Choose a quality umbrella. How to choose the ideal umbrella for you? Selecting the material of the umbrella rod and spokes

Men's umbrellas are not only a convenient way to protect from rain, wind and snowfall, but also a necessary accessory, with a wide choice of sizes, colors and styles.

Umbrellas for men differ from women's models in their capacious dimensions and colors in rather restrained tones. This accessory protects from getting wet, but if you choose it correctly, it will give respectability and solidity to its owner and emphasize his character and style.

Initially, umbrellas were used to protect ourselves from the scorching sun. It is known that this household item first appeared in France, in the 17th century, and was called “parasol”. It performed an exceptional function - to preserve the white color of the skin, protecting from sunlight, since tanning was considered not aristocratic. Then a beautiful umbrella - a cane - came into fashion.

Only in the middle of the 18th century did the experimenter and traveler John Hanway, walking with a sun umbrella, think of hiding under it during a sudden, heavy rain. In those days, it was considered rude to leave the house during rainfall, so thanks to this spontaneous situation, he became a pioneer in terms of protection from the rain with an umbrella. John, replaced the lace and taffeta with a practical thick fabric and defiantly walked in the London rainfall. Society reacted with misunderstanding, ridiculing his pretentious invention, as well as the act itself, but soon such an umbrella became a necessity for those who could not afford a carriage. Thus, Hanwei experimented and created the world's first folding umbrella.

For reference! The fact is that at that time not everyone could afford this accessory; only important people could wear it. The size and weight of the umbrella gave status. For example, in China they used giant umbrellas, similar to pagodas. The Siamese king had an umbrella with seven tiers. The King of Burma went out into the street under protection of 24 tiers, each decorated with precious stones and embroidered with patterns of gold threads.

Over time, these protective structures from the sun began to be used by rich people, only they looked much simpler in both shape and decor. But nevertheless, as before, the richer this accessory looked, the more status it brought to its owners; the more lace, ruffles and ribbons, the higher the position in society.

The first “designer” umbrella appeared with Marie Antoinette. Its frame consisted of whalebone and weighed about two kilograms. Then a special staff position appeared - an honorary “umbrella bearer”.

Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe describes an umbrella that Robinson made from goat skins, with the fur facing out. The rain flowed down it like a slanted roof, and when the rain stopped, Robinson closed it and carried it under his arm. Since then, British umbrellas for men began to be called “Robinsons”

By the forties of the 19th century, folding umbrellas had become firmly in fashion and were already available to almost everyone. For richer people, they were made with luxurious bone handles and rings on the tips for beauty and convenience. And closer to the second half of the 19th century, umbrellas decorated with fringe and lace were replaced by more practical “rain” models, which were worn by both men and women.

After the First World War, closer to 1920, paper models for sun protection and oilcloth models for rain protection came into fashion. Towards the end of the 1930s, canes went out of fashion. The long, large men's umbrella still reminds of itself in the 1950s, but rather the umbrella is modified into a small, folding rain accessory that fits in a bag or briefcase, acquiring the status of an ordinary, everyday household item.

Types of men's umbrellas

In the modern world, there is a huge selection of all kinds of umbrellas. They are classified depending on their appearance and mechanism. Here are some of them:

Folding

The most widely used are compact, convenient umbrellas that can easily fit in a handbag or glove compartment in case of sudden precipitation. They are convenient, minimal weight and mobility. They are very popular, so you can choose one for absolutely every taste and color.

The downside is the design; the main parts create a high probability of mechanism failure. Due to the fragile structure, they cannot withstand strong gusts of wind.

Cane

• The construction is quite durable. The long leg is equipped with metal spokes, without joints, so when opened, the umbrella resembles the shape of a dome.
• The cane gives its owner a presentable appearance, emphasizing his status.
• When it rains, the cane goes well with a coat, raincoat, classic jacket and business suit.
• The downside is that when the precipitation passes, you will have to carry it in your hands; you can’t hide the cane in your briefcase. Also, a cane can create inconvenience in public transport due to its bulkiness.

