NOBODY wants to look like a drowned rat when Britain's doing what it does best (raining).
The best compact umbrellas are basically as essential as your front door key in this country.
Easy to pack away and whip out when needed, they're a practical necessity for drizzly days.
Although some people prefer huge brollies to double as a walking stick, they're just annoying to carry and you can still get large designs which tuck away neatly into your bag.
From Next and ASOS, to John Lewis and even Sainsbury's, pretty much every retailer out there stocks compact umbrellas nowadays.
You can even get one to match your outfits. Love wearing loud clothes? Go printed. Prefer black-on-black? Grab a minimal style that'll stand the test of time.
Some people prefer investing in an umbrella so that it doesn't break, although cheap ones are less annoying to lose and we've all lost an umbrella in our time.
We've found the best compact umbrellas on the internet. Soon you'll be hoping for rainy days...maybe.
Best compactumbrellas at a glance:
- Best overall: Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella
- Best colour change: Suck UK Colour Change Folding Travel Umbrella
- Best for travelling light: Uniqlo Compact Umbrella
- Best for work: Balios Travel Umbrella
- Best quick-drying: Repel Umbrella with Teflon Coating
- Best with a large canopy: BLUNT Unisex Metro Umbrella
- Best floral design:
- Best auto-release: Fulton Auto Release Umbrella
- Best designer: Davek SOLO Umbrella
- Best for durability: Hunter Compact Umbrella
Best overall: Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella
11
- Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella, from £36.69 at Amazon - buy here
The "ribs" of an umbrella are the metal pieces that make up the support structure of the shell when it's opened, so they're pretty important.
This umbrella has reinforced ribs that make them extra durable when gales (inevitably) strike.
Rain-Mate describes it as a "virtually indestructible weatherproof canopy", which is a big claim, although one that has been supported by Amazon reviewers, who confirm it's great in strong winds.
It has a lifetime replacement guarantee too, so no need to buy another if the pop up mechanism suddenly gives up the ghost.
Think pink stinks? Well not to worry, Rain-Mate offers a whole range of other colours, patterns, themes and styles — including rainbow stripes.
READ MORE
- Best food flasks
- Best women's hiking boots
- Best trampolines
- Best lightweight suitcases and luggage
Best colour change: Suck UK Colour Change Folding Travel Umbrella
11
- Suck UK Colour Change Folding Travel Umbrella, from £24.99 at Amazon - buy here
The main draw of this umbrella is its creative design.
When it's dry, the water droplets that stud the canopy remain white, but when the rain starts pouring, they change colour and each section sports a different hue. They offer a compact version, too, to pop in your work rucksack for those just-in-case days.
Suck UK also has a magic polka dot theme that brightens up bad weather, and a super high reflective brolly that will be a light source when you're out in the dark, rainy months.
With this umbrella in hand, we just couldn't wait for it to start raining — and you don't hear anyone saying that often.
Best for travelling light: Uniqlo Compact Umbrella
- Compact Umbrella, £19.90 from Uniqlo - buy here
When an umbrella is really compact, it can sometimes compromise its quality.
That isn't the case with this brolly from Uniqlo - it's designed for when it's windy, so it shouldn't collapse or let you down in bad weather.
When folded away, it's less than 11 inches long, so it's one of the handiest umbrellas going as you can pop it into your briefcase or handbag.
It's definitely on the smarter side, too, coming in all black, or navy to colour coordinate with any formal attire.
Best value: Next Leopard Umbrella
11
- Leopard Print Umbrella, £9 from Next - buy here
If you want your brolly to also be a fashion statement, look no further.
This umbrella from Next has been finished with a cool twist on the classic leopard print that will blow all the other brollies out of the water, looks-wise.
It has a rounded handle and wrist strap for comfort.
Best for work: Balios Travel Umbrella
11
- Balios Travel Umbrella, £25.99 at Amazon - buy here
This travel umbrella is the last one you'll ever need to spend money on.
It's set on a sturdy wooden handle and its metal rib support frame is reinforced with sturdy fibreglass.
The double vented canopy means it shouldn't blow inside out on a windy day, but if it does, simply press the open-close button on the handle and the brolly will correct itself.
