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.

The best umbrellas you can buy in 2023 1. Blunt Classic Umbrella: Best umbrella for sheer performance Key features – Canopy size: 88cm diameter; Length when folded: 71cm; Weight: 350g; Other c olours available? Yes 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. 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.

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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 type of handle should I go for? The umbrella handle should ideally be cushioned, or at least comfortable to hold in either your left or right hand, as you never know what else you’ll have to carry. And a good grip is essential for windier weather. A wooden curved handle, for instance, will not only look vintage but will offer a better grip during transportation when the umbrella is folded down. What features should I look out for?

On the subject of the canopy, make sure it’s big enough – to avoid wet shoulders – and think about the shape and style. 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. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{