The best umbrella brands for quality. How to choose the right women's umbrella when buying - rules for choosing an umbrella. Folding umbrellas are divided into

Last update: 09/02/2014

September in Moscow started with rain. According to weather forecasters, cloudy and rainy weather is not yet going to leave the capital region. You won't be able to do without an umbrella in the coming days. How to choose an umbrella that will best protect from rain, will last a long time and will not break at the first gust of wind, tells AiF.ru.

Dome material

Nylon. The cheapest material. It quickly becomes unusable, often breaks, fades, and sometimes fades in heavy rain directly onto the clothes of the lucky owner. It can stain things next to which the umbrella is lying wet.

Polyester. Much more durable than nylon, dries quickly, does not shrink and usually does not fade. But it can also easily break, especially in the places where the spokes are attached.

Pongee. This is the name for polyester with the addition of cotton. Used in expensive (from 3 thousand rubles) umbrellas. The fabric feels like thick cotton; raindrops roll off such a dome. 5 minutes after you close such an umbrella, it becomes dry.

Satin. Fabric with water-repellent impregnation. A satin umbrella also dries in 5 minutes and is not cheap, but it is almost impossible to tear.

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Spokes

From 8 to 16 pieces. The more spokes, the smoother the canopy (the material will not sag) and the better it resists the wind (does not bend in the opposite direction).

The spoke material can be as follows:

Steel. The knitting needles and shaft are not matte, but shiny.

+ The dome will not be twisted by gusts of wind, and the spokes will not break for a long time.

- The umbrella is heavy and most likely not the most compact, even if folding.

Fiberglass. Soft but durable knitting needles made from a plastic-like material.

+ The umbrella is lightweight, and the canopy does not turn inside out with every gust of wind.

- There are no disadvantages to such an umbrella if the rod is made of steel.

Aluminum. Matte soft knitting needles.

+ An umbrella can take up minimal space and be very light.

- It breaks quickly and gets twisted under gusts of wind.

Kernel

A folding umbrella has from 2 to 5 folds. 4 and 5 folds - a mini umbrella that fits in a handbag. 2-3 - large, usually a man's umbrella.

Steel is better than aluminum or plastic. An umbrella cane always has a strong rod. If you choose a folding umbrella, open it in the store and, holding it above your head, shake it: the places where the rod blocks connect to each other should remain motionless.

There should be a metal screw-on cap where the dome attaches to the rod. The plastic one may crack when you lower the umbrella to the floor.

The rod can be round or polygonal. But the more edges, the more reliable.

! Automatic and semi-automatic umbrellas (opening and closing with a button) break more often. Mechanical umbrellas, according to statistics, last longer.

What is important to check

The knitting needles should be secured with the groove up and the convex side adjacent to the fabric.
The more points the spokes are attached to the surface of the umbrella, the better. There should be at least two of them.
If the umbrella is intended for a child under 12 years of age, there must be a plastic blunt cap at the end of each spoke.

Special umbrellas

umbrella for two. The width of such an umbrella reaches 120-130 cm;
anti-wind system. These umbrellas have two layers of canopy fabric and reinforced steel spokes;
a number of fashion designers have made umbrellas made of genuine leather. Their price is from 10 thousand rubles. (a regular umbrella costs 500-3000 rubles), and this is a completely pointless waste of money: the umbrella is heavy and uncomfortable;
an umbrella with a built-in handle waterproof MP3 player.

An umbrella is a necessary accessory for everyone. It is important to choose a durable and strong product that will last for more than one season, will reliably protect from rain and wind, and will be comfortable during use. In addition, the accessory must match the style and complement the image, creating a positive image. Let's look at how to choose the right umbrella.

