7 Best Umbrellas for Rain

Choosing the right umbrella isn’t an easy choice, contrary to what everyone thinks. If you live in rainy cities such as Saint Petersburg, Paris, and Tokyo — or travel to Asia during the monsoon, you will need a solid umbrella.

If you travel to Japan or Burma, you will notice that people use umbrellas or parasols to protect themselves against the sun. In Japan, there are three types of umbrellas.

In Europe, umbrellas became a fashion accessory in the 19th century starting from England. You can often depict England as an umbrella-friendly country, and indeed, if like Londoners, you can’t live without a trendy umbrella — then this guide is for you!

The term “umbrella” comes from the Latin word “umbra” which means “shadow”. Let’s cover the history of umbrellas briefly, as well as the types of umbrellas: rain or sun, and finally dive deep into the Japanese way of wearing umbrellas.

A history of the umbrella

A common accessory today, umbrellas and parasols use varied according to centuries. For example, in Ancient Egypt or in Asia, parasols were used by the royalty as a sign of power. In Ancient Egypt over 3,500 years ago, parasols were used by kings to protect their skin against the sun. In the nearby kingdom of Assyria, only the kings were entitled to protect themselves with parasols.

But it’s China that invented “proof-rain” umbrellas in the 11th century — yet still used by nobility as a sign of influential people. The kings of Siam — modern Thailand — and Burma used parasols as a symbol of power too.

Later in Ancient Greece and Rome, umbrellas were seen as a female accessory, which made their appearance among men very rare. The umbrellas then vanished after the fall of the Roman century around the 5th century AD and reappeared only at the Renaissance in the 16th and in the 17th century, yet among the nobility of the French, Italian and English.

However, umbrellas had no lasting protection against the rain. For long, umbrellas began to spread across Northern America, were still seen as a female accessory. It was in England in the 17th century that the use of umbrellas changed after John Hanway, founder of the Magdalen Hospital, appeared publicly wearing an umbrella. Later on, Englishmen started to use umbrellas and called them “Hanway” at the time.

Umbrellas started to become advertised and furthermore developed into various formats. For instance, the introduction of the pocket umbrellas began in 1928. They were also used for religious ceremonies by the Catholic Church. Today, umbrella technology has developed into a modern, sophisticated accessory that can protect people against the rain, the sun, and the wind (up to 100 km/hour).

Types of rain umbrellas

As umbrellas technology developed — more and more sizes and materials alongside wind-fighting technology or rain averse materials were created — and their use widespread as common accessories throughout the centuries. You can find multiple types of umbrellas today, from the most exclusive Vivienne Westwood classic umbrella to a smart Walmart canopy umbrella.

Classic umbrellas: These umbrellas come in a variety of colors and can be made from microfiber with polyester or metal shafts. These umbrellas have various sizes which make them easy to carry.

You can easily drop them at the entrance of the restaurant before dinner or at the office when arriving to work every morning. Classic umbrellas are quite affordable, depending on the designer you choose. You can easily find a classic umbrella at a local supermarket or in your favorite department store.

Automatic umbrellas: These are very convenient as you open and shut them with one hand. The push button near the bottom of the handle makes it easy to open it. Quite compact, these umbrellas are easy to carry. Automatic umbrellas are affordable and easy to find anywhere.

Bubble umbrellas: Funny, cool, and funky, bubble umbrellas are a favorite party umbrella you can wear at festivals and parties — in the UK or anywhere else. A bubble umbrella features a dome head and has a round, spherical shape that makes it easy for you to hide beneath.

Bubble umbrellas are great to carry on to protect yourself from the wind or thunderstorms. These are made creatively in various shapes and forms and you can play around with multifaceted colors or designs.

For those on a budget, try the super cool Walmart canopy bubble umbrella. If you walk around London or Buckingham Palace, you may stumble upon Queen Elizabeth II wandering with her favorite bubble umbrella.

Compact umbrellas: These umbrellas are very practical for businessmen or travelers as you can easily hide them into a pocket or a briefcase. Although their carry size is compact, their full length is the same as a regular or classic umbrella. However, due to their smaller size, you may easily forget them somewhere, even in your suitcase.

Compact umbrellas have no sharp end. Fragile, compact umbrellas can be broken easily so pay attention when opening them up to do so with care.

High-wind (giant) umbrellas: These extra thick umbrellas may be also be heavier to carry as they are designed to fight against heavy wind or snow during winter. Solid, high-wind umbrellas feature a wooden shaft and are made of durable, reinforced materials that can prevent you from  bad rain or wind.

Pocket umbrellas: Made from light materials and designed to be super portable, pocket umbrellas are very practical to fit in your jacket or a small bag. Although they are practical, these umbrellas are not made to last as they are not made from resistant materials. However, when you travel and have very little space to carry your umbrella, the pocket umbrella is your best friend. And as it’s quite cheap, if you lose it, it’s no big deal.

