Draft:Seal on a Bedsheet

• Comment: I don't feel this is currently shown to be notable; Youtube is not a reliable source and many of your other sources are discussing either Good Flag, Bad Flag or individual state flag redesigns, not SOB flags as a concept. CoconutOctopus talk 16:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC)

• Comment: Is this even notable? While its not up to me to decide but do we really need a page for U.S. state flags with emblem-on-monochrome designs it appears to be a uncommon and oddly specific article title and list. i suggest a article category for this Votefree

• Comment: Not sure how objective the list can be: for instance, the flags of Alaska or New Mexico are not present (despite both having an emblem on a monochrome field), while the list includes flags like Wyoming with more complex fields. It could be good to find sources classifying U.S. flags as fitting (or not) in this category. Chaotic Enby (talk · contribs) 14:57, 4 June 2025 (UTC)

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• Comment: Is this even notable? While its not up to me to decide but do we really need a page for U.S. state flags with emblem-on-monochrome designs it appears to be a uncommon and oddly specific article title and list. i suggest a article category for this Votefree (talk)

The Flag of New Hampshire, an example of the "seal on a bedsheet" design. As of 2025, half of U.S. states use a similar design.

The seal on a bedsheet design is a common flag design pattern: a central emblem, symbol, or motif—often the state seal or a related graphic—superimposed on a single-color field, most commonly blue. As of 2025, approximately half of all U.S. states use a flag of this type. Even when the emblem used is not the official state seal, as is the case with flags such as the Flag of Delaware, flag designs in this style are often colloquially referred to as a "seal on a bedsheet". While the abbreviation S.O.B. is convenient, its double meaning requires careful use to maintain clarity and professionalism in discussion.

The term was popularized by vexillologists as a critique of the perceived lack of distinctiveness and visual appeal in many U.S. state flags. Critics argue that these flags are difficult to recognize at a distance, especially when flown alongside other similar designs, due to their reliance on intricate seals and dark blue backgrounds. This issue is particularly relevant in contexts such as civic events, international displays, or educational materials where flag identification is important.

Origin

Regimental banners

1st Minnesota Infantry Regiment battle flag

The origin of this design trend is commonly traced to U.S. military traditions in the 19th century. During the American Civil War and into the early 20th century, infantry regiments carried banners featuring blue fields emblazoned with the U.S. coat of arms or state insignia, along with scrolls identifying the unit. From 1890 to 1904, such banners were standard issue for all U.S. infantry regiments and served as a model for the later adoption of similar state flags.

The designs falling into this category not directly stated to be derived from a regimental flag may have been influenced by the style of other U.S. state flags.

The official description of the Nebraska state flag refers to the background color as "national blue." This choice may suggest an intended symbolic connection to the nation or an expression of loyalty to the Union that may carry over to other designs with this color field or the s.o.b. style itself.

Names and dates

Many of these flags have the name of the state added to the flag. This is in some cases derived from the regimental standars where the sole distinction between designs were the unit designation inscribed on a scroll underneath the coat of arms. In Illinois, on the other hand, the name of the state was added in 1969 because people did not recognize the banner (so that they could read what state it represented, instead of memorizing the design). Here, the name of the state is simply written in bold letters below the seal, like on the flags of Kansas, and Oklahoma. The flag of Idaho has the name written in gold letters on a red scroll below the seal, so does North Dakota and Vermont. The flags of Kentucky, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wisconsin have the name written above the seal. The flag of West Virginia has the name written on a scroll above the seal. The flag of Oklahoma had the name added to it in 1941 as part of an effort to combat widespread illiteracy. The flag of Wisconsin had the name added to it in 1981 to distinguish it from other state flags in the same style

Years and specific dates are also common on s.o.b. style flags.

Daughters of the American Revolution

Multiple s.o.b. designs have their origin with flag designs contests organized by the Daughters of the American Revolution, a patriotic lineage society founded in 1890. The DAR’s influence on state flag design was particularly strong in the early 20th century, during a period of heightened interest in American heritage and regional identity.

As part of their mission to promote American history and patriotism, DAR chapters across the United States actively encouraged states to adopt official flags. In many cases, they lobbied legislatures, sponsored public contests, and submitted their own designs. Their advocacy often emphasized historical continuity, with a preference for symbols that evoked the Revolutionary War era or the Civil War period. As a result, some state flags adopted during this era reflect design choices inspired by military regimental banners, which frequently featured the state's seal or emblem on a plain field.

