Umbrella buying tips to keep you dry this rainy season

With the rainy season upon us, it’s important to be prepared for heavy showers with the right umbrella.

If you’ve ever been embarrassed in public by an umbrella that just wasn’t up to the task, you know how crucial it is to have one that’s suited to your specific needs.

Here are a few tips to help you pick the perfect umbrella that will stand up in an unexpected downpour or wind gusts:

Coverage: Those smaller umbrellas that fold away and fit easily in your handbag may be acceptable to shield you from the sun, but these aren’t equipped for the rigours of the conditions associated with the rainy season.

While a “house and land” type umbrella is superior in rainy conditions, if you use public transportation, this umbrella may not be the one for you. You want to choose an umbrella that doesn’t need too much folding (this will weaken the umbrella over time) and one that’s at least 11 inches (when closed) for satisfactory coverage from the elements.

Windproof: No umbrella is truly resistant to the wind, but there are reinforced and vented umbrella options built to withstand stronger winds that tend to cause typical umbrellas to flip over and break their supports. These usually have a second inner canopy which acts as a wind guard, allowing the wind in and breaking it down to limit any damage to the umbrella.

Handle: This factors in heavily for commuters who may have to shelter for a while or walk for long distances before they can get transportation to their destination. You want to be sure that the umbrella’s handle is easy to grip in either hand for extended periods of time.

Weight: Consider how heavy the umbrella is to hold and carry in your hands or bag, especially if you’re a commuter.

Price: You might be tempted to buy a cheaper umbrella, but it’s probably a better idea to splurge a little and grab one that’s pricier as these are usually sturdier and won’t fall apart quickly. These will last longer (less prone to tears, holes and breaks) and save you some money in the long run as you won’t find yourself needing a new one before the rainy season is over. Just… don’t lose it.

As an added tip, consider keeping a plastic bag (one that doesn’t have any holes, of course) to rest the umbrella in after getting out of the rain so that you’re not tracking water into a store or vehicle.