You probably don’t spend much time thinking about umbrellas. But if you put off buying one until it rains, you can easily end up with a poorly made brolly that doesn’t suit your style – and may well fall apart in no time.
We’ve tested umbrellas of all shapes and sizes – and across all budgets – to bring you the most durable, waterproof, easy-to-use and smart-looking umbrellas on the market. And we’ve also asked the experts for their top tips when buying one.
Buying guide
What types of umbrellas are there?
The two main types are full-length walking umbrellas and folding umbrellas. Walking umbrellas have a bigger surface area and don’t fold; these are good for windier weather and long periods of time in the rain, as well as for people who prefer the traditional look. The largest type are known as golfing umbrellas. For more convenient everyday use, a foldable umbrella can be tucked away in a bag ready for when you might need it.
Both types are available with either automatic or manual opening mechanisms. The former requires a simple push of the button to unfold, which is great for when you’re in a hurry - but the mechanism tends to have a shorter lifespan. Manual opening systems involve a bit more effort to open, but are likely to last much longer.
Are there any types to avoid?
Steer well clear of low-cost, lightweight folding umbrellas. Sure, they’re cheap, but that’s normally because they’re made from low-quality materials and a frame that’s likely to see bits of aluminium poking out in odd places as soon as the slightest wind gets up. We suggest you also avoid umbrellas that fold into lots of parts, as they’re generally more flimsy, often difficult to operate and can pinch your fingers.
What features should I look out for?
If you want to ensure your umbrella won’t blow inside-out in howling winds, consider a vented or two-layer fabric canopy. Also consider a brolly with fibreglass ribs, which flex with the wind rather than breaking. If you can afford it, look for a canopy with a polyester pongee fabric for increased strength and water resistance. The more common nylon canopy is fine for occasional showers, however.
On the subject of the canopy, make sure it’s big enough - otherwise expect wet shoulders – and think about the shape and style too. The classic birdcage can be pulled right down over your shoulders, while the ingenious Senz shape protects you from the rain, whatever direction it’s coming from.
The handle should ideally be cushioned, or at least comfortable to hold in either your left and right hand, as you never know what else you’ll have to carry. And a good grip is essential for windier weather.
As for weight, stay clear of heavy and bulky designs – unless you don’t have to think about carrying anything else. At the same time, be mindful that while aluminium is lighter than steel, it also breaks much more easily.
The best umbrellas to buy 2017
1. Senz Original Folding Umbrella: Most innovative umbrella
Price when reviewed:€54.90
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Thanks to the aerodynamic design, Senz umbrellas effortlessly slice through gale-force winds of up to 100km per hour without flipping inside out – and can still be comfortably gripped with one hand.
What’s more, tests show that using it requires 40% less muscle tension than typical umbrellas. The clear view promises to save you from embarrassingly clumsy moments, and the spokes sport unique “eye savers” – reassuring for both you and innocent bystanders.
Despite all these clever features, it’s a lightweight umbrella that will fit in your bag. There’s a range of four vibrant colours, in both automatic and manual. Take the time to watch the video to learn how to use it, though – if you don’t allow it to move around or hold it in the right position, you won’t get the full benefit.
Key specs – Canopy size: 91 x 91 x 28cm; Length when folded: 28cm; Length when unfolded: 57cm; Weight: 360g; Colours available: 4; Warranty: 2 years
2. James Smith & Sons Pencil Umbrella with Malacca crook: Best traditional umbrella
Price when reviewed:£85
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Made by a family business that’s been selling umbrellas since 1830, the James Smith & Sons pencil umbrella is designed for women, although there's a male version too. It’s pricey, but a more sleek and sophisticated brolly you will not find.
Highlights include elegant gold spoke tips, a black rope loop and wrist loop, and button fastening for keeping the canopy from flapping about when not in use. In our view, though, the best bit is the crook-shaped wooden handle made from Malacca cane, a mainstay of hand-crafted umbrellas for over a century – this one’s sourced from Malyasia with a sleek mottled finish.
Despite the high-quality materials, the umbrella is surprisingly lightweight, and the manual opening works smoothly, with a decent-sized polyester canopy. The company runs a repair service for its own umbrellas too.
