The standard finishing option for vinyl banners is hems and grommets, but we also offer reinforced hems. We recommend adding reinforced hems on banners over 32 square feet that will be used outdoors for added durability.
What Are Reinforced Hems?
Reinforced hems are a vinyl banner finishing upgrade that adds a strip of 1 3/16" PVC-coated webbing along the banner's edges, heat-welded to the backside for extra strength. They are designed to go beyond the standard hem and grommet finish, giving large or long-term outdoor banners more resistance to tearing and wind stress.
How Reinforced Hems Are Made
Banners with reinforced hems are cut down to the exact size of the finished banner. A 1 3/16" strip of PVC-coated webbing is then heat-welded to the backside along the edges. This webbing is the same type of material used in products like seatbelts, so it adds meaningful tear resistance without adding noticeable bulk.
When Should You Use Reinforced Hems?
Reinforced hems are most useful when a banner needs to survive repeated outdoor exposure. Consider adding reinforced hems if your banner meets any of the following:
- The banner is larger than 32 square feet
- It will be displayed outdoors for an extended period
- It will be installed in a high-wind location
- It will be hung using grommets and rope, ball bungees, or hanging clips rather than pole pockets
Grommets are placed every 2 to 4 feet around the banner perimeter to help you hang it. Using all of the provided grommets when installing your banner helps prevent tearing, and reinforced hems add an extra layer of protection at the edges where that stress concentrates.
Reinforced Hems vs. Grommets Alone
Every vinyl banner from Banners.com already includes standard heat-welded hems and grommets, since this combination helps prevent the banner from ripping or tearing under normal conditions. Reinforced hems build on that foundation. Instead of just the standard one-inch hem, reinforced hems add the PVC-coated webbing on top, which is why we recommend them specifically for larger banners or banners facing tougher outdoor conditions rather than for every order.
Reinforced Hems vs. Reinforced Corners
Reinforced hems and reinforced corners solve a similar problem in different ways. Reinforced hems run the webbing along the full edge of the banner, while reinforced corners focus reinforcement specifically at the four corners, where grommets and wind stress tend to concentrate. Both use the same 13 oz. vinyl and 1 3/16" PVC-coated webbing, and both are recommended for banners over 32 square feet used outdoors.
Banner Finishing Comparison
| Feature |
Reinforced Hems |
Reinforced Corners |
Standard Hems and Grommets |
Pole Pockets |
| Best For |
Large banners with full-edge reinforcement |
Large banners needing corner-specific reinforcement |
General indoor and outdoor use |
Banners mounted on a pole, rod, or stand |
| Material Added |
1 3/16" PVC-coated webbing along all edges |
1 3/16" PVC-coated webbing at each corner |
None, standard 1" heat-welded hem |
2", 3", or 4" folded material pocket |
| Recommended For |
Banners over 32 sq. ft., outdoor or high-wind use |
Banners over 32 sq. ft., outdoor or high-wind use |
Most banners as a baseline finish |
Banners displayed on poles or frames |
| Compatible With Pole Pockets |
No |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
Can You Combine Reinforced Hems with Other Finishing Options?
Reinforced hems work alongside standard grommets, which are placed every 2 to 4 feet around the banner perimeter for hanging. However, reinforced hems cannot be combined with pole pockets. Pole pockets are loops of vinyl material that a metal, plastic, or PVC pole can be inserted into for outdoor display, and since pole pockets are already attached to the sides of the banner, there is no need to add reinforced hems to that mounting method.
For a full breakdown of every finishing option we offer, including hems, grommets, pole pockets, and reinforced corners, visit our vinyl banner finishing options page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size banner needs reinforced hems?
We recommend reinforced hems for banners larger than 32 square feet that will be displayed outdoors, especially in locations exposed to consistent wind.
Can I combine reinforced hems with pole pockets?
No. Reinforced hems and pole pockets cannot be combined on the same banner. If you plan to mount your banner on a pole or rod, choose pole pockets instead.
What material are reinforced hems made from?
Reinforced hems use a 1 3/16" strip of PVC-coated webbing, heat-welded to the backside of the banner along its edges.
Are reinforced hems necessary for indoor banners?
Not usually. Reinforced hems are intended for banners facing outdoor conditions or long-term, high-wind exposure. Indoor banners typically hold up fine with standard hems and grommets.
What is the difference between reinforced hems and reinforced corners?
Reinforced hems add webbing along the entire edge of the banner, while reinforced corners concentrate that same reinforcement at the four corners. Both are recommended for large outdoor banners, and neither can be combined with pole pockets.
Where can I learn about other banner finishing options?