The Best Umbrella

Being stuck outside on a rainy day is no fun, especially if you can’t afford to show up at your destination soaking wet. A good umbrella can get you from Point A to Point B with your hair and clothing completely dry. But there are plenty of things to think about if you’re in the market for an umbrella.

One of those things is wind. If you’ve ever tried to navigate through a rainstorm involving wind, you know a poorly designed umbrella quickly becomes useless. Umbrella manufacturers now realize this and, in an effort to win your business, are finding ways to strengthen their designs to make their products more productive. Look for an umbrella with extra ribs designed using materials like fiberglass and metal if you’re concerned about wind gusts.

The problem with rainstorms is that you’ll eventually arrive at your destination, which means you’ll need to store your umbrella. Whether that means sliding it into your bag or setting it on the floor, drips will be a nuisance. Some umbrellas have a finish that repels water, which not only reduces the risk of leaks but also makes drying easy. With the right umbrella, you can just shake it a few times and slip it into your bag.

Another way to solve the dilemma is to go with one of the inverted designs that have become so popular in recent years. An inverted umbrella turns the original design completely around, folding inward when you’re finished using it. That means the part of the umbrella that was exposed to the elements is now on the inside, with the much-dryer underside of the umbrella now facing outward. You can then set the umbrella in a corner and wait for it to dry without worrying about drips.

If you’ve gotten used to a push-button open and close on your umbrellas, you may take for granted how easy it is. Those who prefer the automatic-open feature should make sure the mechanism is reliable. With some automatic umbrellas, the button wears out over time, or you have to push extra hard to make anything happen.

• Dealing with a wet umbrella once you’re out of the rain can be a pain. Some brands use Teflon, similar to what you probably have on your nonstick pans, to repel the rain. Water rolls right off of it, which means when it’s time to step inside, just give it a shake and you’ll be drip-free.
• Another way to get around the drip issue is to go with one of the many inverted umbrellas being sold today. These umbrellas contain the water inside as you pull it downward, keeping the upper part on the inside as the dry outer part takes the outside role. This means you can simply fold it up and set it in a quarter or slide it into a bag.
• If you’ve ever dealt with the wind turning your umbrella inside-out, you know how frustrating it can be. You need your umbrella to hold up, even in the stormiest weather. Some models use a stainless steel frame to stand up against winds of up to 55 mph. Other umbrellas are made using nine resin-reinforced fiberglass ribs to keep the winds from destroying the accessory when you need it the most.
• Comfort is an issue with umbrella handles, particularly if you’ll be carrying it for several blocks. The Totes Women’s Clear Bubble Umbrella has a C-shaped handle that makes it easy to maintain your grip.
• If you’re looking for an umbrella you can have with you “just in case,” look for a travel umbrella that is built for portability and weighs under a pound. This type is easy to slip into a tote bag or suitcase when you’re not using them.
• As convenient as portability is, though, keep in mind that you might sacrifice protection from the elements. Compact umbrellas are best for one person and they may not keep your belongings as dry as you’d like. If you need more coverage, consider an umbrella with a much larger canopy.
• If you’ve gotten used to an automatic-open umbrella, you may not want to go back. Look for an umbrella that features an automatic open and close. This means you can operate your umbrella using only one hand if necessary.
• The way your umbrella looks may be important to you. Go with a brand that offers 15 different color options, including pink, red, light blue and yellow.