{"id":66401,"date":"2023-09-05T13:28:04","date_gmt":"2023-09-05T13:28:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/talkcelnews.com\/?p=66401"},"modified":"2023-09-05T13:28:04","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T13:28:04","slug":"best-umbrella-uk-2023-tried-and-tested-we-braved-the-rain-and-reviewed-15-of-the-best-brollies-on-the-market-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/talkcelnews.com\/lifestyle\/best-umbrella-uk-2023-tried-and-tested-we-braved-the-rain-and-reviewed-15-of-the-best-brollies-on-the-market-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"Best umbrella UK 2023, tried and tested: we braved the rain and reviewed 15 of the best brollies on the market | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"
WHEN battling the unpredictable British weather you need to arm yourself with the best equipment possible. <\/p>\n
From unexpected downpours to battering wind storms or even sudden bright sunshine (hey, it could happen), the best umbrellas will be there to protect you when you need them.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a lot to consider when shopping for the ultimate performance umbrella. Weight, size, design, materials, durability, wind resistance, appearance and manual or auto opening mechanisms are all important factors when buying your next brolly.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve tested out a variety of umbrella models \u2014 from tiny compacts to clear birdcage canopies, luxurious handmade stick umbrellas to innovative windproof designs \u2014 to bring you the best bunch of brollies to see you through even the worst rainy days.<\/p>\n
So whether you're on the lookout for the best foldable umbrella to shove into your handbag or an elegant stick umbrella to sling over your arm, these brilliant brollies will help you feel as right as rain.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Auto open and close, lifetime guarantee and loss protection, high performance<\/em> Compact, high quality and a fancy presentation box too \u2013 this flagship brolly from premium brand Davek is a combination of all the things you really want from an umbrella. <\/p>\n It has a seamless automatic opening and closing mechanism, a lovely leather handle, wrist and belt strap and \u2014 most importantly \u2014 it will stand up against any sort of weather you throw at it. Sudden downpours? Fine. High winds? Not a problem. Hurricanes? Well, we didn\u2019t test those, but the Davek would probably give it a good go.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/picture>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/picture>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/picture>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/picture>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Although the big price tag is initially off-putting, the lifetime guarantee means this is the only umbrella you\u2019ll ever need again \u2013 and trust us, it\u2019s the only brolly you\u2019ll ever want to use again too.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>510g Folded length: <\/strong>30cm Canopy size:<\/strong> 109cm<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pros: <\/strong>Clever design, sustainable, colourful<\/em> With a focus on engineering, the ingenious Blunt Classic has a contemporary design that boasts rounded ends (no nasty sharp spokes poking out here) and comes in a range of bright block colours.<\/p>\n The 120cm canopy is big enough to fit an adult and a child underneath, and withstands strong winds too, making this the ideal umbrella for the dreaded rainy school run.<\/p>\n Blunt umbrellas are also designed in modular parts, so if the worst happens and your umbrella is damaged you can repair it, rather than having to fork out for a new umbrella. It also stops another broken umbrella from landing on the rubbish heap.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>660g Folded length: <\/strong>84cm Canopy size: <\/strong>120cm<\/em><\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Made from recycled materials, good price, auto open and close, vented canopy<\/em> This cheery umbrella from B Corp-certified Roka fits an awful lot of functionality into one small package. <\/p>\n Made from triple-coated recycled nylon, the vented canopy stands up brilliantly against both wind and rain on a fibreglass frame that manages to be both lightweight and sturdy. <\/p>\n The automatic open and close is impressively springy and the fact it can slot in the side of a rucksack is a massive plus point, and all for under \u00a325.<\/p>\n We loved the little extra bit of grip on the handle, which meant it didn\u2019t get slippy even if it was wet and the wide selection of rainbow colours too.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>Not specified Folded length: <\/strong>30cm Canopy size: <\/strong>92cm<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pros:<\/strong> Beautiful design, storage case, good coverage British brand Fulton is a renowned name in the world of umbrellas and its Radiant umbrella boasts all of its technical properties (like wind-tunnel tested, fiberglass ribs for lightweight strength), plus plenty of luxurious touches. <\/p>\n Arriving in its own sleek box, the Radiant is truly a thing of beauty with a classic wooden handle, shaft and ferrule, plus elegant herringbone canopy. <\/p>\n At 131cm it provides plenty of cover from even the heaviest downpours and the mechanism is every bit as smooth as you\u2019d expect.\u00a0<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>612g Folded length: <\/strong>100cm Canopy size: <\/strong>131cm<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Good visibility, great coverage, smooth opening, range of colours<\/em> Ever wondered where the late Queen found all her fabulous birdcage umbrellas? <\/p>\n Well, it was British brand Fulton who created them all for her \u2013 and colour coordinated them with all her outfits too. The large transparent dome allowed her and other members of the family to carry out royal duties (whatever the weather) and still remain visible to the public.\u00a0<\/p>\n This pretty floral version features pink sakura blooms that add a bit of cheer to rainy days, and the clear domed design is super smooth to open and close, allowing plenty of visibility and excellent coverage.\u00a0<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>530g Folded length: <\/strong>94cm Canopy size: <\/strong>84cm<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pros: <\/strong>Very lightweight, windproof, large canopy, UV protection canopy At only 350g, this is the lightest stick umbrella we came across and it is even lighter than some compact umbrellas. <\/p>\n It feels almost weightless when folded in your hand, a fact which is even more impressive when you open up the large 130cm canopy which is big enough for two.