The best rain umbrellas for men and women

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

It would seem that an umbrella is a trifle, it is easy to choose the right one. However, in the store it turns out that he has quite a lot of characteristics. And choosing the best umbrellas among all the abundance is not so easy. So what should you pay attention to when buying?

A bit of history

Scientists do not have an exact answer to the question of when and how the first rain umbrella was invented. It is known for sure that the history of this accessory goes back at least 3000 years. The very first mentions of it are connected with China. In Europe, an elegant accessory appeared only by the 18th century;

What types of umbrellas are there

Since its inception, manufacturing technology has improved, umbrellas have been modernized, which made it possible to launch the production of various models: canes that fold several times, for children, adults, etc. The best umbrellas differ in folding mechanism, size, colors. They produce automatic and mechanical, "family" and small, bright and modest. It is difficult to choose your own among such a variety, but it is quite real.

Folding mechanism

As already mentioned, the best umbrellas can have a different folding mechanism: automatic, double automatic and mechanics.

Full (double) automatic

In this case, both opening and closing of the dome are carried out by pressing a button. The presence of this mechanism is especially pleasing in those moments when the second hand is busy - the button can be pressed with one hand.

Caution! Do not try to close such an accessory manually, as this may damage the mechanism.

Semiautomatic

The umbrella is collapsible, but the automation works only in the direction of opening. The canopy must be folded manually. This is a classic option, but today they are being produced less and less, because they are less reliable, not always convenient, which leads to a decrease in their popularity.

Mechanical

This mechanism is currently used in the manufacture of classic canes or small models. Of course, fully manual opening / closing of the umbrella is not always convenient, but this type is very reliable, easy to use.

It is difficult to advise what is better: automatic umbrella, semi-automatic or mechanic. Depends on needs and preferences. For example, when going to the store, it is better to grab a vending machine so that you do not have to lower your purchases to the ground while you close your umbrella.

Shape and size

One of the most significant characteristics is the size of the dome, since the functionality and convenience of the accessory depend on this indicator. Most manufacturers, including "Three Elephants", produce umbrellas, which are divided into the following groups:

• Mini dome. These are the smallest umbrellas. When opened, the diameter of the dome does not exceed 85 cm. It is great for those who always carry this accessory with them. It fits in any bag or even pocket, as the length of the folded structure is no more than 20 cm.
• Small. Their diameter is 85-95 cm. Relatively mini - more functional. They can protect not only from drizzling rain, but also from more significant precipitation. Folded, they are compact, light weight, easy to carry.
• Classic. Diameter - 96-102 cm. Such a dome can be both for women's and men's canes, for folding umbrellas.
• Increased. 103-110 cm. The last two categories of umbrellas are the most popular with buyers. This is the most comfortable size, it can include an automatic umbrella, a mechanical cane and other types.
• Big and huge. From 111 cm and more. Suitable for lovers, friends, slingo mothers and all those who need reliable protection from the weather. Large umbrellas are often preferred by overweight people as the smaller size does not always cover them securely.

The shape of the dome can be completely different. Large umbrellas can be almost flat. But there are many with a deep dome. Mostly they are round, but sometimes you can find original shapes: square, triangles or double umbrellas. Which one to choose depends on the needs and likes.

Canopy fabric

A folding umbrella, like a cane, is made of a fabric that does not allow moisture to pass through. In this case, the dome should notfade, deteriorate in the sun and should be durable. Nowadays, several types of fabric are used in the production of umbrellas:

• Polyester is the most commonly used. It does not fade in the sun, repels moisture and dirt. The unique dressing makes the fabric look like silk or satin, very often it shimmers in the light. Umbrellas made of polyester are durable and look very dignified. To improve the performance properties, the fabric is sometimes coated with Teflon.
• Nylon. Almost the same as the previous fabric, only a little rougher to the touch.
• Ponge. The best umbrellas today are covered with this fabric. It is a mixture of natural fiber and polyester. Its surface is rough. This fabric is the easiest to apply pictures and logos.
• Teflon has recently appeared in the production of umbrellas. It is used only for exclusive models by world-famous manufacturers. This suggests that the price of such a thing is also quite exclusive.