Mechanical

• A more durable and reliable type of umbrella, thanks to manual opening and closing, the likelihood of breakage is minimal.
• This is the most compact type of umbrella, the length of the folded accessory is 16 - 19 centimeters.

Expert opinion

Helen Goldman

Male stylist-image maker

If you have a dynamic daily routine and you are planning several transfers in transport and changing rooms where the umbrella needs to be folded and put away, it is more convenient in this case to choose a different canopy opening system.

Semi-automatic

• This umbrella opens when you press a button, but closes manually.
• Unlike a mechanical one, it is more convenient. Saving effort and time when opening is a big plus for him.
• It also wins in terms of price-quality ratio.

The disadvantages are varied. Those who prefer the “mechanical” option understand the high risk of breakdown. Those who prefer “automation” consider the functionality insufficient.

Slot machines

• They have proven themselves in big cities, where saving time comes first. It is very quick and convenient to open and close the umbrella by pressing a button.
• Minimum effort and time, maximum functionality and convenience.

Expert opinion

Helen Goldman

Male stylist-image maker

Due to sufficient load on the structural elements, the risk of breakdowns increases, and the price for such models is much higher.

Types of umbrellas for men

When choosing this stylish and necessary accessory, consider the size of the dome that you need. Where will you go with him and with whom? There are several options:

Small dome

• An excellent option for a working person who crosses small areas; it can be quickly and easily put into a bag, it will not get in the way and the risk of accidentally leaving it in transport is minimal.
• The disadvantage is that in strong winds, the probability of not getting wet at all is not great. Umbrellas with a small dome are also called mini-umbrellas.

Big dome

• The peculiarity, as well as the main advantage, is that it is, of course, reliable protection from rain and, very importantly, from strong winds. Almost all men's umbrellas have a large dome, this is convenient when a man is not alone; he can protect, say, his significant other from bad weather.
• Plus - the likelihood of getting wet is minimal. The downside is that the enlarged dome takes up more space when folded and is significantly more expensive.

Double dome

• Also called a double-dome or double umbrella. The dome is bifurcated and attached to one cane.
• A favorite thing for romantic lovers who love to walk in the rain.

Umbrella fabric composition

The design of the umbrella, of course, influences its choice, like color and size, but the material itself performs the main function - to protect from moisture and getting wet. The strength of the material and its water resistance should be fundamental when purchasing an umbrella. How to choose a men's umbrella, what material to choose, read on.

Leather

Leather umbrellas are considered the most exquisite and expensive; VIPs can afford them. These umbrellas are made from thin kid leather and black. A true accessory for an elegant gentleman.

Polyester

• This is a fairly strong material, durable. The fabric can be found in silk or satin. The drawings are varied, sometimes unusual and look rich.
• Some manufacturers add cotton to polyester, resulting in a more reliable and durable fabric. But the fabric is not ideal; during use, stains may remain after precipitation.

Nylon

• This material is cheaper, thinner and rougher, so its service life is not long.
• During drying, it is possible that the material may “settle”, and the paint is often unstable.

Pongee

• New generation material, pleasant to the touch, thanks to natural cotton thread.
• This umbrella dries quickly and is more expensive than those listed above.

Satin

• The most stylish men's umbrellas are made from satin. It looks more luxurious than polyester, because silk derivatives are used for production. These fabrics are mainly used for clothing and are therefore considered to be short-lived.
• With satin umbrellas, you need to be careful when using them, otherwise they will quickly lose their sophisticated charm.

The cost of an umbrella depends on the model and type of fabric

Below are examples of the average market value of umbrellas, in rubles.

• The pricing policy for a leather cane umbrella is from 20,000.

Polyester umbrellas, classic models

• Vending machines – from 1000 rubles;
• Cane - from 1150 rubles;

Nylon

• Automatic – from 450;
• Cane – from 550;

Pongee

• Automatic – from 1200
• Cane – from 1350

Russian and Chinese umbrellas are of high quality; it is worth paying attention to these manufacturers. Men prefer black for an umbrella, but more saturated colors are in fashion: blue, graphite, steel and chocolate shades, suitable for a business-like male look.