It also comes in bright blue and orange, if you really fancied making a statement in grim weather.
Best quick-drying: Repel Umbrella with Teflon Coating
11
- Repel Umbrella, £22.99 at Amazon - buy here
This compact umbrella is designed with a Teflon coat to be ultra fast drying. So, even after it gets soaked, all it needs is a quick shake and you can pop it back into your tote. Not a soggy belonging in sight.
With an easy open and close button, this brolly is perfect for when your hands are full with shopping bags so you don't need to fiddle around trying to get it open.
It's also windproof, so you can carry it confidently in those gusty conditions.
Best 'hands-free': The 'Flip' Ultimate Umbrella
- The 'Flip' Ultimate Umbrella, £33.99 at the Brolly Store - buy here
Heralded as the 'ultimate umbrella', the flip has so many cool features, you may never go back to using a standard umbrella again!
The flip reverse 'folds-in' when you close it so the wet part is concealed so you won't get your bag or car wet - plus, you can then stand it up to dry if you wish.
The reverse-fold function also means the umbrella is easy to open and close in tight spaces like trying to get out of the car or through narrow doorways without getting soaked.
The flip also has a clever handle that you can hook on your arm to keep your hands free - and concealed parts so you won't catch your hair or clothes on anything.
It's also windproof and can't turn inside out - and comes in a wide range of designs - sounds like a total winner to us.
Best with a large canopy: BLUNT Unisex Metro Umbrella
- BLUNT Unisex Metro Umbrella, £70 from BLUNT - buy here
BLUNT's umbrella combines an impressively strong and spacious canopy when opened - it extends to 100cm - with a relatively compact silhouette, measuring just 37.5cm in length.
Made with six hardwearing fibreglass ribs and high-density water repellent pongee fabric, this quick-dry umbrella also has a UV-protection coating.
We won't lie, it is pricy at £70, but it's a pretty neat brolly - big, but not boisterous enough to take up space on the street and doesn't have any eye-pokingly sharp arms.
Plus, it comes in a range of colours, and you need not do much work with it either, as one button opens and closes it to fit into the provided carry sleeve.
Best floral design: M&S Stormwear Compact Umbrella
11
- Printed Stormwear Compact Umbrella, £9.50 at M&S - buy here
This eye-catching floral umbrella from M&S costs under a tenner and has Stormwear technology so raindrops literally roll off it.
The 100 percent polyester material, with added Stormwear tech, will help keep you high and dry in all sorts of nasty weather conditions.
It measures a petite 22cm so will fit snugly in any handbag or rucksack.
Best auto-release: Fulton Auto Release Umbrella
- Fulton Auto Release Umbrella, £22.43 at Amazon - buy here
This compact umbrella with a crook handle has an auto-release function and boasts the Fulton brand name, known to last for years and withstand even the worst weather conditions.
Reviewers agree, and they're impressed with the quality and the design, saying that it's stood firm and sturdy against winds and gales.
It's also UV-rated too, up to UPF30+, meaning it'll help keep you protected on those (albeit rare) brighter, rainy days.
Best designer: Davek SOLO Umbrella
- Davek SOLO Umbrella, £184.87 from Davek - buy here
Why not bring a little bit of luxury to your rain-dodging schedule, with this seriously good investment from Davek?
Any umbrella from Davek comes with a lifetime guarantee, so if it breaks - it is replaced for you, no questions asked.
With this investment, you can be confident that it'll withstand any seriously windy or rainy conditions, and stand strong with you.
Davek claims that this flagship, SOLO umbrella is durable, yet sophisticated, and features their unique wind-resistant RigidFlex Frame System, and an auto-open and close button.
The canopy is made from tightly woven microweave fabric, and it comes with a clip to attach to your belt, or inside your bag. What more could you ask for?
Best for teens: Monki Cloud Print Umbrella
11
- Monki Cloud Print Umbrella, £9 at Monki - buy here
Monki's cloud print gem is funky and cheap, what more could you want in a compact umbrella?
At just £9, it's really lightweight so won't weigh you down and comes with a matching cover so you can store it in your handbag, even on the wettest of days.
Style yours with prints and patterns to clash like there's no tomorrow.