An umbrella made of any fabric can look elegant and modern.

Women's umbrellas

The main characteristics of a women's umbrella: convenience, compactness, light weight. For all that, it should be suitable for clothes and shoes, reliably protect from rain.

This category includes cane umbrellas, folding umbrellas, mini umbrellas. Most often, the colors of female models are very different: these are bright products with different patterns or original decor. Even if it is a black umbrella, it will be decorated with a frill, lace, a bow, or something similar.

The handles of female models also have differences: they are more elegant, thin, oftendecorated with pebbles, carvings, drawings or have an original shape.

Men's umbrellas

First of all, the colors are striking. These are often discreet colors: gray, blue, brown, crimson, black. Umbrella can be in a modest stripe or a classic check, which will suit both a business suit and casual outfit.

Children's umbrellas

All popular manufacturers, such as "Three Elephants", produce a line of children's umbrellas. Often the choice is even greater than among adult products. Children's accessory must be reliable, high quality, attractive.

Most often it is a cane with a mechanical folding system of various colors with patterns. It can be geometric shapes, flowers, animals, cartoon characters. There are transparent umbrellas for children.

Materials from which children's products are made must be non-toxic, durable, lightweight. Accessories for girls are decorated with bows, flowers, lace, flounces, ruffles, laces. Umbrellas for boys are not so dressy, but they have a very attractive, bright design.

Frame

Like all other parts of this product, the frame may be different. The most practical is the umbrella-cane with a steel frame. However, this accessory is not very convenient when traveling by public transport. Folding umbrellas are more suitable here, but their reliability is lower. Most often, their frame is thin aluminum that breaks in strong winds. Experts recommend buying umbrellas with notmore than two additions. They are still more reliable.

Also, it is better to purchase more than one umbrella so that you can choose the right one depending on the situation. For example, a large cane umbrella is suitable for walking in the rain, while it is better to go shopping or work with a lightweight folding model.

Frames differ in the number of spokes. They can be from 8 to 16. Sometimes there are models with 24 knitting needles - they are made of fiberglass, which is characterized by high strength and low weight. A large number of spokes does not make the device heavier, allowing it to endure even strong gusts of wind. At the same time, the guides must also be flexible, the spokes should be coated with a special coating against corrosion. The groove on which the knitting needles are attached ensures the strength of the accessory, while it is responsible for the correct opening.

The fabric of the dome should be securely fastened to the needles in many places. The distance between the fasteners must be the same. The seams between the parts of the canvas must be strong, excluding transmission.

The top of the dome is fixed with a well fitting rivet.

What to look for when buying

When choosing an umbrella in a store, you need not only to choose the right color and size, but also to make sure of the quality of the goods. To do this, you need to perform a few simple exercises with him:

1. First of all, you need to open and close the umbrella several times, checking how well the mechanism works, whether it is convenient for the hand to perform these actions.
2. After thatthe surface should be carefully examined: an umbrella, the dome of which sags or bristles, cannot be taken. It is worth examining the places where the fabric is attached to the knitting needles, evaluating their reliability. On low-quality models, they are simply sewn on, while more expensive ones are equipped with plastic caps at the attachment points.
3. It is important to check the stability of the umbrella. To do this, you need to shake it - in a good model, looseness will not be felt, which will lead to an early breakdown.
4. Quality umbrellas have a rounded top, on the stem there must be a plastic retainer that fits snugly to prevent water from flowing under it. Among other things, this helps protect the structure of the umbrella from rust.

When choosing, most girls are guided not only by quality, but also by fashion. This year the trend is bright, stylish clothes with matching accessories. Umbrellas with original floral prints are very popular. Double-sided models are becoming increasingly popular, having a classic color on top, but upon opening they delight with a cheerful or romantic lining. Lace domes, canes with ruffles and bows are still fashionable. In addition, designers offer girls to use umbrellas not only for their usual purpose. You can use beautiful, stylish accessories for sun protection.