“Nature doesn’t have bad weather?..” Of course, if a stylish, elegant and very important accessory is an umbrella, girls will take it with them in the spring or autumn season. Continuing the famous song from the popular movie “Office Romance”: “Every weather is grace,” let’s try to prepare for it in such a way that this reliable ally not only brings brightness and originality to our image, but also serves as reliable protection in inclement weather.

A little history

Among scientists there is still ongoing debate about the origin of the umbrella, but it is known for certain that its age is more than three thousand years. The first country where this symbol of wealth and noble origin was noticed was China. Since the beginning of the eighteenth century, the elegant cane umbrella has triumphantly conquered Europe and then America.

Since ancient times, their production technologies have been repeatedly improved, which has helped manufacturers master the production of umbrellas of various designs: both modern “canes” and folding models that can be conveniently transformed twice, three times, or even four times, turning into a small accessory that easily fits in a lady's handbag. Folding umbrellas can be either automatic or semi-automatic, as well as double automatic. For semi-automatic designs, the umbrella handle is moved down manually, and then the canopy swings open; for automatic machines, the accessory is opened with one “click” of a button, and closed manually; double automatic machines provide a full cycle of opening and closing the umbrella with the same button.

Frame

Of the entire galaxy of umbrellas and parasols, cane umbrellas with steel frames are considered the most durable and practical, ideally protecting their owners from rainy and inclement weather. However, it is difficult to carry such an umbrella in any transport; it is often forgotten in cafes or other places. Folding umbrellas with a folding handle are very compact, but not so reliable. This model is often equipped with a thin aluminum frame, which fails with any strong gust of wind. Experts also recommend choosing a similar umbrella with two folds, no more, since an excessive third or even fourth reduces the reliability of the design.

• Experts advise not to limit yourself to buying one umbrella, since a cane umbrella is convenient for walking and driving your own car, and for practical and dynamic women, a folding umbrella will be good.
• The number of spokes for a quality umbrella can be 8, 10 or 16. Some models can have up to 24 spokes. The most optimal material for them, light and durable, is fiberglass. Knitting needles made from it do not weigh down the product and can withstand fairly strong gusts of wind. The guides themselves must be not only durable, but also flexible, and the metal spokes must also be coated with additional spraying to prevent corrosion. The groove directed upwards, to which the spokes are attached, is capable of ensuring the strength of the structure and forming the correct dome of the umbrella when opened.
• The fabric covering of the dome of a quality umbrella is securely attached to the spokes in several equidistant places. Tight seams, eliminating the presence of even the smallest holes or other minor flaws, will not allow a drop of moisture to pass through.
• The canopy of a good umbrella is securely fixed at the top with a tight-fitting rivet.

Canopy fabric

• Nylon is one of the most common and fairly cheap materials used in the production of umbrellas. However, it is wear-resistant, dries quickly and serves the owner for several years.
• Polyester - designed for girls who prefer luxury and sophistication in things, but they may not be concerned about the price. Domes with bright, “tasty” material are made from threads of rich colors. But these umbrellas last much less than their nylon counterparts.
• Pongee - it is often popularly called “raincoat” for its similar fabric structure. This material has a high degree of water-repellent properties, so it does not get wet in rainy weather.

• Teflon fabric - this innovative material has conquered the catwalks quite recently. Umbrella domes made of Teflon fabric are found only in exclusive models of famous world brands. Accordingly, the cost of such umbrellas is not designed for every wallet. Thin and soft fabric with Teflon has excellent water-repellent properties.

What to pay attention to

• Firstly, it is necessary to check the mechanism of the umbrella, its ability to open and close smoothly without requiring additional effort. To do this, you can try to open and close the umbrella several times (10-15 movements), assessing the comfort of this action.
• Next, you need to see whether the material on the umbrella dome is tightly stretched: under no circumstances should it sag. Then we will evaluate the reliability of fastening the fabric to the guides (knitting needles). On cheap models, the material is simply sewn to the edges of the knitting needles, which ruins it over time. For high-quality umbrellas, the fabric is connected to the spokes using plastic caps.
• Don't forget to check the umbrella frame for stability. To do this, let's swing the umbrella: a good model has a frame that is fastened tightly and does not have looseness, leading to its premature damage.
• The top of “branded” umbrellas has a rounded shape and there is always a plastic lock on the rod.