Best for durability: Hunter Compact Umbrella
11
- Hunter Compact Umbrella, £45 at Hunter - buy here
Time to buy a sturdy, durable umbrella to match your favourite wellies. Yep, Hunter does brollies too.
It's pricier than your average, but that's because it isn't your average.
From the large canopy, to the embossed handle and hybrid frame for flexibility, you can count on this on those annoyingly windy and rainy days.
What is the best umbrella brand?
While it all comes down to personal preference and which umbrella will see you through many a storm, some umbrella brands are favoured over others.
Davek's umbrellas come with a lifetime guarantee, and have sophisticated, patented systems in place to handle wind and storms, no matter how severe.
Other go-to brands for umbrellas that get consistent rave reviews are Samsonite and Fulton - you'll have spotted their clear, birdcage umbrellas used by royals like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
For handcrafted umbrellas, try London Undercover.
Which is the best windproof umbrella?
In addition to Davek, Blunt Umbrellas are known for their windproof designs.
Each umbrella undergoes a 38-point quality control check and is designed with materials which can withstand the harshest elements. They also win points in the style stakes.
FAQs
What is the most compact umbrella? ›
Davek The Davek Mini
The Davek Mini is so small and compact that it fits in the palm of your hand. Measuring less than seven inches when closed, you can easily stash this umbrella in your crossbody, backpack, or even pocket. Plus, it weighs less than a pound, making it almost unnoticeable when not in use.
Best umbrella overall
The Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is supported by 9 resin-coated fiberglass ribs, which is what keeps it open and sturdy. Most compact umbrellas have six ribs, maybe eight.
Double Canopy: If you're in a windy area, a double-layer canopy (also called double vented) will allow wind to pass through much better than a single canopy, which means better resistance and less of a chance for your umbrella to turn inside out.
How much does a good umbrella cost? ›A good umbrella is affordable to anyone, Groux says: You really only have to pay about $30, which is the starting price of Rain or Shine umbrellas. For most people, that's an adjustment. We expect umbrellas to be, if not a couple of dollars, maybe $10 or $15.
What should I look for when buying an umbrella? ›- A model that's about 10 or 11 inches long. A large, domed canopy is one key to good protection. ...
- A vented canopy. ...
- A handle that's comfortable to hold in either hand. ...
- A shaft that collapses in only two sections. ...
- A $30 to $40 price tag.
While all the umbrellas in the study offered protection, black models fared the best, intercepting at least 90% of the sun's rays. “If you wear a dark-colored shirt, for instance, you get hotter because the color absorbs more UV rays,” say Dr. McMichael and Dr.
Which umbrella is best for rain? ›- 2 Pack Travel Umbrella Windproof 46/56 Inches Large Canopy Reinforced Fiberglass Ribs Auto Open & Close. 4.5 out of 5 stars 378. ...
- 3 Foldable Umbrella for Man with Bottle Cover/Magic Blossom Flower UV Protection & Chata for Rain Outdoor Car Umbrella for Women & Men (Assorted Color) (Magic Umbrella) 4.0 out of 5 stars 1.
Fulton were established way back in 1956 by inventor engineer Arnold Fulton in a small umbrella factory in London. Fulton Umbrellas has become one of the most well-known brands in the UK. Superbly designed and manufactured with that long-established British brolly heritage.
Is it worth buying expensive umbrella? ›The biggest difference between a cheap and an expensive modifier is the quality and therefore longevity. A Profoto umbrella, or an Elinchrom softbox, even used, will last you a lot longer than a third-party knockoff modifier. Umbrellas in particular must be of top quality you can afford.
What brand of umbrella does the queen use? ›The most well known British brand of umbrellas, Fulton Umbrellas, holds a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty The Queen. Started in 1956 in London the Fulton family still aim to brighten your day with a superb range of umbrellas for men, women and children.
Are Fulton umbrellas worth it? ›
The Fulton offers excellent protection from the elements. Importantly, the clear fabric ensures you still get some great glamour shots, despite the foul weather. Perhaps we've figured out why this is a popular umbrella for some celebrities…
What wind speed is too high for an umbrella? ›Keeping Your Patio Umbrella Open Under 20 mph Wind Speed
Besides, you should not be keeping your patio umbrella open when the wind speed is 20 mph or higher if you want it to last. During rain or a windstorm, the excess wind can rip through the ribs inside the umbrella.
