Before you purchase a folding umbrella, there are a number of things you’ll want to consider. All umbrellas are not created equally, and you want to get the one that suits you.
Probably, the main reason you’re choosing a folding umbrella is that you want it to be easy to carry around in your purse or bag. The length of the umbrella when it’s closed up is the first consideration, and this length can vary from six inches all the way up to sixteen. The smaller the size, the more likely that the span will be small, or else that there will be more joints. Joints weaken the umbrella and shorten its life, so you may want to go with the largest closed size that you are comfortable carrying around with you.
Once you’ve figured out the maximum length you want, you can start looking at all the choices up to that size. Remember, too, that a more compact umbrella will not have as much of a span when it is open. You’ll want to make sure that the open umbrella will cover you. If you are usually carrying lots of shopping bags or if there is a lot of wind in your area, you will probably want a larger span. On the other hand, if you are commonly walking down crowded city streets, a large span may make it difficult for you to wend your way through the foot traffic.
You’ll also want to think about whether you want to manually open and close your umbrella. If you’re stepping off the bus with your hands full, you may not be able to use both hands to get it open and over your head quickly, so the automatic open function is probably the one you will want to choose.
Most umbrellas are made of polyester, which is excellent for repelling water. If your folding umbrella has a case, it is not necessarily of the same material. Some are polyester, but some are plastic. The plastic case may keep the items in your bag safe from the wet umbrella, but you will need to make sure you pull the umbrella out and let it air dry when you get home to avoid rust in the frame or mold.
Finding the folding umbrella that’s right for you isn’t difficult. It just takes a little consideration to match your situation to the options available