When choosing a high-quality and comfortable umbrella for their spring-autumn wardrobe, all girls strive to pay tribute to fashion, following its trends. The trend of 2013 is considered to be bright, stylish clothes and the same original accessories, including umbrellas with unusual floral prints. Cane umbrellas and lace domes in retro style will not lose their relevance. Spring 2013 will reward the fashion accessory with a riot of colors, animal print, ruffles, bows, and floral arrangements. This summer, world couturiers offered girls exquisite transparent umbrellas to protect themselves from the hot sun.

How to choose a stylish umbrella

Open it and look at your reflection in the mirror. The color of your dome greatly affects not only your appearance, but also the shade of your face. Knowledge about the correct selection of decorative cosmetics will be very helpful here. The umbrella is selected according to the same criteria.

• Pink and red, brown and yellow umbrella colors suit pale-skinned beauties well.
• For rosy-cheeked beauties, it is better to use green and blue shades. But such umbrellas and all gray tones are contraindicated for mature women, as they worsen the complexion, making it painful.

Men traditionally prefer dark, plain umbrellas. For stylish looks, famous fashion designers recommended checkered umbrellas.

Masters of the fashion world this year advise not to strictly tie the color of the umbrella to other accessories. Knowing how to choose a quality umbrella, you can safely purchase the color you like. Your favorite umbrella will give you confidence in your own irresistibility!

Video

By watching the following video, you will learn how to choose an umbrella, how to use it correctly and how to care for it:

(English: umbrella, brolly) - a mechanical device for protection from rain or sun in the form of a folding frame mounted on a cane, covered with waterproof material.

Historical reference

They were intended for protection from the sun, their domes were embroidered with gold threads, and their handles were decorated with precious stones. At that time, the status and financial situation of the owner could be easily determined by the umbrella.

The umbrellas were very massive, and sometimes their weight reached two kilograms, and therefore the servants were obliged to carry the umbrellas for the owner. The more noble and rich a person was, the more umbrellas he had. The King of Siam (now Thailand) had an umbrella with seven domes, decorated with expensive embroidery and diamonds, and the King of Burma (now Myanmar) was called the “lord of twenty-four umbrellas”, since his umbrella consisted of twenty-four domes.

In the 16th century, umbrellas were brought to Europe, and quickly gained popularity among noble girls who tried very hard to maintain white skin: a tan was considered a sign of low birth. The handles of the umbrellas were made of wood, bamboo and ivory, the knitting needles were made of whalebone. The waxed canvas dome was decorated with lace, embroidery, silk, and matched to the dress.

In France, the fashion for umbrellas was introduced by the French Queen Marie de' Medici, the wife of Henry IV, who arrived from Italy in 1600.

A separate servant carried the umbrella over her head.

The umbrella found a new purpose in the mid-18th century, thanks to the extravagant British traveler John Hanway. At that time, an umbrella was considered an absolutely feminine accessory and was intended only for protection from the sun; in rainy weather, decent ladies and gentlemen tried not to go outside, and in case of emergency, they put on hats and raincoats and hired a carriage.

On one of these rainy days, Hanway left the house under an umbrella, causing bewilderment and numerous ridicule. But within a few years, John had gained a large following, and the umbrella became a common accessory for harsh English weather for both women and men.

Today the store is located at the same address and still exists as a family business.

The umbrella was brought to Russia from the Netherlands by Peter I in the 18th century. The Russian word "umbrella" comes from the Dutch "zondek", which literally translates as "protection from the sun". Later it was shortened to the word “umbrella” we know today, and its previous form is perceived as a diminutive.

In 1852, Briton Samuel Fox invented a lighter steel frame, which made it possible to mass produce umbrellas. In 1928, the German engineer Hans Haupt patented a telescopic pocket umbrella (such umbrellas closed upward, i.e. in the opposite direction), and in 1936 his company Knirps released an automatic pocket umbrella. After 30 years, silk fabric was replaced by nylon, and steel and wooden frames were replaced by polymer ones.