Examples include the DAR’s involvement in the creation of flags for Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Washington, and Wyoming where members either designed winning entries or played leading roles in the legislative process.

In these and other cases, the influence of the DAR may have contributed to the prevalence of seal-centered flag designs that were both emblematic and historically referential, aligned with historical reverence and institutional tradition—values strongly upheld by the DAR.

Variation in color of the field

The Illinois flag, Massachusetts flag, and Rhode Island flags have white fields. The West Virginia flag has a white field with a blue border. In the case of Massachussetts, the white field is derived from the white flag with blue seal carried by the Massachusetts volunteer regiments during the American Civil War.

The Delaware flag has a "colonial blue" field, reflecting the particular blue shade used on the uniform of General George Washington.

The New Jersey flag has a buff-colored field, referencing the uniform coats of the New Jersey Continental Line that were dark blue, with buff facings.

The Washington flag has a green field.

Examples

Currently in use

While many U.S. state flags share the basic "seal on a bedsheet" (S.O.B.) format—an emblem centered on a solid color field—the category is not strictly defined and often requires clarification. Some flags, such as those of Alaska and New Mexico, feature emblematic symbols on a monochrome background but are rarely grouped with typical S.O.B. designs due to their simplicitiy. Others, like Wyoming, include more complex design elements yet still conform to the general formula of a single-color backdrop with a central motif.

Because of these ambiguities, it is useful to divide S.O.B.-style flags into subcategories based on factors such as whether they use the actual state seal, or whether the background is truly monochrome. Doing so helps clarify inclusion criteria and allows for a more objective and meaningful comparison among flags that broadly share this design approach.

Flags with the state seal on a monochrome field

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  Flag of Idaho
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  Flag of Illinois
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  Flag of Kansas
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  Flag of Kentucky
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  Flag of Montana
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  Flag of Nebraska
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  Flag of New Hampshire
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  Flag of Oregon (obverse)
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  Flag of South Dakota
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  Flag of Virginia
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  Flag of Washington

Flags with the state coat of arms on a monochrome field

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  Flag of Connecticut
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  Flag of Maine
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  Flag of Massachusetts
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  Flag of Michigan
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  Flag of New Jersey
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  Flag of New York
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  Flag of Pennsylvania
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  Flag of Vermont
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  Flag of Wisconsin

Flags with the state seal

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  Flag of Florida
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  Flag of Wyoming

Flags with the state coat of arms

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  Flag of Delaware
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  Flag of Georgia
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  Flag of Missouri
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  Flag of West Virginia

Flags with a symbol related to the state seal

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  Flag of Iowa
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  Flag of Louisiana
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  Flag of Rhode Island
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  Flag of Utah

Flags with other complex symbols

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  Flag of California
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  Flag of Indiana
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  Flag of Mississippi
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  Flag of Nevada
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  Flag of North Dakota
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  Flag of Oklahoma
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  Flag of South Carolina

Previously in use

Several U.S. states have historically used "seal-on-a-bedsheet" flags—designs, but have later had them replaced. The first recorded redesign replacing an S.O.B. flag with a design of a different style occurred in 1895, when the current flag of Alabama was adopted, and the most recent change took place on May 11, 2024, when Minnesota adopted a new flag.

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  Flag of Alabama (November 7, 1861 – November 12, 1865)
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  Flag of California (1861 – 1864)
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  Flag of California (1864 – 1911)
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  Flag of Colorado (1907 – December 4, 1911)
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  Flag of Florida (May 6, 1868 – November 6, 1900)
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  Flag of Georgia (de facto, 1861–1879)
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  Flag of Georgia (January 31, 2001 – February 19, 2003)
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  Flag of Minnesota (February 28, 1893 – August 1957)
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  Flag of Minnesota (August 1957 – August 1983)
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  Flag of Minnesota (August 1983 – May 11, 2024)
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  Flag of Missouri (June 5, 1861 – March 22, 1913)
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  Flag of Utah (March 9, 1911 – March 11, 1913)
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  Flag of Utah (March 11, 1913 – May 6, 1922)
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  Flag of Utah (May 6, 1922 – February 16, 2011)
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  Flag of Utah (February 16, 2011 – March 9, 2024)

Criticism

NAVA

In 2001, the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) conducted a survey evaluating the design quality of 72 flags from U.S. states, U.S. territories, and Canadian provinces. Flags that featured seals on blue or white fields generally scored poorly.