Out of all the colors in the spectrum, black absorbs the most light and heat. If you have a black patio umbrella canopy, you can rest under it on hot sunny days without letting the heat bother you. Moreover, the black color is also a good option for people since it does not reflect much heat or light.
What is best patio umbrella for windy conditions? ›- Best For High Winds: Purple leaf 10ft Patio Umbrella.
- Best Heavy Duty : Sunnyglade Heavy Duty Patio Hanging Umbrella.
- Most Durable: Bluu Redwood 10 FT Square Patio Umbrella.
- Best Umbrella For Windy Deck: Wikiwiki 10 FT outdoor windproof Umbrella.
Coverage Diameter: 38" (arc-diam), 34" (straight-diam) Length: 7” Weight: Under 1lb.
What is a compact umbrella? ›Umbrellas that open to full size, but fold up to easily carry and store; it's what makes a compact umbrella so amazing. Our small umbrella collection offers compact models that fit into a handbag, backpack or even a pocket.
Why do umbrellas break so easily? ›Umbrellas suffer from a variety of injuries during the rainy season. First off, the metal ribs that hold the umbrella fabric in place aren't always strong enough. They're joined with intricate metal parts that have to handle a lot of grief from the elements. It doesn't take much for things to strain and break apart.
Which umbrella is better Nylon or polyester? ›The Canopy
In terms of the best waterproof fabric for your umbrella, the best quality umbrellas are made of Polyester or Pongee. Look for a higher thread count that indicates durability as well as softness, and avoid nylon!
Market umbrellas are upright umbrellas with a straight pole at their center. These umbrellas can be used with a dining table or as a standalone shade solution. Market umbrellas will sometimes include a tilting mechanism at their tops, but their standard shape is straight and symmetrical.
How do I know what size umbrella to get? ›- Table = 30-36 inches — Umbrella = 6-8 feet.
- Table = 38-48 inches — Umbrella = 9-11 feet.
- Table = 54-60 inches — Umbrella 11 feet or larger.
What color umbrella fades the least in sunlight? ›
Black or charcoal umbrellas are also longer-lasting than other colours as they tend to fade less quickly. They also are less likely to show bird droppings, which is something that you absolutely must think about unless you want to be cleaning your parasol every day.
Is it better to have a light or dark umbrella? ›Much like the clothing we wear, lighter and darker patio umbrella colors draw and repel heat differently. Darker fabric is great at masking stains, and may a better fit for environments that are sunny but cool. A high-quality umbrella is a long-term investment for your patio, and the color should reflect that.
Are square or round umbrellas better? ›For symmetry and maximum shade protection, a square-shaped umbrella is your best bet. Octagonal is a common umbrella shape that appears more round and will look best covering a circular table. For a more traditional look, opt for an octagonal shape to shade your space.
What size rain umbrella should I get? ›A rain umbrella with a radius size below 23 inches will be capable of protecting one person from the rain effectively. more than 23 inches is for more than one person.
Are Blunt umbrellas worth it? ›- Blunt corners won't get caught in your knit sweaters or eyeballs, making the umbrella much less of a nuisance to you and the people around you. Time will tell if the Blunt will last for a long time, but for now, the Blunt is definitely worth the price.
Do umbrellas work in heavy rain? ›Umbrellas get a bad rap. While they're one of our most valuable tools for staying dry in the rain, they also have a tendency to break, flip inside out, and fail us when we need them most. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way. The best umbrellas hold up in even the heaviest downpours and strongest winds.
Who owns Fulton umbrella? ›Fulton had a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and in 2008 were granted one by the Queen. The company is now run by the founder's son, Nigel Fulton.
How many umbrellas does the Queen have? ›But the Queen has the biggest collection by far, with over 100 umbrellas.
Where are blunt umbrellas made? ›BLUNT Umbrellas are designed in NZ and manufactured near Xiamen in China.