How to choose and check an umbrella for quality

The highest quality umbrellas are French, Japanese and Dutch. However, such models are counterfeited more often than others. A real branded umbrella has the company logo on the handle and dome, strap and button, and sewn-in label;
High-quality original products have a bar code, a hygiene certificate and a warranty period of 6-12 months. In addition, the composition of the material must be indicated on the label;
When checking, open and close the product several times to check the operation of the mechanism. It should not jam, and the umbrella should open and close easily;
When opened, the dome material should not sag. The fabric of the cane is tightly stretched, while that of the folding model is slightly looser;
Rock and shake the umbrella. The rod must be firmly and securely fixed. Check that nothing falls off, dangles, creaks or cracks;
The knitting needles must have the same length, create a dome of the correct shape and remain motionless during sudden movements and movement of the product;
The knitting needles should be attached with the groove up, and with the convex side adjacent to the fabric so that the dome does not turn out in the wind. The tips of the needles of the cane must have special caps so that they do not cling to surrounding objects;
Choose products with two or more points for attaching the spokes to the surface of the dome. The more such points, the higher the degree of strength and reliability of the model;
There should be a screw-on metal cap where the dome is attached to the rod, since plastic cracks easily;
For a folding model, carefully check the joints of the rod. They should not dangle or be loose;
The dome fabric must be sewn along the seams in several places and secured to the knitting needles using plastic caps. And the cap on the top of the head must be firmly attached;
A children's umbrella should be light and safe, comfortable to use. Choose products made from hypoallergenic material with knitting needles, the ends of which are closed with plastic tips. The top of the umbrella should not be sharp, and the latch should be made of plastic so as not to pinch the baby’s fingers;
Be sure to choose a case for storing and transporting the product. To make the accessory easy and comfortable to carry, choose a case with a handle.

Which umbrella to choose: cane or folding

Umbrellas vary in type and design. There is a cane and a folding accessory. The first model looks elegant and solid. This product is characterized by increased strength and the absence of joints on the rod and knitting needles, due to which it will not break.

In addition, a strong cane umbrella will not turn inside out in strong winds. It has a rounded dome that will cover a large area and reliably protect even in heavy rain. And the durable solid rod will never break. Among the disadvantages of this model are bulkiness and heavy weight.

The folding umbrella is comfortable to use. It fits easily into a bag and does not take up much space. But it is less durable and reliable than a cane. After all, the more folds, the higher the risk of breakage. In addition, such a product can easily be turned inside out during strong winds. Folding umbrellas have two, three or more folds. A product with two folds is considered more durable and reliable.

For convenience, it is better to buy both models. A cane is taken for walks and in heavy rain, and a folding umbrella is used in Everyday life, when the product can be easily stored in a bag or briefcase. To make it more convenient to carry a cane, choose a case with a handle that fits on or over your shoulder. This is a great option for men and women.

In addition, today the manufacturer produces special models “for two” with a width of 120-130 centimeters and products with an “anti-wind” function, which contain two layers of dome fabric and reinforced steel knitting needles. Regardless of the type, before choosing an umbrella, pay attention to the quality and durability of the product.

Rod and spokes

To choose a quality umbrella, it is important to choose a reliable and durable material for the rod and spokes. Heavy and shiny steel elements are becoming a thing of the past, but steel remains a strong and durable raw material. This umbrella does not turn inside out due to strong and sudden gusts of wind.

Modern canes are made from fiberglass. This is a practical, soft and lightweight material that bends perfectly. The umbrellas are flexible, resilient and strong. Folding models are produced with combined spokes made of plastic and steel. Under no circumstances choose aluminum spokes, as they break easily and cannot withstand the load of wind or heavy rain.

One product can have 8-32 knitting needles. This does not affect the quality and durability of the accessory. But the more spokes, the more aesthetically pleasing and elegant the dome looks. This is achieved due to the original rounded shape and a large number of edges.

The rod can be round or multifaceted. The more edges, the more reliable the product. When choosing, also pay attention to the fastening of the spokes. Fastening the “crown” implies the presence of springs, which are more practical, since the elements are easier to repair. The “winch” type is attached to a cord, so it is less reliable.

Folding mechanisms and handle

Depending on the type of mechanism, the following types are distinguished:

Mechanical folds and opens manually;
The semi-automatic opens when you press a button and folds manually;
The machine folds and unfolds at the touch of a button, making it easy to use.

Semi-automatic and automatic machines break down more often, since the button quickly fails. Statistics show that mechanical umbrellas last longer. The type and material of the handle play an important role in using an umbrella. Choose a comfortable and practical handle that fits in your hand.

Do not choose a plastic handle, as it quickly breaks, chips and loses color. Give preference to strong and aesthetic wood with a varnish coating. Or choose a rubberized material that does not slip or get wet. The hook handle is most comfortable to wear. In addition, it is convenient to hang an umbrella on it.

