland is a broader decorative term. The individual pieces may be triangles, rectangles, swallowtails, or custom shapes. “Garland” is common for indoor parties and decorative products, while “pennant banner” is more common in commercial signage and outdoor promotion.
Common Materials
- Plastic polyethylene: Economical, colorful, and suitable for short-term outdoor promotion.
- Fabric or polyester: Better appearance and movement for events, schools, and reusable décor.
- Paper or cardstock: Best for protected indoor parties and crafts.
- Vinyl: Durable and printable for branded commercial pennants.
- Felt: Popular for interior decorative garlands and children's spaces.
How to Choose the Right Type
- Grand opening or parking lot: Bright plastic pennant strings designed for outdoor visibility.
- Corporate event: Custom-printed fabric or vinyl pennants using brand colors and logos.
- Birthday or wedding: Fabric, felt, or cardstock garlands with decorative spacing.
- School or athletic event: Reusable polyester pennants in team colors.
- Long-term exterior installation: Use a purpose-built flag system and verify structural attachment rather than relying on party décor.
How Are Pennant Banners Hung?
Attach the line to structurally appropriate points and allow controlled tension. Avoid stretching so tightly that wind loads are transferred abruptly to the cord or anchors. Keep flags clear of power lines, roads, doors, fire equipment, and areas where people can become entangled.
Outdoor strings can generate significant force in wind even though each flag is small. Long spans may need intermediate supports and routine inspection.
Can Triangle Banners Be Custom Printed?
Yes. Logos, letters, patterns, sponsor marks, and alternating colors can be printed on individual pennants. For a readable message, use one letter or simple symbol per flag, or repeat a logo pattern. Fine print is usually wasted because pennants move and are viewed from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a pennant and a flag?
A pennant is generally tapered or triangular, while “flag” is a broader term that includes rectangular and custom shapes.
What are the small triangle flags at car dealerships called?
They are usually called pennant strings, pennant flags, or promotional pennant banners.
Can pennant banners stay outside permanently?
Most inexpensive strings are temporary. UV exposure, wind, and attachment wear limit lifespan.
Bottom line: Search for “pennant banner” when you need the familiar string of triangle flags. Search “bunting” or “flag garland” for decorative event styles. North State Signs can also help with custom banners and branded event displays.