Any good vexillologist knows that not all flags are created equal. Every state in America has its own flag, and some of them are just not that great. (I'm looking at you, Maryland - your flag is a trainwreck.) Most states just use a flag template referred to as "seal on a bedsheet"- in other words, it's just their state seal on a plain background, which is usually dark blue. However, there are some cool and fun state flags out there, and they deserve some attention.
10. Wyoming
There's nothing wrong with Wyoming's state flag. It doesn't overstretch itself. It's got Wyoming's seal on it so we know where we are, but to add some intrigue, it's got a nice silhouette of an American Bison.
9. Washington
Some may disagree with this one. After all, it's technically just a "seal on a bedsheet" flag. However, this one is green! It's one of the only state flags to feature the color green so prominently, and I think it's nice. Plus, Georgie W. is looking great. If your state is named after a person, you might as well own it.
8. Alaska
The simplicity of Alaska's flag is part of its beauty. It depicts the Big Dipper constellation and the North Star, conjuring the image of a broad night sky on a frosty Alaska night. No wonder the state song of Alaska is literally called "Alaska's Flag." It's just a really nice flag.
7. Virginia
At first glance, you might think that Virginia's flag isn't that great. You might think it's just like all those other seal-on-a-bedsheet flags. In that respect, you'd be right, but Virginia just has a really cool seal, and that's what saves this flag. I mean, come on. It's literally a lady with her boob out stepping on some dude. That's awesome, and that's why Virginia's flag deserves a spot on this list.
6. Louisiana
Animals are always fun to include on a flag, as long as they're not bald eagles. (Like, we get it. This is America. Let's try some new concepts.) Louisiana knows this, and has mixed it up a little with a flag depicting a majestic mama pelican feeding its children with blood. Stylish and cool.
5. New Mexico
You can't deny the chic minimalism of the New Mexico flag. It's simple. It's bright. It evokes that sunny Southwest feeling. Full marks, New Mexico.
4. Arizona
Southwestern states are back at it again with the nice flags. Some people don't like this flag. I can see how one might argue that it's a little busy, but even so, I love it. It's just the right amount of flashy, and the color scheme is fun. The orange star brings it all together.
3. South Carolina
If this list was called "State Flags I'd Like To Have A Beer With," South Carolina's flag would be first. I can't describe it as anything but "chill." Look at that perfect crescent moon. Look at that friendly palmetto. This flag makes me want to go to South Carolina.
2. California
There was no way I couldn't include this iconic flag on the list. There's a good reason for its fame - it's just a really cool flag. Again, animals are always a great addition to a flag, and it's hard to beat a tough-looking, no-nonsense grizzly bear. The red stripe and star give the rest of the flag some substance, leaving California with one of the best flags in the bunch.
1. Oregon
Whoa, whoa, whoa. What? Is Oregon's plain old flag really at the number one spot on this list of flags? How can that be? It's so ordinary! So boring! Except... it isn't. Oregon's flag has a secret: it's the only flag that has a different image on its reverse side, and on the back of Oregon's flag lurks this cheeky little beaver:
Look at it. It's so cute. It's like a hidden little beaver surprise. Oregon, you could have very well had one of the worst flags in America, but you turned it all around.
