Fashionable umbrellas - an indispensable accessory in bad weather
In modern fashion, attention is paid to absolutely every detail of the wardrobe. Therefore, it was impossible not to notice the fashionable boom on, it would seem, such an ordinary accessory as an umbrella.
What it is
An umbrella is a device that protects from rain and sun, in the form of a frame covered with fabric that folds and is fixed on a rod (umbrella handle).
Story
Presumably, such an “anti-solar umbrella” was already in use in the 11th century BC. At that time, such accessories belonged only to the social elite. In some countries, so-called umbrella carriers were even in demand.
Only in the 17th century did an umbrella appear in Western Europe. Then its direct purpose was only protection from the sun. The weight of the structure was more than 2 kg, and the length of the handle was about 1.5 m. And only in the 18th century, the Englishman Jonas Henway, who is now considered the one who invented this device, proposed the use of an umbrella as protection from rain. Such an invention reached us much later.
Features and Benefits
Every person at least once in his life faced with the problem of choosing an umbrella. Especially when you consider the wide variety of options offered to us by both fashion houses and mass producers.What should it be? What umbrella will harmoniously fit into the image and give zest to the owner? What should be emphasized?
The choice of accessory plays an important role for its owner. Consider the types of umbrellas depending on the mechanism.
- Mechanics. This type requires patience and accuracy from the owner, because all manipulations have to be done manually. Such umbrellas can have from one to five additions.
Advantages: some products are so compact that they are not inferior in size to a wallet. They are usually made from lightweight materials. Products manufactured today do not exceed 200 g in weight. Their main advantage is the absolute convenience of carrying and storing. In addition, they are quite strong and durable.
Flaws: but to perform the functions of opening and closing the device will bring a lot of inconvenience to its owner.
- semi-automatic. This is the most common and affordable type of umbrellas. The rod expands automatically to the stop, you just need to press the button. Unfortunately, you will have to open it over your head and then fold the umbrella manually.
Advantages: compactness, ease of use, low cost, availability.
Flaws: a significant disadvantage is the imperfection of the dome, since with a strong gust of wind it can be bent inside out. When buying, you need to focus on the presence of the "anti-wind" system.
- Machine. When you press the button, the umbrella fully opens automatically.
Advantages: minimum effort and time required for use.
- Double automatic - the opening and closing process is fully automated. You just need to press the button.
Advantages: convenient mechanism.
Kinds
Folding umbrellas - The product is compact enough to fit in a handbag or in the pocket of a luxurious coat. It is a pity that the main disadvantage of such an umbrella is the poor ability to repel and roll moisture from its surface, and all because of multiple creases on the fabric.
Flat has some peculiarity over the usual folding model, which plays an important role when choosing an accessory. Basically, this kind of model belongs to the category of light and compact umbrellas. That is why it is even easier to hide it at the bottom of a business case or even a clutch. Such models are the most popular among the rest.
If you need to make good light for photography, then there is a completely budget option, namely, an umbrella for a flash (diffusing umbrella).
Gaining more and more popularity creative models. For example, heart shaped umbrella. Its size is quite enough to cover two people. In addition, this original accessory is able to bring a romantic touch to the gray everyday life and diversify the plots at photo shoots in the love story style.
Umbrella for a muslin lady. This special umbrella was created especially for romantic young ladies and admirers of poetic heroines. A model with intricate decorative elements is perfect for a sensual look. Rhinestones, beads, lace are also sometimes used.
An excellent means of self-defense will be an ordinary umbrella-cane made of a steel frame. Not every violator of the law will dare to approach the owner of such a noticeable little thing.
Umbrella gun Undoubtedly, will attract the attention of the environment. When folded, the umbrella looks like a sheathed gun. The tip is made in the form of a muzzle, and the handle is in the form of a butt. Such an unusual accessory will give the owner spectacularity.
Looks less impressive umbrella gun. The most popular models in the form of a revolver. The design of such a thing is assembled by analogy with the above option.
Regardless of social status, every man should feel superior. That is why the best gift for the most sophisticated will be a cane with a blade or an umbrella with a stiletto. Such a thing, giving a very solid appearance to the owner, will fuel his ego and give a sense of self-defense.
A gift for a woman will be no less original - umbrella-flower "Tulip". Bright and beautiful flower-umbrella, thanks to the original packaging, will give a real spring mood to its owner.
Modern designers have not disregarded the needs of car owners. So appeared car umbrella. It is small, ergonomic and stylish. The cover of such an umbrella is equipped with fasteners (for example, Velcro on the body) that allow you to fix the product on a certain surface.
Umbrella with a flashlight. This is definitely a practical gift. It is equipped with a bright and economical LED. High power LEDs are able to change color, creating a colorful mood. Excellent quality and material of the umbrella will allow you to use this useful accessory for many years.
Umbrella "birdcage". The unusual shape of such an umbrella gives a clear advantage to its beautiful owners. And all because the oblong dome closes the body almost to the level of the chest and has the most sophisticated look.
Umbrella cane. As a rule, this is the most classic version of the umbrella. It is undoubtedly reliable, dries quickly and gives an image of stateliness, regardless of gender.
Double umbrella. What else could inventors please loving couples? Of course, a double umbrella.A strong frame, a variety of colors and a large size of the umbrella, which is certainly important, allow you to make joint walks with maximum comfort.
Colors and decor
Today, manufacturers can provide a wide range of umbrellas in a variety of styles and colors.
It is worth noting that the image looks very concise and with a transparent umbrella model. Its range also includes products with decor and colored finishes.