Materials used for umbrellas

Three main elements constitute the umbrella: the shaft, the ribs and stretchers, and the canopy.

The shaft and handle: The base of the umbrella is designed from wood, steel, or aluminum, approximately less than 1 centimeter thick. The wood shaft can also be found, especially for thicker wind umbrellas. For trendy umbrellas, plastic or metal shafts are typically used.

The canopy: Also known as the cover of the umbrella, the canopy is hand sewn at the outer edges of the ribs. It can be made from multiple materials including nylon taffeta, featuring acrylic coating on the underside, and a finish to the top.

Ribs and stretchers: Stretchers connect the ribs to the canopy and can be designed from plastic or metal. When the umbrella opens or closes, ribs can be damaged, therefore use your umbrella with caution.

Umbrellas in Asia: The Example of Japan

Japanese umbrella history is fascinating and is worth studying for a while. Straw canopy named tengai — a type of umbrella which cannot be closed or opened — was designed in China and later reached Japan.

Water repellent umbrellas were later designed during the Muromachi Period (1333 – 1573) with beautiful designs made on washi paper. Later different types of umbrellas were introduced in Japan:

Bangasa is a type of umbrella which is suited for sturdy rain. Made from a bamboo handle and Moshi paper designed to resist the rain, Bangasa made their apparition during the Edo period (1603 – 1868). These umbrellas became a favorite decoration tool for restaurants across Japan.

Janome is another type of Japanese umbrella which is suited for slender rain. The handle is made from wood featuring colorful Moshi paper. Janome umbrellas, apart from regular use, became enjoyed as interior decorations. Such umbrellas are popular both for men and women.

Higasa and Maigasa are Japanese parasols which use is different from Janome and Bangasa umbrellas. Bright sunlight passes through the beautiful washi papers and lets the design shadow the face.

These umbrellas are good for walking around, and as designed as traditional fashion accessories, and cannot be used in case of heavy rain. Lastly, higasa and maigasa umbrellas are also used as decorative items.

Umbrellas As Seen in Movies

The truth is, umbrellas today are a must-have fashion accessory as depicted in some of the world’s most epic movies and musical dramas.

The famous “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” (1964) musical by Jacques Demy stars French actress Catherine Deneuve — a young girl selling umbrellas in a small shop. After dating Guy who is sent to the war, she had to change her life and married a new man. This musical features colorful umbrellas and wonderful music by Michel Legrand, letting the characters express their emotions.

In “Iron Monkey” (1993), a Hong Kong classic, stages a fight scene where people use an umbrella as a weapon. This martial arts movie emphasizes beauty and fun with the black umbrella taking over the famous fight scene.

The classic film, “Withnail & I” (1987) is often described as Britain’s biggest cult film. Starring Robert E. Grant and Paul Mcgann who shared a flat in Camden Town in the late 60s, some movie scenes include the umbrella of Withnail when he walks in a London park.

One of the greatest “umbrella” featured movie is definitely the epic “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952). The glamorous romantic American musical is a depiction of Hollywood in the 1920s with popular silent film stars. Three characters are seen holding massive umbrellas while singing in the rain in a sequence where Gene Kelly dances soaked in the rain.

“My Fair Lady” (1964) is an American musical drama with famous actress Audrey Hepburn. The musical won a total of 8 awards. In this beautiful movie, Hepburn, elegant and refined, is seen with her white lace parasol. The umbrella appears as the ultimate mark of fashion.

The greatest umbrella celebration movie is surely “Mary Poppins” (1964) — another fantastic musical. In fact, in the case of Poppins, without the umbrellas, the film wouldn’t exist.

Poppins is seen arriving at the beginning of the movie with her umbrella and she keeps it throughout the movie. It’s like a suitcase she would never leave. Picturing Poppins without her umbrella wouldn’t be feasible. In this movie, we can understand the importance of umbrellas in England and it seems they are part of all the characters’ everyday life.

Final tips to buying a rain umbrella

Whenever buying a rain umbrella, think about if you need protection against the wind or the rain or both.

If you need protection against heavy rain, choose an umbrella accordingly.

Do not leave your umbrella unattended — they are easy to be lost.

Consider getting an umbrella stand to hold your umbrella at home.

Take care of your umbrella. Open it and close it gently. Hold the umbrella over your head and do not hurt people around you.

Try a variety of forms and colors, like bubble umbrellas.

Umbrellas can be useful in the summertime in case of sudden, heavy rain as seen in London. Always keep your umbrella close by.

If you travel to Japan, take some time to observe the beautiful scenery featuring plenty of parasols and Japanese women.

Always travel with a compact umbrella so you don’t need to buy a new one.