Buy now from James Smith & Sons Umbrellas
Key specs – Canopy size: 88cm diameter; Length: 71cm; Weight: 350g; Colours available: 7; Warranty: 1 year
3. Fulton Tiny Umbrella: Best pocket umbrella
Price when reviewed:£20
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If you’re always caught out when it rains, the answer could be a compact umbrella that can live at the bottom of your bag until required. Where most little umbrellas are disappointingly flimsy, this miniscule and lightweight one has a polyester pongee cover that’s great for protection from sudden showers.
The frame is made partly from aluminium, with added fibreglass for strength, while the rubberised handle never slips out of your hand. Measuring just 6 x 3cm when folded, it will hardly take up any room in your bag or even your pocket – just don’t expect it to manage in torrential rain.
Key specs – Canopy size: 87cm diameter; Length when folded: 6cm; Length when unfolded: 15cm; Weight: 158g; Colours available: 2 plain + seasonal patterned; Warranty: none
4. Kate Spade Clear Umbrella – Eyes: Best birdcage umbrella
Price when reviewed:£32
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The dome shape of this stylish birdcage umbrella for women is great for full protection from the rain. You can pull it right down over your shoulders, ensuring not a drop of rain splatters your hair or makeup, and you can still see where you’re going. It’s strong and sturdy, too, with a good grip on the black, hooked handle.
The black-and-white design looks classy and minimalist, as you’d expect from New York designer Kate Spade. The only thing we’d add is a shoulder strap.
Key specs – Canopy size: 86cm diameter; Length: 82.5cm; Weight: 310g; Colours available: 1; Warranty: none
5. Gustbuster Pro Series 62: Best golfing umbrella
Price when reviewed:£35
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The Gustbuster brand is a favourite of notable names from Donald Trump to the royal family – and this award-winning, flip-proof umbrella is the top choice of many golfing professionals. Its 62in canopy is easily enough to protect two people from the elements (or one person plus all their gear), while the double canopy design and solid yet lightweight fibreglass frame can easily cope with strong winds.
Despite its size, the Pro Series 62 remains a doddle to handle in the most blustery of weather, thanks to its proprietary elastic shock cords that allow the wind to pass through the umbrella, while keeping water out. The alleviation of wind pressure also prevents the canopy from leaking after a short time. The rubber handle is comfortable to hold, and it comes in a selection of sizes so you can pick the right one for you.
Key specs – Canopy size: 136cm diameter; Length: 102cm; Weight: 800g; Colours available: 7; Warranty: lifetime
6. Totes Auto Open/Close Xtra Strong Umbrella: Best folding umbrella
Price when reviewed:£22
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A good folding umbrella should be small, easy to open and close, and strong enough to withstand everyday winds. This one ticks all those boxes, and more. No matter how much you open and close it, the mechanism remains effortless, while the large and particularly water-repellent canopy is designed to provide protection in winds up to 70mph – that’s 60% stronger than your average folding umbrella.
While it’s not the lightest umbrella we tested, it’s by no means irritatingly heavy, and the rubberised handle sits comfortably in the hand with a good grip even when wet. Also handy is the elastic wrist strap and matching storage bag.
Key specs – Canopy size: 98cm diameter; Length when folded: 28cm; Length when unfolded: 56cm; Weight: 340g; Colours available: plain black + seasonal patterned; Warranty: none
7. Fulton Stormshield: Best for strength
Price when reviewed:£27
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The Fulton company is named after engineer Arnold Fulton, who founded it in 1956. Today it’s the UK’s bestselling umbrella brand, and holder of a Royal Warrant to the Queen. The Stormshield, as the name implies, is a technically outstanding umbrella, with standout features including a lightweight yet super-strong fibreglass frame, a huge vented canopy that can tackle powerful winds and a non-conductive design that should protect you from being struck by lightning, should you be caught outdoors during a thunderstorm. Its wind resistance, flexibility and versatility make this one of the most popular umbrellas on the market.
Key specs – Canopy size: 130cm diameter; Length: 101cm; Weight: 720g; Colours available: 3; Warranty: none
