Seal on a bedsheet

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".^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} While the abbreviation S.O.B. is convenient, its double meaning requires careful use to maintain clarity and professionalism in discussion.

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 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.

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.^{[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]}

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. For example, the official description of the Nebraska state flag refers to the background color as "national blue."^[18] 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.

Daughters of the American Revolution

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, a number of state flags adopted during this era resemble military regimental banners.

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.

Criticism

The design pattern has been widely criticized by vexillologists, lawmakers, and design advocates for its lack of distinctiveness, weak symbolism, and poor visual clarity. Critics argue that these flags are nearly indistinguishable from one another, blending into a “sea of similar designs” that fail to inspire civic pride or a sense of identity.^[19][20] The 1951 North Dakota State Flag Commission concluded that its flag was “insufficiently distinctive,” further noting that a proper flag should communicate meaning symbolically rather than functioning as a literal picture, and that including the state's name was “in poor taste.”^[7] Similar concerns have been raised in Minnesota, Oregon, and Michigan, where critics argued that their flags’ complex seals render them unrecognizable from a distance and difficult to distinguish from those of other states.^[21][22][23] Additional criticisms include excessive complexity and clutter,^[24] impracticality due to production cost or two-sided designs,^[25] and poor legibility illustrated by instances where the Minnesota and Nebraska flags were flown upside down for days without anyone noticing.^[26][27] Contemporary reform efforts such as those in South Dakota, Maine, and Washington have cited these same concerns, emphasizing the need for flags that are simple, distinctive, and symbolically resonant in accordance with the design principles promoted by the North American Vexillological Association.^[28][29][30]

Defense

Supporters of the design pattern argue that these flags preserve historical and cultural continuity, reflecting the heritage and identity of each state. The seals often incorporate rich symbolic elements such as Maine's farmer, fisherman, moose, and pine tree that capture economic, geographic, and cultural aspects of the state.^[31] Proponents also emphasize educational and civic value, noting that these flags foster familiarity and engagement, as students learn about state history through the imagery.^[32] Critics of redesign efforts also frame them as attempts at historical erasure, warning that removing long-standing symbols such as George Washington on the Washington state flag could undermine state heritage.^[33] Additionally, defenders argue that while S.O.B. designs may not meet modern vexillological ideals, they function effectively as state symbols, and their historical significance often outweighs aesthetic considerations.^[34]