In the 1930s, sun umbrellas fell completely out of fashion as tanned skin was considered especially beautiful compared to aristocratic pallor.

Types of umbrellas

Umbrellas are divided into men's, women's and children's.

From a mechanism point of view:

• fully automatic - the umbrella opens and closes by pressing a button;
• automatic – the button controls opening and closing;

• semi-automatic - a button is pressed, then the umbrella canopy opens manually;
• mechanical – the umbrella opens completely manually.

According to the type of folding, they are divided into five types: two, three, four and five folds and a cane umbrella. The size of the umbrella largely depends on the type of folding: the more folds, the smaller it is.

The cane umbrella is a classic model. Its main advantages include a large, spacious dome, strength and reliability of the structure. The only drawback of a cane umbrella is its size: even when folded, you have to carry it in your hands; on the case you can often find a special braid for carrying the umbrella on the shoulder.

Currently, there are many models of umbrellas: double umbrellas that can fit two people, umbrellas with a transparent dome, umbrellas with a Jedi sword handle, rainbow umbrellas, double skin umbrellas, umbrellas with a sunny sky on the inside and many others , as new models appear every year.

Choosing an umbrella

When choosing an umbrella, you should pay attention not only to its visual appeal, but also to the color. Umbrellas in light blue and green shades provide colored dark shadows and can visually change skin color. Girls with pale skin are recommended to choose umbrellas in warm colors.

The quality of the umbrella is also determined by the material of the spokes and the rod. Steel is stronger and more reliable than aluminum, but heavier and less flexible. Fiberglass is a strong and highly flexible material. The number of spokes can vary from 6 to 32 and does not affect the quality of the umbrella.

Having decided on the model and color, it is recommended to open and close the umbrella several times, observing how smoothly the mechanism works and how stretched the fabric is. The tension of the fabric will depend on the number of folds of the umbrella. Next, it’s worth checking that all the parts, such as the cap, handle, etc., are held tightly in place. Umbrellas are convenient in which, when folded, the ends of the knitting needles fall into the “pocket” of the handle. Umbrellas with metal handles are very cold to hold in your hands.

Care

Rust stains from a black umbrella can be removed by wiping it with a soft sponge soaked in strong tea leaves. Apply a few drops of lemon juice to stubborn rust, leave for half an hour and then wash off with warm water.

Undoubtedly, there is a main fundamental difference between who exactly the accessory is intended for - a woman or a man. Designers who know all the intricacies of this issue develop models taking into account all gender characteristics. Thus, accessories intended for the fair sex most often have bright colors, decorated with unusual prints, ruffles, etc. As a rule, the frame of such specimens is made of fairly light, but at the same time especially durable materials, which makes the product even more convenient.

The same options are more massive. For the most part, they have a considerable dome, which allows even two people to be reliably sheltered from bad weather. These products are usually dark in color, decorated with laconic, most often geometric patterns and ornaments.

Such a category as deserves special attention. Accessories for kids must be bright and interesting. It would be good if the dome of such a product was decorated with illustrations of famous fairy tales or images of popular cartoon characters. This will help enrich the baby’s inner world and develop his imagination.

So, we have decided on the differences between umbrellas by gender and age. But sooner or later, each of us is faced with the problem of choosing our umbrella. Sometimes it can be difficult to decide right away without getting lost in all the diversity that the modern market offers. Here are a few points that any buyer should pay attention to first.

What to choose - a cane umbrella or a folding model?

By type, everything can be divided into two large categories. The first includes all non-compact models these accessories. They have no additions. When closing such a product, the knitting needles simply fit tightly to the frame, and it is impossible to reduce the size of the accessory. Mainly this type includes the good old canes.

In fact, such models can be considered the very first varieties of folding umbrellas in general.

True, initially they were less convenient and not as durable as they are today. Often, one strong gust of wind was enough to damage the accessory. Now all the mistakes of the past have been taken into account, and such products have become strong and reliable protectors of people from bad weather. Their advantages are also the relative simplicity of the design - and this, according to the laws of mechanics, will help the product be more durable.

