Stay Dry In Style: 10 Stylish Umbrellas To Keep The Rain Away
Alright, let’s be real, it’s very hard to look dapper and stylish when it’s pouring rain and you’re carrying an umbrella. It just is. However, it’s not impossible. In fact, you only need two things to stand out on the city streets.
What you need to succeed are confidence and a stylish umbrella. That’s it.
And, while we can’t do a whole lot for your confidence, the next time rain gods decide to spew their wrath upon us, don’t let a dorky umbrella ruin your whole look. Instead, pick one of these stylish umbrellas and stay dry in style.
Our Picks: Top 10 Stylish Umbrellas
Let’s meet our contestants!
The DAVEK Elite comes in black, navy and copper has the classic silhouette essential for stylish umbrellas
I have to say, I was really impressed with the Davek Elite Umbrella. It’s an extremely high-quality piece and is perfect for those who want to stay dry while looking dapper.
Granted, the looks are a bit more understated than some of the other umbrellas I’ve found, but it’s still a very stylish option if you like the subdued and classic look. They are more in keeping with the London style umbrellas made famous by James Ince.
The wind resistance is excellent, and the comfort level is superb. Handle sits nicely in your palm, it’s grippy and it has that leather texture, and the subtle metallic details certainly bring an air of class to the table.
Overall, I would highly recommend this umbrella to anyone looking for a top-of-the-line option.
London Undercover City Gent range
I’m not sure if anything is as quintessentially British as owning a handcrafted umbrella made by the James Ince family business out of Spitalfields in East London. London Undercover are one some company that use the 20o+ year expertise in fine quality, with their creative twist on the designs using the classic silhouette.
And if a crooked J shaped handle made from maple wood doesn’t do it for you, then nothing will.
This puppy is the real deal! I took it out for a spin on a surprisingly gusty day, and it held up better than any other umbrella I’ve ever used. It was also much lighter than I expected, given its impressive wind resistance.
I feel it’s the “temper-hardened steel joint connectors” that make it super durable and lightweight, but I could just be falling for the marketing lingo. Anyway, it’s cool and this umbrella is a total winner in my book.
The Repel Windproof Umbrella is compact, sturdy and smart
As you can so clearly tell by the name, this is an umbrella you can easily carry in your man bag. Unlike a lot of travel umbrellas, which feel insubstantial, the Repel is made with wind-resistant materials that can take a beating. This thing will keep you dry in a storm, and it’s also rated for use in high winds.
Now, this may be controversial, but I adore the yellow version. It may be the HIMYM fan in me, but that pop of colour is just cheery on a rainy day, and it’s just so easy to spot when you’re looking for it. The black is fine, obviously, but the yellow is just so much fun. It’s like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.
Polka dots? Sure, why not. Who doesn’t like a bit of whimsy in their life? I know I do.
What made this one stand out to me was the combination of its simplicity and effectiveness. It’s not trying to be anything that it’s not – it’s just a reliable, good-looking umbrella that does its job well.
The polka dot design is also a nice touch and something that would make me more likely to consider this umbrella over a more boring-looking one.
In terms of practicality, this umbrella is lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to carry around with you.
It also has a neat lil button that opens and partially closes the umbrella for you, which is a nice touch.
The only downside is that it might not keep you entirely dry during the downpour, but hey – it’s small. What do you expect?
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Certain Standard Hackney Large Umbrella
The poppy-coloured design with white and blue accents is beautiful and makes a statement, while the light frame makes it easy to carry around, but let’s face it – it’s everyone’s cuppa. Some may find the design a bit too busy, while others may appreciate the whimsy.
The cork handle is comfortable to hold and the umbrella is easy to flip open and closed, but once again – I want the curves. I need ’em.
Unfortunately, not only does it not have the curves, but it also doesn’t have a fabric loop to stow it away, so you’ll be stuck holding onto this thing until you find a place to put it down.
This umbrella is for those who are looking for a basic, no-frills option that’s easy on the wallet.
It’s easy to use (duh) and doesn’t have any extra bells and whistles that can get in the way. Due to its compactness and affordable price, it has been a favourite on the market for years.
