What shape does the American flag take when properly folded?

When the American flag is properly folded, it takes on the shape of a cocked hat, which is a traditional triangular shape. This style of folding honors the flag’s significance and demonstrates respect. The process of folding involves creating successive triangular folds, each reducing the size of the flag until it transforms into a compact triangle with the blue field of stars on the top side, reminiscent of a cocked hat worn by early American soldiers and military officers. This folding method is not only practical for storage but also imbues the flag with a sense of dignity and reverence that reflects its role as a symbol of the nation.

The other shapes—rectangle, square, and triangle—do not correctly specify the proper form of the folded flag in the context of military tradition and etiquette. While the flag may appear triangular, specifically referring to it as a cocked hat aligns with the correct military custom and respect shown during flag folding ceremonies.