In 2006, NAVA published a widely influential guidebook on flag design titled Good Flag, Bad Flag. This book outlines five basic principles of effective flag design, which have become a standard reference for vexillologists, flag designers, and civic groups. Among these principles are recommendations to avoid using letters or seals, to employ meaningful symbolism, and to limit the flag's palette to two or three basic colors. Additionally, flags should be distinctive yet related—meaning they should not be overly similar to others, but may use related symbolism to indicate cultural or historical connections. Most notably, the first principle emphasizes simplicity, suggesting that a flag should be simple enough for a child to draw from memory.

The release of Good Flag, Bad Flag, alongside surveys of state and municipal flags in the early 2000s, raised public awareness about the quality of flag designs in North America. This awareness has fueled numerous redesign efforts for flags rated poorly or deemed visually confusing, unrepresentative, or offensive. NAVA's guidelines have become a blueprint for many city and state flag redesign committees, some of which have even sought direct advice from NAVA members.

As a result, four states have officially changed their flags, and others are actively engaged in redesign processes. For instance, Massachusetts is currently studying a potential redesign of its state flag, Illinois passed legislation in 2023 to explore a new flag, and Maine held a 2024 referendum on replacing its flag with a previous design, which was narrowly defeated.

Other

Many critics argue that S.O.B. flags lack distinctiveness, symbolic clarity, and visual impact. A common point of criticism is that they are virtually indistinguishable from one another, often blending into a sea of similar designs. As a result, these flags are seen as failing to inspire civic pride or strong state identity, prompting repeated calls for redesigns in numerous states.

The 1951 North Dakota State Flag Commission also voiced criticism specifically targeting the design of the North Dakota state flag. While recognizing its historical significance and association with North Dakota troops, the commission concluded that the flag’s design was insufficiently distinctive. The commission further emphasized that a flag should not function as a literal picture but rather as a pennon that conveys meaning through symbolic elements. In their view, if the symbols on a flag are truly representative of the entity it depicts, there should be no need for text, and including the state's name on the flag was considered in poor taste. Simplicity was also deemed practical, as it reduces production costs—an important consideration given that North Dakota’s flag was noted as being among the most expensive to manufacture at the time.

In 1957, Minnesota representative John Tracy Anderson, working with Major General Joseph E. Nelson, proposed an alternative design for Minnesota’s state flag. Anderson argued that his design—a vertical triband of red, white, and blue featuring 19 stars forming a larger star—was both more unique and less expensive to produce than the plain dark blue flag bearing the state seal, which was similar to 22 other state flags at the time. He promoted his design as a distinctive improvement over the common "seal on blue" style, which he felt lacked individuality.

In 1963, concerns had emerged about the practicality of the South Dakotan state flag’s two-sided design, which was both costly to produce and prone to visual interference, as the imagery from one side often bled through to the other. In response, State Representative William Sahr of Hughes County introduced House Bill 503 to simplify the flag by consolidating the design to a single side and incorporating the state seal within the existing sun motif. Notably, the original designer of the state flag of South Dakota, Ida McNeil, supported efforts to revise the flag for practicality but opposed placing the state seal on the front. She argued that doing so would compromise the flag’s distinctiveness, remarking, "Many states use state seals on their flags and if we copy their efforts... we will lose the individuality of our flag."

In 1973, when the state senate was attempting to add the word Wisconsin to the flag, it was criticized as already too cluttered.

In 1976, The New Glory project, launched for the American Bicentennial by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, strongly advocates for a return to bold, simple, and symbolic flag designs—critiquing the prevalence of overly complex flags, particularly those that follow the “seal on a bedsheet” (S.O.B.) style. The project emphasizes that while heraldry and historical detail have artistic and cultural value, many modern U.S. state flags ignore core design principles by placing intricate and indistinct seals on plain backgrounds, making them hard to recognize or reproduce. In contrast, the project promotes abstract and heraldic simplicity, highlighting effective examples like the flags of New Mexico, Alaska, and Maryland. The initiative called for new flag designs that are visually striking, easy to identify, and capable of inspiring civic pride—arguing that flags should function as powerful symbols, not merely bureaucratic emblems.

