In ancient Roman times, the first version of the flag was attached to a spear and was displayed in battle. The original flagpole has then morphed into several ways of displaying a flag. Flags are flown from a flagpole or flagstaff, which can be stationary or carried, as in the manner of parades or military displays. At sea, flags are flown from the mast of a ship.

Stationary flagpoles are usually made of wood or metal, with a pulley and cord to raise and lower the flag as needed. Flags have grommets where the cord can be attached. Flagpoles feature a flat plate or a ball at the top, called a truck, which was originally meant to keep the wooden pole from splitting. Finials or decorative pieces can also adorn the ends of a flagpole, such as an eagle or a star or the tip of a spear. Today, the tallest freestanding flagpole is the Dushanbe Flagpole in Tajikistan, at 165 meters or 541 feet. Flagpoles may require supports or guy wires if it is too tall and will need extra support.

Other than the traditional mounted flagpole, more portable ones are available to fly flags and banners on. Most of the flagpoles being marketed today are made out of aluminum or fiberglass, and most often have telescoping lengths for ease and flexibility of use. Flagpoles are also custom made to fit the type of flag in use, and are often sold as accessories wherever flags are ordered. For example, feather flagpoles and golf flagpoles are specialized versions which will fit the specifications.