The only disadvantages of cane umbrellas are their bulkiness and the lack of an “automatic” folding system - due to the design features of the frame.

Second category - folding umbrellas, the frame of which can be reduced in size several times - two, three, four or even five. Compact models are especially popular in the modern world among both men and women. You can even carry them in a handbag, or put them in the glove compartment and use them as needed. This accessory will come to your aid in the most difficult moments! The advantages of folding models are obvious: in addition to the described storage in a purse or car, you will not be burdened by the weight of such an accessory, moreover, folding umbrellas are perhaps the most popular today, which means that the choice of their colors will also be wider.

The disadvantages of folding umbrellas are in the design itself. A larger number of parts creates a greater likelihood of failure of the entire mechanism. You also need to be able to handle folding umbrellas carefully so as not to injure yourself or others (this especially applies to “semi-automatic” or “automatic” systems).

When purchasing an umbrella, pay attention to folded size of the product. Of course, the canes will be the longest and bulkiest, but for folding umbrellas, which are theoretically suitable for carrying in a bag or briefcase, the difference of even a few centimeters will be significant. The optimal size of a three-fold umbrella with a standard folded canopy size is 30-35 centimeters. Smaller models have more folds, larger ones are usually made in two folds and have an impressive appearance, like a mini cane. Which size to choose is a matter of taste and need, but do not forget to include this important parameter in your list when choosing an umbrella, so that later you do not “shove” the umbrella you like diagonally into your small everyday bag.

We study the “mechanical” side of the issue

Equally important when choosing is the folding mechanism of the umbrella. There are three types: mechanical, semi-automatic and full automatic.

Products with mechanical folding type have long established themselves as one of the most reliable and durable. With this type, the accessory must be opened and closed manually.

Thus, the risk of product breakdown is significantly reduced. Mechanical umbrellas will undoubtedly be appreciated by women or men who are looking for extremely compact models: the design features of the five-fold frames - this is 16-19 cm in length when folded - allow the use of only a mechanical system for opening and closing the dome.

The only drawback of this system is the amount of effort required to use the accessory for its intended purpose: for example, if there are many transport transfers, crossings and other areas where the umbrella needs to be hidden on your route, it would be more convenient for you to use another canopy opening system.

Umbrellas with a semi-automatic mechanism are currently the most common. Such products open automatically - you just need to press a button. But the accessory must be folded manually. Compared to the previous type, such products significantly save the time and effort of their owner and at the same time are an excellent compromise in the price-quality ratio. Everyone sees their own disadvantages: manual transmission fans see an increased risk of breakdown, and automatic transmission fans see insufficient functionality.

Accessories with fully automatic mechanism disclosures are becoming increasingly popular. Especially when it comes to big cities, where every second counts. The dome of such a product opens and closes automatically - this is extremely convenient in transport or in heavy rain and wind. However, it should be borne in mind that the price of such models is slightly higher. An umbrella with a “full automatic” system also involves a greater load on the structural elements, which increases the likelihood of breakdowns.

In the article you will find more useful and important information.

Frame and spokes

Umbrella frame- this is its basis, therefore, the evaluation of the properties of this parameter of the product must be taken as responsibly as possible. Modern umbrella frames are made of steel, carbon, metal alloys or aluminum. Strength directly depends on the material used. In lightweight models of umbrellas, aluminum is used, in models with a reinforced frame, an enlarged dome, carbon is used, and in the bulk of umbrellas, the frames are made of steel and metal alloys. All frames, except aluminum, are famous for their strength and durability, and the advantage of the aluminum frame, unfortunately, is only the low weight of the product. You shouldn't count on durability.

Spokes- this is the basis for the canopy, so they must be strong, reliable and high quality - then the umbrella will look solid. The number of knitting needles in umbrellas ranges from five to twenty-four or even thirty-six, but for everyday wear the optimal number is eight to ten - this is exactly what the main manufacturers on the market offer. Five is too few: the umbrella canopy may “sag” and look unsightly, and more than ten knitting needles is rather a matter of taste and wallet capabilities, since they have no technical need, except in umbrellas with a very large dome.