In 2012, South Dakota State Representative Bernie Hunhoff joined over 80 lawmakers in sponsoring a bill to adopt a new state flag, arguing that the existing flag — which simply places the state seal on a blue field — lacks the symbolic power and clarity of a true flag. Hunhoff pointed out that while the seal is historically significant, it was never intended to serve as a flag design. He criticized the flag’s evolution as a series of bureaucratic compromises, where the original 1909 sunburst flag was altered to include the seal on the reverse, and then further simplified by dropping the sunburst entirely. This left the state with a “seal on a bedsheet” design that blends in with over 20 other U.S. state flags. Hunhoff and others emphasized that a good flag should be distinct, memorable, and unifying — qualities the current design lacks. Artist Dick Termes proposed a new flag incorporating a stylized sunburst and a Native American medicine wheel on a sky blue background, blending historical reference with cultural symbolism. Supporters saw it as an opportunity to reclaim a unique visual identity for the state.

In 2013, a bill was introduced to the Oregon Senate that would have made several changes to the flag design. This bill was sponsored by state Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson, on behalf of Gresham resident Matt Norquist, who lobbied for the flag's change. Norquist argued that Oregon’s current flag—featuring the state seal on a dark blue field—lacks distinctiveness and visual clarity, particularly from a distance. Noting that as one of more than 20 U.S. state flags with a similar "seal on a bedsheet" (S.O.B.) design, it is often indistinguishable from other state flags. Norquist also noted that the flag’s dark blue field appears nearly black on a rainy day.

Another point of critique toward this style of flag comes from Lee Herold, a Rochester flag shop owner and vexillologist, who observed that the Minnesotan state flag had flown upside down at the Capitol without anyone noticing. He remarked, "If the U.S. flag was flying upside down they'd get calls." Due to the flag’s complex design and lack of clear orientation, it was difficult for viewers to tell whether it was right side up—highlighting concerns about the legibility and distinctiveness of "seal on a bedsheet" flags.

Similarly, in 2017, Nebraska State Senator Burke Harr proposed a flag redesign task force, citing the fact that the flag had flown upside down at the capitol for 10 days with no one noticing. He argued that while the design might be appropriate for a state seal, a flag should be immediately recognizable from a distance.

In 2021, Democratic Rep. Moffie Funk of Montana advanced a bill to study the possibility of designing a new state flag, adding that the flag could be simplified.

In 2023, Rep. Tim McGough, a Republican from Merrimack, introduced a bill to modify New Hampshire’s state flag by adding the state motto, “Live Free or Die,” beneath the seal in the Times New Roman typeface. He argued that the current design lacks distinctiveness and fails to inspire pride or recognition among residents and visitors alike. McGough noted that New Hampshire’s flag is easily overlooked among the many other states that use similar “seal on a blue background” designs, remarking, “We get lost in the shuffle.” While his initial proposal focuses on adding the motto, he expressed openness to broader changes, including a complete redesign.

In 2023, Representative Phil Skaggs of Michigan proposed a bill to redesign the state flag. Skaggs argued that Michigan’s flag does not adhere to fundamental principles of good flag design—such as simplicity, meaningful symbolism, and easy recognizability. He argued that while the seal may function well in official contexts such as documents or podiums, it fails as a flag because its complexity renders it unrecognizable from a distance. Skaggs also cited international examples like Japan and Canada, whose flags use bold, simple imagery to create strong national symbols, as models Michigan could follow in a potential redesign effort. Skaggs emphasized that Michigan’s current flag lacks the visual distinctiveness needed for a compelling and effective flag. The design, he noted, is a typical example of the "seal on a bedsheet" (S.O.B.) style, blending together with many other U.S. state flags. Skaggs maintained that Michigan deserves a flag as unique and bold as the state itself—one that residents can easily identify with and rally behind.

In January 2024, a bill that would have created a commission to explore new designs for the South Dakota state flag was defeated. The bill’s primary sponsor, Sen. Reynold Nesiba (D–Sioux Falls), said the effort was partly inspired by Minnesota’s successful adoption of a new, more distinctive state flag. Supporters of the bill criticized the existing design as a textbook example of the “seal on a bedsheet” (S.O.B.) style—featuring the state seal centered on a blue field. They argued that the flag violates nearly all of the design principles outlined by the North American Vexillological Association in its guide Good Flag, Bad Flag, and is visually indistinguishable from the flags of more than 20 other U.S. states. Proponents contended that a bold, simple, and unique flag design could better represent the state, foster civic pride, and improve South Dakota’s visibility in national tourism and cultural identity.