Canopy fabric

Nylon is considered the cheapest and most accessible. This is a rough material that quickly breaks, becomes unusable and loses its attractive appearance. It fades and sometimes fades in heavy rain. In addition, it can stain a person’s clothing during rain or objects they lie next to. Moreover, this material does not require careful maintenance.

Rubberized satin is a luxurious and stylish material with water-repellent impregnation, which is highly durable and does not tear, does not fade and dries in five minutes. Raindrops quickly drain from the dome and leave the fabric almost dry.

Polyester and pongee are durable synthetic fabrics. The most common is polyester, which is characterized by strength and quick drying. It does not shrink or stretch, but may tear at the points where the spokes are attached. It effectively imitates silk or satin, repels moisture well and is resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

Pongee is polyester with the addition of cotton and sometimes silk. It looks more aesthetically pleasing and costs more. Durable and thick fabric characterized by high quality, durability and long service life.

The pongee dries in five minutes and does not get very wet, since raindrops quickly roll off the rough, spongy texture of the dome and do not linger on the material. Read how to care for polyester, pongee and other synthetic fabrics.

Some designers offer expensive exclusive umbrellas made of genuine leather, but such products are uncomfortable and very heavy. Choose models made of polyester, pongee or satin.

Color and style

Pay attention not only to the quality, but also to the style and color of the umbrella. Which umbrella to choose based on color and design depends on taste preferences. However, there are several general recommendations.

Under the green dome, the complexion will be pale and sallow. Red material refreshes the face, but can also irritate or become boring. A white, yellow, blue and light umbrella looks attractive and aesthetically pleasing, but quickly gets dirty. In addition, delicate colors and shades are more suitable for the fair sex, so this is more of a feminine umbrella.

A suitable option would be a black, gold or silver, beige product. It looks solid and is suitable for universal use. Applicable for both women and men. In addition, traces of rain, dirt and stains are less noticeable on dark fabric. But for a child it is better to choose a bright accessory with drawings.

How to choose a beach umbrella

Classic beach umbrellas are designed to protect the body from the scorching sun. Today they produce models that simultaneously protect from the sun, wind and rain. In addition, some products are equipped with mosquito nets.

The minimum diameter of this accessory is 1.8 meters. Children's beach umbrellas are smaller in diameter and have bright colors. Some models come with a highchair and beach mat to match the color or style of the umbrella.

The frame of the product must be made of durable and strong material to withstand wind, loads and not break. In this case, choose fiberglass or steel. The most reliable material is titanium-coated steel, which will easily last for several seasons. Don't go for a lightweight aluminum frame. It will break at the first strong gust of wind.

The canopy of a beach umbrella is made of satin, cotton or polyester with a polyamide coating. The last option is considered the most durable. However, cotton and satin products look more aesthetically pleasing and attractive. When choosing cotton products, choose a canopy with a water-repellent finish.

Choose metal knitting needles, not plastic ones. This umbrella is heavier, but stronger and more durable. Plastic will break quickly. It is good if the accessory is equipped with a ventilation hole, which creates air circulation and increases wind resistance.

For comfortable use, choose a sun umbrella whose tilt angle can be adjusted. Then you can set the desired angle without removing the leg or moving the product. And to install an umbrella where you can’t stick a leg, use a special stand.

The stand has a flat shape, which is filled with sand or water, where the umbrella is then installed. It will firmly and securely fasten the product, because it is important that it does not fall during gusts of wind. In addition, the stand simplifies the installation of the accessory and allows you to place the umbrella where you cannot stick a leg.

Umbrella care

In order for the accessory to serve for a long time, not break and maintain a presentable appearance, you need to properly store, dry and wash the umbrella. The classic product is stored at room temperature folded and in a case. Ventilate the umbrella regularly, and before long-term storage, lubricate the metal parts with machine oil and wrap the joints in paper.

Every man repairs an umbrella from time to time. To avoid this problem, you need to be able to choose the right and high-quality mechanism. The price does not always indicate the quality of the product, so you need to be able to evaluate this accessory. Men's umbrellas come in different types.

