The upside-down Washington State sticker is becoming an iconic, quirky emblem on cars throughout the world. I still remember the first time I saw it \u2013 while shopping at a Trader Joe\u2019s parking lot, I stared at the back of a Subaru covered in adventure gear and stickers. On that Subaru, among other stickers, was that distinctive jagged outline of Washington State \u2013 upside down. Immediately, I asked, \u201cIs that supposed to be like that?\u201d Spoiler alert: yes, it was!<\/p>\n
That upside-down state outline doesn\u2019t look like someone made a mistake with a decal; instead, it has significance to the people who sport it proudly on their bumpers. It may look like a sticker, but for many people, it is really a subtle, low-key love letter to the Evergreen State.<\/p>\n
History of Washington State Stickers<\/p>\n
A couple of years ago, state outline stickers began to blow up across social media platforms, especially among people that enjoy taking long road trips or want to show off where they live. Chances are you have seen the basic white vinyl decals that display the silhouette of states and were applied to laptops, water bottles, and car windows. Washington State\u2019s shape (with its craggy coastline and mountain-cut edges) is also very easily recognizable even in minimalistic form. As such, the Washington State car sticker became a subtle yet solid representation of Northwest pride.<\/p>\n
Somewhere along the line, however, people began flipping that state outline \u2013 intentionally. That is when things got interesting.<\/p>\n
Why Do People Put the Washington State Outline Upside-Down?
\nThere are a multitude of reasons why people choose to turn the Washington State outline upside-down, and that is what makes it so cool! Some people put the sticker upside-down to make it humorous. To say, \u201cYes, I am from Washington, but I am not serious.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some say it is symbolic. For example, when someone moves away, especially far away, they may flip the sticker as a visual nod to being turned around or disconnected from home. I have read several Reddit threads where expatriates said they leave the sticker that way to create conversation topics. \u201cPeople always ask me why my sticker is upside-down,\u201d wrote one Reddit user. \u201cIt gives me a reason to talk about home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lastly, there are people who think it just looks better that way. Different. Unconventional. Rebellious.<\/p>\n
For me, it feels like the visual equivalent of wearing your hometown sweatshirt inside out. Not because it was an accident, but because it is saying something a little different than everyone else\u2019s version. During my own travels, I have been able to notice the flipped sticker more and more, especially on vans parked near climbing areas or on cars in National Parks. It is low-key but it means something.<\/p>\n
Places You\u2019ll Find It<\/p>\n
The little decal has traveled the globe. You will see the upside-down Washington State sticker not only in Seattle or Spokane, but also in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and all over the United States. It is like a trail of breadcrumbs left behind by Washingtonians traveling far from home.<\/p>\n
Many people who have moved away say it is a comforting nod to their roots. Whether it is on a dusty Subaru in Utah or a campervan parked in British Columbia, the sticker appears in locations where Washingtonians travel.<\/p>\n
More than anything, you will usually see it on rugged vehicles \u2013 SUVs, Subarus, Jeeps, camper vans \u2013 the types of vehicles that indicate a love of the outdoors, a love of the mountains, or that Washington-born wanderlust that rarely leaves.<\/p>\n
Getting Your Own Upside-Down Washington State Sticker
\nIf you are now thinking, \u201cOkay, I kind of want one now,\u201d you are not alone. There are a ton of options available. You can find upside-down Washington State stickers on Etsy, Amazon, and in some local Washington car dealerships.My recommendation would be to get vinyl, weather-resistant decals so that your sticker endures those epic road trips (or just Seattle\u2019s constant drizzle). Additionally, if possible, consider purchasing from local artists \u2013 there are a number of talented sticker makers located in the Pacific Northwest that place their own unique twist on the design.<\/p>\n
In short, the upside-down Washington State sticker is not a decal gone wrong, but rather a small yet mighty declaration. Humorous. Proud. Quietly significant to a large group of people who are carrying a piece of Washington with them, no matter how far they roam.<\/p>\n
Whether it is a way to stay connected to your roots, a way to show off where you come from, or simply a way to share a funny inside joke, you do you. Once you begin to recognize them, they are everywhere.<\/p>\n
And hey, maybe home isn\u2019t where you are right now. Maybe it is where your sticker comes from.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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