In November 2024, Maine held a referendum on whether to restore the 1901 state flag or retain the current design. Supporters of reverting to the 1901 flag—or adopting a similar version—argued that Maine’s current flag, featuring the state seal on a blue field, is virtually indistinguishable from those of many other states. They also highlighted the widespread popularity of the so-called Pine Tree Flag, noting that its distinctive design has already gained significant traction among residents and tourists alike. Variations of the flag can now be seen everywhere—on hats, t-shirts, bumper stickers, coffee mugs, and flying proudly from flagpoles across the state. As many advocates put it, Maine effectively has two state flags already.

In 2025, a bill to form a redesign committee for the Washington state flag was introduced by Representative Strom Peterson (D–Edmonds). House Bill 1938 proposed the creation of a commission tasked with developing a new design by 2028. Peterson framed the initiative as a chance to foster civic engagement and craft a more distinctive and unifying symbol for the state. He criticized the current flag—a green field featuring the state seal with an image of George Washington—as aesthetically unremarkable and lacking the visual impact seen in the best state flags. “This is more about the aesthetics of the flag and what the flag could represent to bring people across the state together,” he explained, noting that a redesign could better reflect Washington’s unique character, including its environmental richness, agricultural heritage, and diverse communities.

Defense

Despite criticism, proponents of these designs argue that state seals convey historical significance, governmental authority, and unique symbolism rooted in each state’s identity.

When in 2021 Democratic Rep. Moffie Funk of Montana advanced a bill to study the possibility of designing a new state flag, adding that the flag could be simplified, Republican Rep. Caleb Hinkle said Funk’s measure "is nothing more than another attempt to erase our history on par with tearing down national monuments across the nation."

Defenders of Maine’s current flag have argued that it more accurately reflects the state’s historical identity and economic foundations. The state seal prominently features a farmer and a fisherman—representing Maine’s agricultural and maritime heritage—alongside a moose resting beneath a white pine, the official state tree. Supporters contend that this imagery captures the state's natural resources and working traditions more effectively than the simplified 1901 design. Some critics of the Pine Tree Flag have also dismissed it as overly simplistic or even cartoonish.

Opponents of the 2024 South Dakota state flag redesign effort defended the current flag as an important symbol of tradition and continuity. Senator David Wheeler (R–Huron), who motioned to defer the bill, acknowledged that while the flag may not exemplify perfect design, its utility and historical significance outweigh the need for change. “I don’t see a particular need to change it, other than it could be better. Just because it could be better doesn’t mean we should go through the process of changing our flag. I think it serves its purpose well,” Wheeler stated, cautioning against altering a long-standing state symbol for what he described as a marketing-driven rebrand. Senator Erin Tobin (R–Winner) echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the role the flag plays in education and cultural heritage. She recalled how students across South Dakota—including herself—learn about the state by drawing the flag in school, creating a connection to history and civic identity. “I just don’t feel ready to move to modernize our flag just for reasons of [public relations], necessarily,” Tobin said, framing the redesign effort as potentially undermining a shared symbol rooted in generations of tradition.

Opponents of the in 2025 proposed redesign of the Washington state flag emphasized its symbolic significance and historical roots. Representative Hunter Abell (R–Inchelium) voiced concern that the effort to remove George Washington’s image from the flag could signal a broader cultural shift away from honoring the nation’s founding legacy. “To be the only state in the nation to be named after a president is a distinct honor,” Abell said. “One that we should not take for granted and we certainly should not be ashamed of or attempt to eliminate him from our flag.” Critics of the bill argue that, while the design may not follow modern vexillological standards, it carries deep meaning through its direct reference to the state’s namesake. Abell went further, warning that the proposal might spark a slippery slope: “It makes me wonder if this is the beginning of an effort to change the name of our state. If we remove George Washington from the flag, what’s next? Removing him from our state entirely by changing the name?” Other lawmakers echoed the sentiment that the current flag, while perhaps visually dated, is a powerful link to the state’s identity and should not be altered lightly.

YouTube content creator and history professor Premodernist has voiced criticism of NAVA’s standards and their application to U.S. state flags. He argues that the guidelines presented in Good Flag, Bad Flag are inconsistently applied and fail to adequately recognize the historical importance of many original state flags. According to Premodernist, the historical connections contribute to the flags’ symbolic weight and regional identity, aspects that should be carefully considered in discussions of flag design quality.

Gallery

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  Union and Confederate Army Flags