1990s | Michigan Rag Co. | Nautical Signal Flag Hoodie | vintage |

Vintage 1990s Michigan Rag Co. Nautical Signal Flag Hoodie — Tagged L/XL but Fits Extremely Oversized (Approx. 3XL–5XL) — Made in Grand Haven, Michigan, USA

This garment comes from Michigan Rag Co., a historically significant small-batch American manufacturer based in Grand Haven, Michigan. During the 1980s–1990s, the company became known for its bold maritime-inspired graphics and regionally rooted textile production. Their pieces were locally cut and sewn in limited quantities, making authentic vintage examples especially desirable today.

This hoodie showcases one of the brand’s signature motifs: a full-coverage print composed of international nautical signal flags. Before digital communication existed, these flags formed the essential visual language of ships at sea—each symbol carrying specific meaning. Michigan Rag Co. reinterpreted this functional maritime system into a vibrant, wearable artwork that reflects the identity of the Great Lakes coastline and American nautical heritage.

The design’s large-format graphics, vivid primary colors, and crisp geometric layout are characteristic of early-1990s coastal Americana—bold, expressive, and unapologetically graphic. Over the years, these pieces have developed a cult following among collectors due to their unmistakable aesthetic and their connection to regional maritime culture.

Constructed from a 50% cotton / 50% polyester fabric, the hoodie has the soft-yet-sturdy feel of American-made 1990s textiles. It features a drawstring hood, metal snap closure, elastic cuffs, and a cinchable hem. The original tag reads L/XL, but the cut is significantly larger than modern sizing standards. In hand and when worn, the fit corresponds more closely to an extremely oversized 3XL–5XL, depending on desired drape. This exaggerated silhouette is typical of early-1990s outerwear and contributes to the piece’s strong visual presence.

Collectors value Michigan Rag Co. garments for their regional origin, their limited-run prints, and their strong graphic identity. This example stands out as a particularly expressive artifact of American coastal style, 1990s textile culture, and the visual language of maritime history.

Tagged Size: L/XL (fits extremely oversized; approximately 3XL–5XL)
Material: 50% cotton / 50% polyester
Origin: Grand Haven, Michigan, USA
Era: 1990s
Condition: Vintage with normal signs of age

Seller note : D-1