Today we will look at several well-known brands of umbrellas that have proven themselves with the best side. We will look at the varieties of these products and figure out which man each of them is suitable for.

Currently, fashion designers have come up with different types umbrellas They differ in appearance, comfort and opening mechanism. All these factors greatly influence the price of a given product. Let's look at several umbrella options and see their pros and cons.

Mechanics

A mechanical umbrella requires two hands to open or close. On the one hand, this is its main disadvantage. However, it is mechanics that are considered the most reliable option. If it breaks, little money will be spent on repairs. Moreover, it costs much less than an automatic machine. It can be decorated with a wooden handle or leather.

Machine

The automatic mechanism operates with just one button. It can be opened or closed by pressing a button with one finger. This is very convenient, since often the second hand is busy. High-quality products of this type will be expensive. If you buy a cheap option, then it will very quickly become unusable. It will open or close randomly and cause inconvenience.

If you don't have that much money for this mechanism. Then buy another, but high-quality model. The advantage of the machine is that it is easy to use and automated. There is only one disadvantage of this option: it is too expensive and if it breaks, you will have to spend a lot of money on repairs.

Cane

- this is the most great view umbrella It's not very convenient to carry, but it's reliable and sturdy. This option is suitable for a married couple, as it can protect two people from the rain. There are beautiful and stylish models of canes, so you can choose the one that suits you. Since such an umbrella cannot be hidden, many people lose it or forget it on the subway, in a cafe or on a bench.

The cane consists of a very long handle that does not fold. It is made of metal or wood. The umbrella is so strong that it can hardly be damaged by strong winds or hurricanes.

Automotive

This type of umbrella is made to be stored in a car. It has very strong knitting needles and can cover even very big man. It is made only in an automated manner and its weight is 400 grams.

When you purchase it, you will be given a special mount for your car. It is very light and, thanks to its original design, will suit any representative of the stronger sex.

For reference! Car umbrellas are very strong and reliable.

Other

Other models include:

The semi-automatic machine can be opened using one button, but it must be closed manually. This option is very convenient, but it costs a lot of money.
Compact. This accessory is convenient to carry in bags or briefcases. This is certainly not the smallest umbrella option, but it also doesn’t take up too much space.
The ultra-compact mechanism is up to 20 cm long. It takes up almost no space in your bag, so it can be carried every day, during the rainy season. However, this is not the most reliable option and it will not be able to accommodate two people. If there is a slight wind, the accessory may break.

When choosing this accessory, decide what characteristics of the product you need. Try to pay attention to the materials from which the products were made.

Umbrellas of famous brands

Some brands have gained the trust of many buyers. This is because they make quality products from good and durable materials. They pay special attention to the design of their creation, since appearance plays an important role. Let's take a look at some of the popular firms.

Expert opinion

Helen Goldman

Male stylist-image maker

It is better to buy an expensive, but high-quality umbrella from well-known brands once, rather than constantly waste money on cheap fakes.

Zest

Zest umbrellas are known for coming in a variety of colors and unique patterns. You can often see them beautiful pictures or popular abstractions. A coating is made on top of the base material, which helps the accessory to for a long time keep its original color.

The knitting needles are made of strong material, but this does not make the product very heavy. Most often, Zest is automated. Inexpensive options also have a very stylish design.

For reference! Manufacturers made the handle so that it is comfortable to hold. They took into account all ergonomic characteristics.

Bugatti

The German brand Bugatti is distinguished by its reliability and originality. You can buy either a manual or an automatic version. It is better to buy a cane for respectable men, and a machine gun is suitable for guys leading an active lifestyle.

At first glance, these umbrellas seem very simple, but a knowledgeable person will see what their beauty is. The handle is always covered with leather to make it comfortable and pleasant to carry. The discreet style suits business men.

Baldinini

Baldinini umbrellas are also strong and reliable. They do not have an unusual design, but are made in a simple style. You can choose different colors and operating mechanisms.

Manufacturers make these products so that they fit any man and are comfortable. Sometimes the handle is made of plastic so that the owner feels comfortable.

Doppler

Doppler is an Australian company that has been around for about 60 years. When making each umbrella, engineers take this issue very seriously. They pay attention to all the little things and details of the product. Each mechanism design is thought out and carries some idea. They gained their popularity due to the fact that they use only good materials for production.

