5 Tips For Picking A Good Umbrella
August 1, 2009 by Rachel Segal
Filed under Fashion & Style, Tips & Tricks, Dos & Don'ts
Have you ever been swayed by something beautiful, only to find out that when it really came down to it, your precious new find is nothing more than a pretty face? I have owned many umbrellas over the years, but it has taken a lot of trial and error to find the right umbrella for me.
Image: Pink Umbrella by pawpaw67 on Flickr
Oh sure, there are a lot of adorable patterns out there. You can easily find a cheap umbrella in a pinch when spontaneous showers start. But that can be hit or miss since the available cheapie might just fall apart under the deluge of raindrops.
So what do you need to look for in a good umbrella? Here are a few tips.
Sturdy Handle. Even if your hair stays dry, it’s likely that a few drops of rain will find their way onto your umbrella handle. You need something easy to grip and hang onto in case the weather turns windy.
Long Sides. That horrible horizontal rain? Pelting your face while a wide, flat circle of fabric is supposed to be protecting you? By picking an umbrella that is shaped to do more than just cover the top of your head, you’ll be better equipped for more than just a light sprinkle.
Compact vs. Large. I prefer to keep my umbrella tucked in my purse (otherwise I will forget it) but it’s also a good idea to have a larger umbrella handy in case you and your loved one want to cuddle up underneath it together. This is also a better choice when the purse is extra pretty and not so resilient against inclement weather.
Strong Fabric. Don’t just go for the designer brand umbrella because it looks sleek and costs a small fortune. Pick one that has strong, sturdy fabric that doesn’t look like it would rip easily. As far as sturdiness goes, the rest of the umbrella should feel strong as well of course.
Bright Color. Naturally you don’t want your black umbrella to get lost in a sea of black umbrellas if you have to leave it at the front door of a store, now do you? Of course, this is also where the savvy gal will pick a color that’s maybe a little overly bright and not the most attractive of the bunch, just to try to disuade would-be umbrella nabbers.