\u00a0<\/p>\n The high quality fiberglass and aluminum materials have also been put to the test in a wind tunnel with speeds up to 70 mph and remained intact. <\/p>\n We loved the special UV coating which allows this brolly to transform into a parasol in the summer months.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>350g Folded size: <\/strong>96cm Canopy: <\/strong>130cm<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Stunning design, strong frame<\/em> Looking for an umbrella that you look forward to using? <\/p>\n Made in partnership with the National Gallery, this seemingly plain black Fulton umbrella opens up to reveal a stunning print of the ever-so-approriate Tiger in a Tropical Storm by artist Henri Rousseau. <\/p>\n The automatic opening mechanism is gorgeously smooth and the canopy is large and well constructed.\u00a0<\/p>\n We lost count of the amount of compliments we got for this one.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>483g Folded length: <\/strong>84cm Canopy size: <\/strong>94cm<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pros: <\/strong>Very robust, auto open and close From the sensationally smooth auto open and close function to the perfectly balanced anti-microbial PU-coated handle, it\u2019s clear that this model from Totes isn\u2019t your average compact brolly. <\/p>\n The (wind tunnel tested) reinforced aluminium\/steel frame stood up really well to breezy conditions and the generous canopy provided plenty of shelter. <\/p>\n The muted rainbow stripe design is eye-catching and we loved that it was made from 100% recycled PET polyester, too. <\/p>\n It even closes nice and neatly, with a large velcro fastening and matching thick sleeve to keep any rainwater away from your valuables.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/strong>428g Folded length: <\/strong>32cm Canopy size: <\/strong>107cm<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Automatic open, classic design, strong windproof canopy<\/em> Wind tunnel tested at speeds of up to 65mph, this elegant stick umbrella from specialist makers Knirps will not let you down. <\/p>\n It comes with a sleek snap fastener case and opens smoothly at the press of a button.\u00a0<\/p>\n The large canopy feels extra sturdy thanks to the 10-strut design and the wooden hook handle is simply gorgeous.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>500g <\/em>Folded length: <\/em><\/strong>94cm Canopy size: <\/strong>115cm<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pros: <\/strong>Stylish design, wooden handle For those who really want to let their inner Gene Kelly loose, this beautifully engineered stick umbrella will make you want to start swinging around lamp posts and splashing through puddles.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s one of the more expensive umbrellas on our list, but the handmade design with curved maple wood handle, beech wood shaft, silver tip cup ferrule and spokes justify the price tag. <\/p>\n We loved the simple orange elastic\/button fastener which adds a splash of modern-gent styling.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>Not specified Folded length: <\/strong>91.5cm Canopy size: <\/strong>106cm<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pros: <\/em><\/strong>modern design, leather handle, lifetime guarantee, large canopy.<\/em> A contemporary take on a classic sleek umbrella, this is a luxury item that delivers on its higher price tag. <\/p>\n With a comfortable leather handle, wind-tension, fibreglass frame and huge domed canopy, this umbrella is the one you want to be seen with at windswept formal events or on shopping trips in Knightsbridge (as you do). <\/p>\n We tried out the classic black colour, but the deep navy and bright copper are both stunning options too and the durable 210-thread count canopy will keep out even the heaviest of downpours.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>709g Folded length: <\/strong>89cm Canopy size: <\/strong>127cm<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pros:<\/strong> Sustainable materials, beautiful design With a handle that\u2019s crafted from one single piece of maple wood and a canopy made from recycled water bottles, this sustainable offering from London Undercover is a surprisingly stylish choice. <\/p>\n The slender wooden handle is beautifully crafted and has the added benefit of being lovely and light (especially for a stick umbrella).<\/p>\n The open and close mechanism was simple but smooth, and we loved the striped interior and eye-catching pops of red.<\/p>\n Weight: <\/em><\/strong>Not specified Folded length: <\/strong>91cm Canopy size: <\/strong>115cm<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pros: <\/strong>Very compact, cute design, recycled materials
Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Expensive<\/em>
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Blunt Classic Umbrella<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Expensive, fairly large<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\n\n
Roka Waterloo<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Only big enough for one person<\/em>
Rating: <\/strong>5\/5<\/em><\/p>\nFulton Radiant Tonal Herringbone Umbrella<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/strong>Expensive, fairly large<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nFulton Birdcage Sketchy Sprigs Umbrella<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Large, no cover<\/em>
Rating: <\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nDoppler Zero XXL Stick Umbrella Aqua Blue<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/strong>Not compact, no cover<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nFulton x National Gallery Surprised! Umbrella<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Not compact<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nTotes Eco-brella X-tra Strong Umbrella<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/strong>Larger compact<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nKnirps S.770<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Expensive, large<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nLondon Undercover Navy City Gent Lifesaver Umbrella<\/h2>\n
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Cons:<\/strong> Expensive, manual open\/close<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nDavek Elite<\/h2>\n
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Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Not compact, expensive<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nLondon Undercover Navy Oxford Stripe Classic Umbrella<\/h2>\n
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Cons:<\/strong> Expensive<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nRadley Take Flight Responsible Handbag Umbrella<\/h2>\n
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