How long do outdoor umbrellas last? ›The lower the UV hours, the shorter the life of the umbrella. Industry standard umbrella fabric is a high-end 8-oz. polyester. This umbrella has a lifespan of approximately 200 UV hours, meaning it will maintain its original vibrant colors for at least 200 hours of direct sunlight.
Why are some umbrellas so expensive? ›
A high-quality umbrella also has a more sophisticated level of frame that prevents it from breaking in the event of that it turns over, as we explained in our article “The common link between airplane wings and an umbrella”. This is a very important point for the durability of the product.
What makes an umbrella windproof? ›The truth is unfortunately, there isn't such a thing as a “wind proof” umbrella, although many make claims to this effect. You can of course get reinforced or vented umbrellas which help dissipate the wind through a vent making it harder for them to turn inside out or break.
Why do royals carry umbrellas? ›Even royals have to cope with nature's whims. It rains everywhere—but in the UK, it rains a lot. So it only makes sense that members of the British royal family have had more than enough experiences with dreary weather, and seem ever-prepared with the perfect umbrella.
Are dome umbrellas good in the wind? ›Dome umbrellas are much less likely to invert and there's a good reason for this. Due to the deep arc of the frame, it is much more difficult for wind to get underneath the frame, thus making it very difficult to turn inside out.
How many ribs can an umbrella have? ›Normally, umbrellas can have anywhere from 6, 8 or even 12 to 20 ribs. In general, usually more ribs would result in a stronger overall structure at the cost of additional weight in the umbrella.
Are London Undercover umbrellas good? ›London Undercover
Materials are selected for their strength and longevity, so you can count on one of these umbrella's to see you through any level of rain. Of course, they're pretty stylish too.
If you're looking for a chic and stylish umbrella that doesn't sacrifice on functionality, you may want to spend your cash on the Oroton umbrella. The water resistant fabric is printed on a gorgeous monochromatic print that'll brighten any rainy day.
Are Fibreglass umbrellas good? ›Fibreglass umbrella frames are excellent for withstanding high winds and powerful downpours. Less prone to cracking and denting than other materials, you don't have to worry about the structure of your brolly in very bad weather.
What is best to fill umbrella base? ›Concrete bases won't rust or crack, but you can't always add filler. Heavy-duty molded resin and plastic bases won't rust, flake, or crack. Materials: Umbrella bases can be made from a variety of materials. The most popular choices are: cast iron, steel, concrete, and molded resin (heavy-duty plastic).
Are cantilever umbrellas supposed to move in the wind? ›While it's not normal for a cantilever umbrella to fly away in the wind, it is normal for it to sway. The canopy is large and open, providing a lot of surface area for the wind to catch. Even with a weighted base, you may notice that the umbrella sways back and forth in a strong breeze.
Are dark or light patio umbrellas better? ›
Which is the best color umbrella for sun protection? Dark colors of identical fabric types absorb ultraviolet rays more strongly than lighter shades like whites and pastels, increasing sun protection. However, bright colors such as red can also absorb UV rays—the more vivid the color, the greater the protection.
Which umbrella is best for sun? ›- Destinio Large Umbrella (23 inch) for Men and Women– 3 ... Black. 4.2. (1,771) ...
- The CLOWNFISH Monochrome 3- Fold Auto Open 190 T Polyes... Purple. ₹699. 14% off.
- Bestseller. EUME Leatrix 21 Inch (53.34cm) 2 Fold Auto-Open Umbrell... Blue, Blue. ...
- Flipkart SmartBuy 2 Fold Auto Open Polyester Umbrella. Red. (3,155)
In Asian countries, many people have a convenient tool at their disposal: They'll often use umbrellas to shield them from the sun's powerful rays. In the U.S., even though most people own an umbrella to keep them dry when it's raining, almost no one uses one for sun protection.
What shape umbrella is best for wind? ›Two, three, or four cantilever umbrellas, when deployed symmetrically, provide much sturdier support. But adding additional umbrellas comes at a cost: multiple canopies offer more surface resistance to the wind force. Rectangular canopies also add “corners” as potential wind traps, adding to the tipping hazard.
Are Sunbrella umbrellas worth it? ›The sturdy, durable EliteShade Sunbrella 9-foot 3-Tier Market Umbrella was our overall winner, for its effectiveness in keeping the sun off a large area, as well as a multitude of other factors.