So many nuances! However, they are all important if you plan to wear your umbrella for more than one season. You can familiarize yourself in more detail with all the technical components of the choice.

A useful feature in any umbrella is anti-wind system: it allows you to extend the life of any umbrella in conditions of heavy winds, which so often happen here on rainy or snowy days. The cost of an anti-wind umbrella is increasing, but this is perhaps its only drawback, given the increasing durability of the product, protection against damage and ease of use. More information about this wonderful system is in ours.

The dome of the umbrella is his “calling card”

When choosing an umbrella, we still meet “by clothes”.

It will be an important nuance, of course, but the material will be even more important.

Dome material will protect you from rain, it acts as a mechanical barrier from moisture. How durable and waterproof it is, the entire umbrella will perform its main function for so long. Modern umbrellas use different types of fabrics: nylon, polyester, jacquard, satin, pongee. Some models have Teflon impregnation - this allows you to create additional protection against water for the dome fabric.

Nylon- the cheapest and thinnest material used in the production of umbrellas. Unfortunately, its service life is also not long. In order for the umbrella to serve for a long time and reliably, you need to pay attention to polyester. This is a synthetic material, especially durable and waterproof, which is simply created for use in the production of umbrella canopies. Most models on the market come with polyester canopies. The only drawback of this material is its ordinary, fairly familiar appearance - you won’t find any special shine, silkiness, or padding on it.

Satin or jacquard, being derivatives of silk fabrics used for clothing production, look more advantageous compared to polyester. However, such materials, since they were not originally created for the dome, may not be so durable, and only special impregnations help them “wear” well. These umbrellas, although they look much more stylish and elegant than polyester models, are also more “gentle” to use - you have to pay for luxury!

Pongee- polyester with a cotton blend - is considered a comfortable and interesting material of the new generation. Pleasant to the touch due to the natural cotton thread that is used in the production of this fabric, and drying well - this umbrella will surely please you. The disadvantage is the higher price and the specific appearance of the dome - it does not have the effect of “synthetic material”, which is quite unusual for umbrellas.

You can find out more about dome materials.

When thinking about buying an umbrella, consider which dome size is optimal for you. Are you buying an umbrella for yourself or for walking with your significant other? Or with the whole family?

The advantage of large domes is that you probably won’t get wet, even if you “shelter” your spouse or colleague under it. However, an umbrella with a larger canopy is probably larger when folded and more expensive.

Small, compact umbrellas with a classic dome will appeal to you for carrying to work or in your bag. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that in the rain accompanied by a strong wind, you are unlikely to come out completely unscathed.

Choose the optimal dome size with us and ours!

Brands, prices and guarantees

The market offers a variety of umbrellas - from Japanese and German to Chinese. Prices are often associated with the brand and depend on its prestige and the technologies that it introduces into the production of its umbrellas.

If you are planning a purchase without looking too much at the cost of an umbrella, pay attention to models made in Japan -, New Zealand - Blunt, Germany - FARE, Esprit, Pierre Cardin, Happy Rain, Raindy Days, Flash. To buy a product with an optimal price-quality ratio, choose products from England - Airton, Zest, Austria - Magic Rain, China - Wanlima, Three Elephants.

An important advantage when buying an umbrella is that it has warranty period. Lack of warranty is a warning sign. By optimally combining such parameters as warranty period, price and country of origin, you can buy an umbrella of excellent quality and cost.

Ours will tell you in more detail about the brands of umbrellas and their prices.

Pay attention to details

Of no small importance is umbrella handle. Most often, handles come in two main types - straight and hook.

Straight handle can be standard, shortened or extended. The hook can also be truncated.

This part is made from a variety of materials - wood, plastic and even steel and glass. It may also have a special coating that prevents slipping.

There is no need to talk about what type and material of manufacture of this part of the accessory design is more convenient. After all, each buyer in this matter is guided by his personal preferences. The main thing is that the handle is comfortable and ideally suits you, so that the accessory is comfortable and pleasant to hold in your hand. You can find out more about the handles in umbrellas here.

