How to choose a rain umbrella

In the modern world, a good umbrella has long since ceased to be just a way to keep yourself and your clothes dry - no, today it has much more from an accessory than from a functional tool. Properly chosen umbrella will emphasize the status and taste of its owner, so they are so popular with both women and men. By the way, it would not be superfluous to understand the division of umbrellas by gender.

Differences male and female umbrellas

Being in a store or a shopping center it is rarely possible to get into a situation where you can’t determine by which eye this particular accessory is intended - a woman or a man. Despite this, a small memo on this issue will not be superfluous.

Women's models. There is nothing difficult in the classification of such accessories: lightweight design, bright colors of the dome (monophonic or print), perhaps a decorative ornament in the form of lace and other non-functional elements.
Men's umbrellas. They have a massive structure and an enlarged dome - an ideal option is considered when two adults can comfortably sit under a men's umbrella, but not everyone likes that size. The design of men's accessories is also different, it is more to the classics: geometric patterns, restrained colors, the lack of decorative ornaments.

There are still universal models - similar to the male ones, but of small size and brighter colors, for example, saturated blue - and for children. We will not speak about the last group of accessories, since children's products are a subject of a separate discussion.

Types of umbrellas

So, if you want to sort out this issue in detail in order to be able to buy a really high-quality accessory that will delight with its functionality for many years, you will have to sort out the classification a bit. In total there are two large groups.

Umbrella cane. The design is as follows: the rod (frame) is attached to the handle along the entire length of the umbrella, and the spokes holding the dome are tightly attached to it. That is, in the folded and unfolded state, such an umbrella-cane has the same length, which is why they are called “non-compact”. The advantages of such umbrellas: durability, ease of use, presentable appearance and, as a rule, high quality - such umbrellas are above average, and therefore are made reliable.
Folding umbrella. You saw such models too many times on the street: when folded they are 3 or even 4 times less than unfolded - this is very convenient, as it saves space in the bag. There are only two drawbacks: a short service life (for cheap models sliding mechanisms fail very quickly) and a simple appearance, such models look poor compared to reed umbrellas.

Now, choosing a suitable model, you will already know the advantages and disadvantages of each of the options, but this is not all - we will discuss a more subtle question later.

Varieties of umbrella mechanisms

This is a very important topic, because the durability of the model, its ease of use and many other points directly depend on the complexity of the mechanism and its quality.Fortunately for all lovers of accessories, manufacturers have concentrated their efforts on the production of only three types of mechanisms for umbrellas, which gave them their name.

Mechanics. The mechanical type of the addition is the simplest, and from that - the most durable, because it lacks dozens of unnecessary elements, each of which can fail at any moment. To open / close such a model, you need to apply some physical strength, nevertheless it is small - such umbrellas are loved by both men and women. Another advantage of the “mechanics” is the compactness, folding models of the smallest sizes, due to their constructional features, are equipped only with mechanical addition systems.
Semi automatic. They are similar to the previous version, but with one amendment - in order to open such a model, you just need to press the button, and it is closed manually. Semi-automatic design is more complicated, and therefore less reliable - it must be taken into account when purchasing.
Machine. Fully automated opening and closing of the dome of the umbrella - as a rule, such a system is equipped with more expensive accessories, because it in itself does not significantly increase the cost of the product. Disadvantages: firstly, if the system fails, you will not be able to open / close the product manually, secondly, cane umbrellas cannot be equipped with full automation - you only have to choose from folding models.

Everyone decides for himself which of the options he likes the most - by and large, everything depends only on individual preferences.

How to determine the quality of the umbrella

Having read to this point, you are already able to choose a suitable umbrella for yourself - as you can see, there is nothing difficult about it. There are only a few nuances left - the material for the manufacture of the spokes, the frame and the dome.

Frame. Aluminum is considered the most economical, it is very light and costs practically nothing, so it’s better to immediately abandon this option. The optimal price-quality ratio is carbon, stainless steel and their alloys.
Spokes. The larger the dome, the more spokes: they can be from 5 to 36, it all depends on the specific model. When choosing, it is recommended to do this: check the number of spokes (8-12 pieces are enough for any model, even large ones) and their quality - they must be straight and strong, no less durable than the umbrella frame.
Dome. Pongee, nylon, satin, jacquard or polyester - which of these is better, you can only determine by experience. Each of the options has its advantages and disadvantages, but, fortunately, it can always be changed - moreover, experts recommend doing it from time to time as a preventive measure in order to preserve the functional qualities of their umbrella.

Remember that the right approach to choosing accessories speaks of your maturity as a person with taste and your own ideas about style, so do not underestimate the importance of such a simple thing as an umbrella.

Choose comfortable and beautiful models, and stay dry even in the rainiest weather!