This company is among the first places in the production of umbrellas. Not only do we use high-quality materials, but we also create unique design. It is clear that Doppler takes the production of goods seriously and is concerned not only about its quality, but also about obsolescence.

For example, consider a model such as the Doppler 74366 - it is a folding and automatic mechanism. It weighs up to 500 grams, since the frame was made of steel. The handle is round, made of plastic. It has eight spokes and its diameter is 122 cm.

Fulton

English branded umbrellas are extremely diverse. Men having different styles, ranging from sports to official, will be able to find suitable option. Here you can find mini umbrellas that don't take up much space in your briefcase.

To come up with a design, the company hires experienced designers and artists who not only create beautiful images, but try to create a masterpiece. However, manufacturers understand that umbrellas with drawings or patterns are not suitable for everyone, so they produce plain products that have a unique color.

Three elephants

The Japanese company Three Elephants has existed for 125 years. For a long time they have not been inferior to their competitors in the quality of their products. There is a flashlight on the handle of this accessory, which is very helpful in the dark. The mechanism has an anti-wind function that prevents damage during a strong hurricane.

Each manufacturer has a huge variety of products. They have pros and cons. Therefore, before making a choice, you need to carefully study the characteristics of the umbrella.

How to make the right choice?

When buying an umbrella, a person needs to pay attention to several factors. The first is the number of spokes and their reliability. Second, pay attention to what the handle and the cane itself are made of. If you decide to buy an automatic machine, then you cannot save on this option, as it will quickly break down. Third, the weight and size of the accessory are also very important, your comfort depends on it. Don’t rush to buy the first umbrella you come across, but try to consider different models.

For any person, an umbrella is absolutely necessary thing. And, of course, we want it, like any thing we buy, to be beautiful, stylish, comfortable and elegant. To attract attention and highlight your individuality. But if you don’t want to pay a lot of money for an umbrella that will break in two days, then the first thing you should think about is its strength and reliability.

How to choose a high-quality and reliable umbrella, what to pay attention to first of all, how to properly care for your umbrella - we’ll talk about this in our article.

Quality ingredients

Any umbrella consists of a rod, spokes, a dome and a handle. Let's take a closer look at these important components.

Kernel

The rod not only holds the entire structure of the umbrella, but is also responsible for folding it. The most durable umbrellas are those with a solid rod - these are cane umbrellas.

The rod of a folding umbrella consists of several individual parts connected to each other. A large folding umbrella has a rod with 2-3 parts, a small ladies' umbrella has 4-5. The more parts and, accordingly, their connections, the less reliable the rod design.

If you are uncomfortable carrying a cane umbrella with you, give preference to large folding umbrellas. And before buying an umbrella, be sure to open it and shake it well. The places where the parts of the rod connect to each other should not move or swing. If the connections are loose, the umbrella will last until the first strong wind.

The rod can be made of plastic, aluminum or steel. The latter is by far the most durable, but also the heaviest. But be sure to choose only metal for the connection between the rod and the dome. Plastic is not allowed here as it can easily crack from a strong impact.

In addition, the rods are round or ribbed. A ribbed rod with the largest number faces.

Spokes

The number of knitting needles in an umbrella varies from 4-6 to 16 pieces. The more, the more reliable the design. Buying an umbrella with fewer than eight spokes is a waste of money.

Like the shaft, spokes are made from different materials - aluminum, steel and fiberglass.

Aluminum knitting needles are soft, with a matte shine. An umbrella with such spokes will be light, but not at all durable.
The steel knitting needles are shiny, strong and heavy. A steel umbrella is not afraid of the strongest gusts of wind, but it will weigh significantly more than an aluminum one.
Fiberglass spokes are lightweight and durable. Fiberglass resembles plastic in appearance. In combination with a steel rod, this is the most successful umbrella option, but also the most expensive.

Speaking about knitting needles, it is necessary to mention a few more points:

It is important that the spokes are attached to the canopy at at least two points each (the more attachment points, the better).
The spoke should fit snugly against the dome with the groove facing up.
When choosing an umbrella for a child, make sure that the ends of the spokes are covered with rounded plastic caps.