Now, at first glance, it seems that its structure will not withstand a bit stronger gust of wind, but let me tell you – it did.
However, it’s kind of shallow, so I wouldn’t trust it with more than a drizzle. If the rain hits you sideways (as it usually does), you’re going to get wet. But, then again, a pocketable umbrella like this one certainly isn’t the one you’d take out in a storm, to begin with.
The GustBuster 68-Inch Canopy Doorman Umbrella is a Godsend on the school run
Alright, I have a feeling this one will be up your alley. It’s just beyond stylish, while still being functional. Every man’s dream, and is a stylish Golf Umbrella equivalent.
It’s big and burley, and hard as a rock to withstand heavy rain and tested in 55mph winds. Its massive canopy paired with its sturdy frame makes it the perfect umbrella for those who just want something they know can take a beating. And honestly, this baby could survive a monsoon which while can give you confidence to keep your suit dry.
The only drawback? It’s a bit on the heavy side. So if you’re looking for something to take on your morning commute, this may be an overkill unless you’re packing some muscle. That said, outside of the working week the double canopy design could be great for entertaining or keeping the kids dry on the school run.
There is a folding umbrella version if a compact is preferred.
Before you cast a stone at me for including Amazon Basics products – hear me out. We need something for everyone, but that’s beside the point.
How many times has it happened to you that you’ve shelled out 30, 40, or even 50 quid for an umbrella, only to have it break or flip inside-out the very first time you use it? Or even worse, how many times have you left yours god-knows-where?
With this umbrella, that’s not going to happen. Well, you might forget it, but it won’t break on you. And, at under 17 bucks, it’s not going to make that much of a dent in your wallet if you do lose it.
All in all, this is a great purchase for somebody who wants a decent, reliable umbrella without spending a lot of money.
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ShedRain Vortex Vent XL 68″ Golf Umbrella
If we can all just agree not to loathe the naming scheme, this umbrella is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable, stylish umbrella that will keep them dry in any weather condition.
The large size makes it perfect for shielding you from the rain, and the sturdy construction ensures that it will never let you down when on the London golf courses.
Keep in mind that with their size comes weight, so you won’t think this is the lightest umbrella you’ve owned. But at least you’ll be dry.
Now, I get that some of you won’t really drool over the style of this brolly, but then again, some people enjoy a slightly different look. If you’re one of those people, then this is an excellent choice for you.
One thing that did annoy me is the handle. It may just be me, but I really love the curvy handles. This one is a bit more shaft-y, which I wasn’t really a fan of.
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Totes Signature Bubble Umbrella gives clear visibility
Alright, alright – I can tell what you’re thinking. How’s this stylish? And I get it – it’s not for everyone. But if you’re into the whole kawaii thing or you like to see where you are going, then this is definitely the clear dome umbrella for you.
What I will say is that it’s not the most wind-resistant umbrella out there, so if you live in a particularly windy area, you might want to give this one a miss. But for everyone else, I think it’s a fun option to consider.
Also, bonus points for transparency so you can see where you are going and still keep your shoulders dry. You could quite literally snuggle up under this thing and have it resting on your head while you aimlessly scroll through Instagram. If that’s not your idea of a good time, then I don’t know what is.
Just joking. Don’t scroll and walk the streets of London. Use the see-through canopy to mind your surroundings.
What to look for in an umbrella?
I don’t want to make it seem like you need to be a nuclear physicist when you’re picking out an umbrella, but there are a few key things you should look for:
Sturdy frame that will not easily bend or break
If you want your umbrella to last longer than George Canning did in the office (Google it), opt for a sturdy frame. Now, this doesn’t mean opting for an expensive piece. Just because something is pricey doesn’t necessarily mean it’s well-made.
What you need to do is look for an umbrella with a metal or wooden frame. And when I say “metal,” I don’t mean some cheap, flimsy aluminium. You’re probably better off buying a plastic one if that’s all they’ve got. I’m talking about a proper metal frame – steel.
As for wood, I’m not too sure many will disclose the actual type of wood used, but just be sure to give it a once-over to make sure it looks strong enough to withstand some wear and tear.
