Choosing an Umbrella: What to Consider

When buying an umbrella, it’s important to pay attention not only to the design of the product but also to its type, folding mechanism, materials used in its construction, and the shape of the handle for a more comfortable grip. We will explore all these nuances in detail below.

Type of Umbrella:

Stick Umbrella — this name comes from the ability to use such umbrellas as a walking stick. This is facilitated by the design of their central shaft, which has a constant length whether folded or unfolded.

The main advantages of stick umbrellas are their simple design, high reliability, and, consequently, durability. However, the main drawback lies in their larger size — it’s not always convenient to carry an umbrella since it takes up a lot of space.

Folding Umbrella — the central shaft of this type of umbrella has a telescopic folding mechanism. When unfolded, the size of the umbrella increases several times.

The advantage of this design is immediately apparent — folding umbrellas easily fit into a woman's handbag or the glove compartment of a car and, thanks to their lightweight construction, they remain virtually unnoticed by their owner while being carried. However, there are some downsides: the large number of moving parts complicates the design of folding umbrellas, which affects the price and makes them more prone to breakage.

Folding Type:

1) Mechanical — the opening and closing of the canopy is done manually.

Products with a mechanical folding type are known for their high reliability and simplicity of design. The likelihood of breakage is much lower than that of semi-automatic and automatic models. However, folding and unfolding the umbrella requires both hands to be free. Additionally, the need for frequent opening and closing of the umbrella when moving through underground passages or traveling on public transport can cause certain inconveniences.

2) Semi-Automatic — the canopy opens automatically, while closing is done manually.

The semi-automatic type is the most widely used among modern umbrella models. These products open with just a press of a button, which saves time. Closing them by hand is also easy, especially since the process is often done without rain.

3) Automatic — both opening and closing of the canopy are automatic.

The most convenient folding type cannot boast a high level of reliability — the elements of automatic umbrellas are subject to higher loads, increasing the likelihood of malfunction. However, this system allows you to save precious seconds when opening and closing the canopy, thus minimizing the time the owner gets wet in the rain. Moreover, automatic umbrellas are much easier to use when one hand is occupied with a bag or shopping.

Canopy

The shape and size of the canopy directly depend on the umbrella's purpose and the number of ribs, which will be discussed in detail below.

Regarding purpose, it should be noted that men's models of umbrellas usually have a wider canopy compared to women's and especially children's umbrellas. However, most models do not have a clear "gender affiliation" and can be suitable for both men and women.

The volume of the canopy determines the width of the umbrella when opened. For example, compact models rarely exceed 100 cm, while models of the “mid-range” (100-120 cm) provide more reliable weather protection. Larger canopies (>120 cm) are useful for those who often share an umbrella with someone else.

One of the most important characteristics to consider when choosing an umbrella is the material of the canopy. It directly affects how well the umbrella protects against rain and how long it will last for its owner.

The canopy of the umbrella can be made from the following materials:

• Nylon — the thinnest fabric used in budget models; after drying, it may shrink or lose color; it does not have high durability and is particularly sensitive to gusts of wind;
• Polyester — the most common type of fabric, known for its high strength and ease of maintenance, dries quickly;
• Éponge (or polyester blended with cotton) — repels moisture, allowing raindrops to roll off the canopy; dries quickly (in about 5 minutes);
• Satin — a derivative of silk fabric that stands out for its exquisite appearance; has excellent strength characteristics and dries quickly; water resistance is achieved through special coatings that lose their properties over time;
• Cellophane — looks quite original but is less durable and long-lasting compared to other materials.

The variations in umbrella colors depend solely on the manufacturer's creativity — the market offers both classic black models (e.g., Blunt XL or Dopler 74566) and various colorful products (for example, Dopler 740157 or Zest 23846).

Frame and Ribs

The frame plays a significant role in the overall weight and reliability of the umbrella. Materials used in its manufacture include steel, aluminum alloys, or carbon fiber. Folding umbrella models may have a combined frame (for example, a shaft and the first ribs made of metal alloy, while the tips are made of carbon fiber).

In folding umbrellas, pay attention to the shape of the shaft. It can be either round or multi-faceted. The edges help to prevent accidental folding or unfolding of the shaft sections.

The ribs also play a crucial role, as they are the foundation of the umbrella canopy. The total number of ribs can range from 5 to more than 30. The number of ribs affects not only the strength but also the appearance of the umbrella — the more ribs, the rounder the canopy will be. Typically, the canopy is supported by 8-10 ribs.

The materials of the ribs can include:

• Fiberglass — provides the highest elasticity, strength, and durability;
• Steel — known for its high strength and resistance to bending from the wind, but heavier and prone to rust over time;
• Aluminum — lightweight but less reliable (can bend in strong winds and wear out faster).

Handle

Among the materials used for handles, plastic, wood, and metal with rubberized coatings are predominant.

There are also models with handles covered in leather. Such handles are the prerogative of premium umbrellas, which are quite expensive and designed to emphasize the status of their owner. Additionally, it should be noted that leather requires specific care.

The shape of the handle also plays an essential role in the convenience of using the umbrella. It can be presented in one of three main forms:

• Hook — the most practical form factor that fits securely in the hand and is convenient as it can easily be hung on a hook or hanger;
• Straight — smaller in size compared to the hook and fits comfortably in the hand (though not as securely);
• Round — often found in folding umbrellas, where compactness is crucial; shaped like a ball or cylinder, they are less convenient to grip.

Standing Out from the Crowd

Manufacturers strive to attract the attention of potential buyers by releasing interesting umbrella designs. For example, you will definitely stand out with a chameleon umbrella that changes color when wet or one that reveals a pattern upon contact with water. Such features are often found in women's models.

Men can stand out from the crowd by purchasing a stick umbrella with a wooden handle shaped like an animal's head (dog, rabbit, eagle, or even a goose).

Wishing you a successful selection!