Best umbrellas for rainy days and sudden showers | Evening Standard

2022-09-17 02:12:48 By : Ms. Alice Meng

f you live in the UK, you know that a rain cloud is never really far off.

Even if a day starts off promisingly enough with sunshine and blue skies, it’s not unusual to see hail, and rain in the same 12 hours, even if weather reports assure you otherwise.

Our infamous weather does have a silver lining; a chance to display your rainy day style with a stylish umbrella.

From cloud patterned linings with hopes to manifest sunnier skies, to models that promise never to turn inside out no matter how hard the wind howls, the UK has dozens of umbrellas to bring a cheerful smile to gloomy days.

They can also be used as a parasol to shade from the sun when the weather is particularly warm. A word to the wise: never before has the phrase ‘you get what you pay for’ rung so true as when talking about umbrellas. Although many models are available cheaply, it will pay to invest in a great model to see you through the years, come rain or shine.

We’ve rounded up the best below - shop now

The company totes is one of the best known purveyors of umbrellas and it’s just released a new collection with an eco-friendly edge. Made from 100 per cent GRS Certified Recycled PET Fabric (made used recycled bottles), the brand has taken great care to use recycled materials where it can, from handles to waterproof finishings. As well as full-length brollies, there are compact designs to stow in your bag, just in case. Lovers of bold prints and bright colours will adore this walker-style design featuring a statement stripe in grey, pink, coral and yellow

Make it spring at any time of the year with the help of this pretty brolly, covered with a riot of blooms. The luxe gold-coloured handle is finished with a blue acetate handle, curved to make handling the design easier. There’s an automatic opening too, so no fumbling or struggling at the first sign of drizzle.

This rather unremarkable-looking umbrella is hiding a helpful secret. The canopy is upheld with fibreglass ribs and has been finished with a Teflon coating, so raindrops roll straight off, cutting down drying time.

The design is also windproof with a double vented canopy to yield to strong winds rather than try to resist them and end up breaking. It can also be opened and closed with one hand, handy when you’ve got a handful of shopping or an excitable pet.

Part of the luxury umbrella company’s collab with Kelly Thompson comes this warm apricot-coloured design with a canopy of woodland illustration, inspired by Melbourne’s fruitful farmers’ markets. Covered with wildflowers and fungi and built to last, it’s made with non-toxic dyes, underlining the brand’s commitment to the environment.

This large compact brolly with a span of 105cm is not only coated with Teflon to stop raindrops collecting, but it’s designed to close in an inverted fashion to prevent humidity and dampness spreading elsewhere in your bag or car.

There are thoughtful touches everywhere, including the ergonomic handle that is comfortable to hold even in strong gales. Despite the heavy duty iron alloy uprights, it’s impressively light at 0.5kg.

Add a bold splash of colour to your rainy day style thanks to this bright brolly from Heating and Plumbing London. The handmade cover is made with an automatic open frame that’s sturdy enough to stand up to the elements.

Wind, rain or sun; take shelter under F&M’s distinctive walking umbrella, which comes in the luxury London’s duck egg blue shade or a more subtle black. The curved wooden handle and shaft on the Kensington design makes it comfortable to hold, whatever the weather.

The outerwear company based in Sheffield is a fan favourite with a collection of designs that almost make us wish for rain. Alongside its famous wax-coated jackets, you can also pick up this smart dark navy and green tartan umbrella finished with a wooden umbrella.

Brighten up grey days by unfurling all the bright and beautiful colours of the rainbow. An improvement to any overcast day, the design features an automatic opening. Best of all, with a 105cm canopy, you can fit two people underneath comfortably underneath.

This umbrella is also available for express delivery for n Prime members.

Being caught short in the rain is one thing, but lost with a dead phone is, we can all agree, a total nightmare. But depending where you are, you may be able to navigate a corner of the capital with the help of Fulton’s Brollymap design. With a canopy spanning 95cm, the wind-resistant frame matched with high-performance fabric will be your BFF in times of meteorological trouble. Comes with a matching slip-on cover.