Canopy that is large enough to protect you from the rain
Another essential component of the umbrella is the canopy, which you must ensure is large enough to keep you dry. It should also be constructed of a waterproof material so that you may rest confident that no matter if it rains cats and dogs or if it’s just a light drizzle, you will remain dry.
For the material to be waterproof, it must either be made of synthetic fabric such as nylon or polyester, or some other fabric that has been treated with a waterproofing agent.
But, to be fair, I would dwell on it too much. Most umbrellas on the market will have a canopy made of some kind of waterproof material, so just make sure the arc is wide enough.
Comfortable and sleek handle that is easy to grip
As I’ve mentioned several times – I love me a curvy handle. But, if I’m being honest, it’s not the most important thing on my list.
The main things I look for in a handle are that it’s comfortable to grip and that it’s easy to open and close (but more on that later).
Material-wise, some handles are made of wood or plastic, while others are made of rubber or cork or silicone. It really comes down to personal preference as to which one you go for. Just make sure it feels good in your hand.
Opening mechanism that is reliable
Most of us get stuck on picking between an automatic or manual open/close umbrella. And the answer, quite frankly, is that it doesn’t really matter which one you choose. If they’re good – they’re good.
What does matter, however, is that the opening mechanism is reliable.
I’ve had my fair share of umbrellas that have failed me when I needed them most because the opening mechanism was faulty in some way or it broke after a few weeks.
So, don’t spend too much time agonising over whether you want an automatic or manual mechanism. Just make sure it’s the one you can trust.
Vent to keep the umbrella from folding inside out
Vents are these little slits or holes that you’ll see on the top of an umbrella. And their purpose is to keep the umbrella from folding inside out.
What you’ll notice is that those super cheap, flimsy umbrellas are the ones that fold inside out the most. This is because they don’t have vents to release the pressure that’s building up inside the canopy.
As a result, the frame ends up bending or breaking, and you’re left with an umbrella that’s as useful as a chocolate teapot.
Design that is stylish and will complement your outfit
Umbrellas are not just there to protect us from the rain, but they can also be stunning accessories. With just a sprinkle of creativity, you can find an umbrella that not only protects you from the elements and keeps your flow dry, but also makes a fashion statement.
For men, a black umbrella is a timeless classic that goes with any outfit. Any outfit. So, if you want to keep it simple and functional, but also exude elegance and sophistication – go with a classic.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, go for one with a pattern or detail. It’s not uncommon to find umbrellas with leather handles or even ornate handles. Just make sure it’s not too over-the-top and that it will still go with most of your wardrobe.
For a fun and festive look, choose an umbrella in a bold, bright colour (like the yellow one I so shamelessly drooled over a minute ago). This is a great way to add a pop of colour to your fit and show everyone that you’re not afraid to take risks.
The history of the umbrella
The umbrella has been in use in ancient civilisations as a sunshade parasol originally using palm leaves. The Latin word Umbra means shadow or shade, and in French para (shield from) and sol (sun) or pluie (rain).
Usually you would refer to an umbrella for rain protection, and a parasol for sunshine. And there is evidence to suggest they were used for both in Ancient Rome, Greece, Egypt and China.
The term brolly is colloquially used, and is believed to be a shortened version and a linguistic change of the word brelly misheard over time. There is also a surname Brolly which could be connected, and considering they were also known as Gamps after a character in a Charles Dickens novel who carried a large umbrella. It’s easy to surmise the possibility that the origin as university slang in Oxford and Cambridge in the 1870’s is down to a gentleman with the surname Brolly who carried one.
In the past they have also been known as a bumbershoot in America, assumingly after the (b)umbra and similarity to a parachute in a Mary Poppins-eque floating idea.
Conclusion
Alright, that’s all folks.
Not to toot my own horn, but if you still haven’t found an umbrella that suits your fancy after you’ve read all this, then I don’t know what to tell you.
But seriously, there are so many different umbrellas out there with all sorts of different features, so there’s definitely one out there that’s perfect for you.
Don’t get too caught up in the details and just go with the one that you think looks the best.
Stay dry in style, my friends.