Designers especially like to experiment with different decorative elements. Buckles, lace, braid, ruffles, bows, rhinestones - the craftsmen generously supply their creations with a wide variety of interesting details, making each of them a real masterpiece. But we should not forget that an umbrella has, first of all, practical significance and should be as comfortable as possible, so excess decoration is often harmful.

So, some useful tips

From all of the above, a logical conclusion follows - the issue of choosing an accessory such as an umbrella should not be approached without prior preparation. In order for you to be able to purchase a truly high-quality copy, we have prepared for you some useful tips - a kind of reminder.

• When choosing an umbrella, familiarize yourself with all the technical characteristics: what materials the frame and canopy are made of, what opening mechanism is, how many spokes and folds the product has, what is its weight and size when folded. This information can be found by reading the label or special booklet that comes with the umbrella, or by asking the seller.
• Ask the seller to open the umbrella. Make sure that the product is in good condition, there are no suspicious stains on the frame, the knitting needles are not loose, and there are no suspicious sounds when shaking the product. The handle should also be reliable and comfortable. It will be important to open it two or three, or even better, five or six times. This will help you check how an umbrella works, which has never been opened before and, perhaps, was simply lying in its packaging on a display or in a warehouse.
• Examine the dome. It must be firmly attached to the frame and must not sag. There cannot be any damage to the dome. Even a small defect can be noticed if you turn the dome towards the light source. The fabric color and pattern must be durable. Carry out this test - lightly rub the umbrella canopy with a regular white paper napkin. The napkin should remain clean. Otherwise, you need to think about whether it is worth buying such a product.
• Don't neglect the anti-wind system. The accessories equipped with it are more durable and withstand domestic climatic conditions much better - strong winds, wind with rain, with snow.
• If you want to become the owner of a product from a famous brand, you should make sure of its authenticity. A store selling such products must have a supporting document, and the product itself must have a logo or emblem of the brand.
• Decide exactly how you are going to wear the accessory. Products intended to be carried in the hand are usually equipped with a special strap. If you need an umbrella that can be put in a bag or car glove compartment, you should pay attention to compact and small models
• If you are planning to purchase an umbrella with a “full automatic” or “semi-automatic” mechanism, you need to make sure that the button that opens/closes the canopy when pressed does not jam or have other defects.
• Be sure to check what warranty applies to the model you have chosen and what the terms of the warranty service are - for example, what parts are covered by repairs.
• Consult with the seller on how to properly use your new umbrella: tips on proper use, storage and care of the umbrella will help you wear the model you like for many years.

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A bunch of iron, fiberglass and huge rolls of different fabrics. This is exactly what the beginning of a modern ordinary umbrella looks like. Have you ever wondered what your umbrella is made of and how this might affect its functionality?

Design of a modern umbrella

Umbrella fabrics

• Nylon. This is a cheap material from which inexpensive umbrellas are made. It deteriorates relatively quickly, fades and can easily tear. Bright colors are practically not retained by the material, so we recommend choosing umbrellas made of nylon in plain pastel colors.
• Polyester. It can be called the main fabric for the production of accessories. It is much more reliable than nylon, practically does not shrink, dries quickly, and does not fade. But avoid mechanical stress so as not to tear the dome material.
• Pongee. This is polyester with some cotton added. Such umbrellas are expensive, but the service life of this accessory is long. The material feels like thick cotton. The drops simply do not have time to be absorbed and flow down. The pongee dries very quickly. Just 5 minutes and the umbrella becomes dry.
• Satin. The material is used with water-repellent impregnation. The fabric is durable; it will take a lot of effort to tear it. The wet surface dries in a matter of minutes. The price is appropriate.

What types of frames are there?

• Steel. Reliable and durable structural elements that can withstand wind flows rarely break. Such mechanisms can be repaired. But this metal gives the umbrella weight.
• Aluminum. The knitting needles are already much lighter, but also softer. They are easy to deform and break. These are compact.
• Fiberglass. The material is similar to plastic, but has special strength and elasticity, which makes it invulnerable and lightweight.

Umbrella handle