The Standard: The Story of the Flared Cross
The cross is the standard. Everything else is measured against it.
What is a flared cross called?
A cross with arms that are narrow at the center and widen toward the ends is called a cross pattée, from the French for "footed." It is also called a flared cross or formée cross. You will find it across centuries of Christian art, from medieval manuscripts and church carvings to heraldry. The red cross associated with the Knights Templar is often drawn in this shape.
Cross pattée vs. Maltese cross
They get mixed up a lot. A Maltese cross has eight points: each arm ends in a V-shaped notch. A cross pattée has four arms that flare out and end flat or slightly curved, with no notch. Ours is a cross pattée.
Why we call it The Standard
The word has two meanings, and the cross is both. A standard is the measure everything else gets judged by. A standard is also the banner an army carries into battle so everyone knows which side they are on. Isaiah uses it that way: "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him" (Isaiah 59:19).
So this is not decoration. It is the measure and the flag. Wear it and you are telling people what you measure your life by, and whose side you are on.
The pieces
The Standard is our foundation line. The Tee has the flared cross embroidered on the chest, with the full cross and Faith & Based printed large across the back, on a premium heavyweight tee. $50. The Crewneck and Sweatpant carry the cross in blood red on midweight black fleece and are built as a set. $65 each. Up top, the Dad Hat comes in black or stone with the cross in old gold, and the Snapback is black with a red brim edge. $44 each. Shorts, joggers and socks round out the line. Every piece is made to order.
"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him."Isaiah 59:19