Is there a windproof patio umbrella? ›Overview. Create a shady patio setting with this tilting, wind-resistant patio umbrella, complete with 8 durable steel flex arms that bend and release to prevent damage in strong winds. The adjustable rotating-tilt mechanism allows you to block the sun at any angle, ensuring you stay cool at all times.
What is a compact umbrella? ›Umbrellas that open to full size, but fold up to easily carry and store; it's what makes a compact umbrella so amazing. Our small umbrella collection offers compact models that fit into a handbag, backpack or even a pocket.
Can you take umbrella on plane? ›Umbrellas are allowed in carry-on bags. Please check with your airline for any size or weight restrictions. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?'
What umbrella does the queen use? ›The most well known British brand of umbrellas, Fulton Umbrellas, holds a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty The Queen.
Are Blunt umbrellas worth it? ›- Blunt corners won't get caught in your knit sweaters or eyeballs, making the umbrella much less of a nuisance to you and the people around you. Time will tell if the Blunt will last for a long time, but for now, the Blunt is definitely worth the price.
Which umbrella is best for rain? ›
- 2 Pack Travel Umbrella Windproof 46/56 Inches Large Canopy Reinforced Fiberglass Ribs Auto Open & Close. 4.5 out of 5 stars 378. ...
- 3 Foldable Umbrella for Man with Bottle Cover/Magic Blossom Flower UV Protection & Chata for Rain Outdoor Car Umbrella for Women & Men (Assorted Color) (Magic Umbrella) 4.0 out of 5 stars 1.
The Davek Mini is our smallest, most compact umbrella, measuring less than 7 inches when closed. Fits in any handbag, clutch or back pocket.
What is a lightweight umbrella called? ›Recent Clues
We found 1 solutions for Lightweight Umbrella . The most likely answer for the clue is PARASOL.
Umbrellas are only additionally inspected because they have a pointed end and if the inside frame is made out of sharp metals. These are restricted in hand luggage but not in checked luggage. That said, some extra long umbrellas might be denied from checked luggage.
What things are not allowed in checked luggage? ›Flammable liquids and solids such as lighter refills, lighter fuel, matches, paints, thinners, fire-lighters, lighters that need inverting before ignition, matches (these may be carried on the person), radioactive material, briefcases and attache case with installed alarm devices.
Can you bring umbrellas on Delta? ›The Delta carry-on policy determines what you can and cannot bring on board. In addition to your free carry-on and personal item, you can also bring the following: A jacket or coat. An umbrella.
What umbrella do the Royals use? ›What umbrella does the queen use? Enter Fulton's, a brand of umbrella that has become synonymous with the royal family's rainy-day engagements since 1988, when the Queen Mother commissioned the family business to create a special see-through umbrella for her.
Where are Fulton umbrellas made? ›Fulton were established way back in 1956 by inventor engineer Arnold Fulton in a small umbrella factory in London. Fulton Umbrellas has become one of the most well-known brands in the UK. Superbly designed and manufactured with that long-established British brolly heritage.
Is Fulton a good umbrella? ›The Fulton offers excellent protection from the elements. Importantly, the clear fabric ensures you still get some great glamour shots, despite the foul weather. Perhaps we've figured out why this is a popular umbrella for some celebrities…
Why is blunt umbrella so expensive? ›Starting at about $100, Blunts are significantly pricier than your average umbrella. But I reckon they're worth the price as their unique design and sturdy construction mean they're likely to last longer than a cheaper brolly. The key to all Blunt umbrellas' strength is how they distribute tension.
What makes an umbrella windproof? ›
The truth is unfortunately, there isn't such a thing as a “wind proof” umbrella, although many make claims to this effect. You can of course get reinforced or vented umbrellas which help dissipate the wind through a vent making it harder for them to turn inside out or break.
Why do umbrellas break so easily? ›Umbrellas suffer from a variety of injuries during the rainy season. First off, the metal ribs that hold the umbrella fabric in place aren't always strong enough. They're joined with intricate metal parts that have to handle a lot of grief from the elements. It doesn't take much for things to strain and break apart.