In the old days, if you needed an umbrella, you would end up with a long stick umbrella. And it would be black. But in recent years there have been several recent innovations and amazing feats of engineering applied to the old-fashioned rain umbrella.
Perhaps the most dramatic option for an umbrella is the opening method. Manual umbrellas open and close by sliding the ring up and down the shaft, at the user’s whim. There have been, for several years now, automatic umbrellas that open at the push of a button, located on the handle. These spring loaded umbrellas are really handy and can usually be opened quicker than a traditional manual umbrella. Even more recently, some ingenious engineers have figured out how to make umbrellas that open and close automatically. These are the ultimate in comfort. A word of caution, being complex mechanical machines, automatic umbrellas will occasionally break and get stuck open or closed. If you want to take advantage of an automatic umbrella, I recommend getting a higher quality umbrella with a lifetime guarantee.
The next amazing innovation for the modern umbrella is the double canopy. This design features overlapping slits in the canopy, the theory being that the wind can flow through these slits instead of being captured by the canopy and forcing the umbrella to invert. (Reversal is often the best sign that you need a new umbrella.) There are many different variations of the double top, but they all essentially work the same and can mitigate damage to this valuable accessory. Most double canopy umbrellas have been found to withstand winds up to 50 mph (80 kph). In fact, if your double canopy umbrella does invert, it’s time to immediately seek shelter and get inside.
Another option to consider is whether to get a traditional stick umbrella or a folding one. Folding umbrellas are also marketed as compact or ultra-compact. The shaft of these umbrellas extends out when open and can provide adequate cover for people, while collapsing to less than a foot in length for easy portability. Traditional stick umbrellas, while certainly bulkier, will also be more durable.
It is worth noting the material used for the hood of an umbrella. Most umbrellas are made from nylon due to its durability, as well as being widely available and cost-effective. Pongee (pronounced “Ponj”) is a type of silk fabric. It’s rare to find umbrellas made exclusively from Pongee, but you’ll likely find Poly-Pongee. This combination of polyester and silk is more widely used and, due to the silk content, is a bit more expensive. The advantage of poly-pongee is that it is a lighter fabric. You’ll also find a select few umbrellas made with a polyester canopy. Each of these fabrics has been found to provide superior protection from both sun and rain. Of note for custom printing, nylon tends to retain and reflect prints better. If you are thinking of putting a logo on an umbrella, it would be best to do it with a nylon canopy.
Do you like to play golf in the rain? Umbrella manufacturers often produce specially designed golf umbrellas that are characterized by a larger-than-average sized canopy (usually with 62- or 68-inch arcs), a longer-than-usual traditional pole shaft, and finally, a straight handle. Golf umbrellas also come in a wide variety of colors and designs. Golf umbrellas have become popular not only with golf patrons, but also work well for families.
Another great umbrella to consider is the Doorman Umbrellas, which are specifically designed for commercial use in hotels and apartments. Doorman umbrellas are similar to golf umbrellas with the two exceptions that they generally have a traditional J-shaped handle and come in a limited number of color options. Doorman umbrellas are also well designed to be durable and make a perfect umbrella for families too.
For the traveler or business worker there are various travel umbrellas. These are compact folding umbrellas that come with a handy carrying case or other bag. Some even incorporate loops and straps so you can carry the umbrella on your back like a backpack.
Under the name of fashion umbrellas, there are various models of umbrellas that are meant to make a personal statement or even match coordinated garments. There are few hard and fast rules for fashion umbrellas, and you’ll find a wide range when it comes to quality and durability. When selecting a fashion umbrella (as opposed to a “fashion” umbrella), consider using a reputable umbrella company that stands behind its products with a warranty.
In recent years, your options have really expanded when it comes to purchasing an umbrella.
Before putting down any money, it is important to consider your lifestyle and individual use of an umbrella. Once you understand what features you need in an umbrella, it becomes a simple exercise to find the umbrella that best suits your needs. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect umbrella, consulting with umbrella experts like those at UmbrellasAndBeyond.com can save you time and money in your search for the right protection from the rain.