Now many manufacturers equip their umbrellas with an anti-wind system. Its essence is that the spokes are supplemented with special springs, which allow them to bend in both directions in strong winds without breaking. It is important to remember that in such areas you cannot bend the spokes back on your own. It is necessary to close and open the umbrella again for them to fit into place.

Dome

The umbrella dome is sewn from different fabrics. The most common are nylon, polyester, pongee and satin with water-repellent impregnation.

The nylon canopy is the worst - it is not strong enough and will easily tear in strong winds. In addition, brightly colored nylon fades and fades quickly. The only advantage of this material is its low price.

Polyester dome – a budget option a good umbrella. It hardly sheds, dries quickly and does not shrink. However, it also lacks durability.

Pongee is polyester with the addition of cotton. It is much stronger and dries in five minutes. However, the price for such umbrellas starts from three thousand.

Satin domes are sewn for expensive umbrellas. This fabric is almost impossible to tear, it dries quickly and is pleasant to the touch.

There are also umbrellas made of genuine leather. They are very heavy, very uncomfortable and prohibitively expensive.

Pen

Handles are made of plastic, wood or rubber.

The plastic handle is the most fragile. Such handles break easily even with weak impacts.

A wooden handle is much stronger, more comfortable and more beautiful. But the tree is prone to chipping and does not tolerate water well. If the paint or varnish peels off a wooden handle, water entering the unprotected wood will easily ruin it.

The rubber handle is the highest quality and most reliable. She is not afraid of water or blows.

However, do not forget to simply hold the umbrella by the handle in the store. Whatever material it is made of, it should be comfortable and pleasant for you to hold in your hands.

Models and varieties

Conventionally, umbrellas can be divided into several categories according to different criteria:

Men's, women's, children's and beach.

It all depends on the size and appearance. Men's umbrellas are usually larger and have a simple design or are simply black. Because the weight of an umbrella for men has no of great importance, men's umbrellas are often made with a steel shaft and spokes, which makes them more durable and of higher quality.

In women's and especially children's umbrellas, weight is a significant factor, so they are often made with aluminum parts, which makes them fragile and short-lived, or with fiberglass spokes, which greatly increases their cost.

Beach umbrellas have the largest canopy diameter and usually have plastic or aluminum parts.

Mechanical, with an automatic or semi-automatic opening system.

The mechanical mechanism means that you will open the umbrella manually. This is certainly not as convenient as simply pressing a button, but the simplicity of such a mechanism ensures its strength and quality. According to statistics, such umbrellas are more durable and less likely to break.

A full automatic is a mechanism that allows you to close and open an umbrella by pressing one button located on the handle of the umbrella. The main advantage of such an umbrella is convenience. But in quality it is inferior to mechanical models.

A semi-automatic machine, as the name implies, opens by pressing a button and closes, like a mechanical one, by hand. It is not much stronger than a full automatic, but it is also significantly less convenient. Perhaps not the best choice.

In the shape of a saucer, dome or non-standard shape.

The saucer shape is the classic and most common for an umbrella. Almost all folding models have this shape. It is quite comfortable and protects your face and face well from the rain. most clothes.

Dome-shaped - with more rounded and elongated ends. This shape will protect your face and clothes much better, and in strong winds it will help maintain your hairstyle. But most often such a dome is made on a large mechanical cane umbrella.

There are various non-standard forms. Perhaps the most popular is the heart shape. There are square and triangular umbrellas, flower-shaped or multi-layered, ruffled umbrellas or double umbrellas for lovers. They look cute and original, but most often they do not have convenience and reliability.

The diameter of the canopy also matters, but remember that the larger it is, the larger the umbrella itself will be when folded.

Care

In order for your umbrella to serve you faithfully for many years, it is important not only to choose a high-quality model, but also to care for it properly.

A few tips for caring for your umbrella:

It is important to dry the umbrella after each use. It is best to do this in a half-opened state, so as not to stretch or deform the dome fabric. Silk umbrellas are dried only when closed.
Do not pack your umbrella in its case until it is completely dry.
Do not place weights on the umbrella under any circumstances - this can damage the knitting needles.
At least once a month, the umbrella must be cleaned with a gentle detergent, soap, or wiped with ammonia diluted in water.

So let's recap.