For example, for men in everyday life, conciseness will be given strict colors such as black, brown, gray, dark blue and green.
Umbrellas are also made with all kinds of images and photographs, abstract drawings, various symbols, as well as with cats and money. For example, a dome with a logo will provide a memorable advertisement. Gaining momentum and umbrellas with a manifested pattern. No less popular among young people are acid colors and luminous models.
The range also consists of bright monochromatic colors. For example, yellow, orange, red and green colors will always be favorites among girls. These juicy shades will always cheer up their beautiful hostess. An umbrella also looks unusual, having a thematic pattern both outside and inside the dome. Bows, rhinestones or lace located along the edges of the accessory will give additional originality.
materials
For the most part, the quality of an umbrella is determined by the material of the dome. The main fabrics for its manufacture are, as a rule, nylon, polyester, pongee, satin.
Polyester - synthetic fabric. It is wear-resistant, water-repellent and has a high degree of protection against adverse weather conditions.
Nylon - Smooth, pleasant to the touch fabric. It is considered the progenitor of polyester.Unpretentious in care, durable, cheap at cost.
Pongee is considered the most optimal material for the umbrella dome. It is a soft, spongy cotton fabric.
satin - dense cotton fabric.
Cheap umbrellas are usually made from nylon, while expensive ones are made from a polyester/cotton blend.
For summer models, an extravagant option would be knitted umbrella. For the manufacture of such an unusual product, mainly cotton yarn or viscose is used. But the originality of such works of art will not be equal.
Component structures
Titanium-coated steel spokes are considered to be the most durable, but this will significantly add weight to the umbrella. Therefore, budget umbrellas are most often produced with aluminum knitting needles, which, unfortunately, affects the strength of the accessory. Umbrellas with fiberglass spokes are quite expensive. Such models do not lend themselves to strong winds and weigh little.
How to choose
The umbrella handle is a matter of taste. Someone prefers the shape of a hook, someone - straight, and who is completely round. Fortunately, manufacturers have taken care of the diversity of such an important detail.
Materials for the manufacture of handles are also offered in a large assortment. These are wood, rubber, plastic and even steel or glass. The handle of the product is usually provided with a special anti-slip coating.
How much has been invented for the beauty of a fashionable and important accessory. Buckles and lace, bows and rhinestones - this is not all that the craftsmen offer to the city dweller. However, it must be remembered that an umbrella is, first of all, a means of protection. Therefore, models with a high-quality manufactured design should be a priority. Beauty in such a case, as they say, is a secondary matter.
When choosing an accessory, you need to study in detail all the information provided by the manufacturer. This includes information about the material of the product, the opening mechanism, the parameters of the umbrella in the folded and open states. This information is usually found on the label. In specialized stores, the seller must have all the necessary information about the product.
To make sure the quality and serviceability of the product, you can ask the seller to open the umbrella. Check the integrity of the dome and the presence of defects on the handle and stem of the product. The spokes must be securely fastened.
The dome of the umbrella can be viewed under any light source. In this case, even the slightest damage will make itself felt.
The coloring of the dome must be of high quality. Experts advise rubbing the dome of the umbrella with something white. If the material of the umbrella sheds, then characteristic traces will remain on the white.
The reliability of the umbrella directly depends on the material of the spokes. So, fiberglass is considered the best due to its reliability and durability. Slightly inferior in strength to steel. But aluminum spokes will begin to bend at the first strong gust of wind.
Do not neglect the anti-wind system. Of course, it is better to choose an accessory with such a function in order to adequately survive strong winds. However, not all manufacturers are honest and the promise may not be true. Therefore, try to purchase umbrellas in company stores.
Connoisseurs of exclusively branded items should ask for the appropriate license in the store to verify the authenticity of the brand of goods. And the branded products themselves always have the appropriate label.
An important role in deciding on the purchase of an umbrella is played by the way it is further used. For example, products for manual carrying are equipped with a special strap.But for storage in a purse you need a compact model.
As for the sizes, here, too, manufacturers have provided a large selection. In fact, the smallest are children's umbrellas. The average length of the knitting needle is considered to be about 40 cm. In women's knitting needles, on average, they are about 60 cm long. But these indicators are very conditional, since the sizes of the models can be the most unexpected.
In order to avoid unpleasant surprises, when buying an umbrella with a "full automatic" or "semi-automatic" mechanism, you need to make sure that the button, when pressed, opens / closes the dome, does not sink and does not have other defects.
Branded products are always covered by warranties. Therefore, check with the seller for the period and conditions of the guarantee for the goods.
What to wear
Choosing the right umbrella is not enough. After all, it is not only protection from the rain, but also an important accessory that complements the image.
For active people, it is better to choose a comfortable folding umbrella.
And lovers of the classic style will love the cane umbrella. In combination with reticules, clutches and ankle boots, this model will look just perfect. This style is also suitable for a business woman.
An excellent summer option would be a transparent "birdcage" in combination with a light dress and sandals. This will once again emphasize the romance and lightness of the image. Such an umbrella model will also add femininity in combination with a spring coat. The main rule for such a choice is no boring colors in clothes!
Brand news
By the beginning of the spring season, brands decided to pamper connoisseurs of quality with bright novelties. Online stores are full of promotions and original models of umbrellas for every taste and color.The models of such brands as Labbra, Senz, Guy de Jean, Blunt, Chantal Thomass, Happy Rain, Pasotti, Fabretti, Ame Yoke and others have become the most popular. Despite the high price, these brands guarantee high quality and amazing shapes and designs of their products.
Stylish images
Of course, in any situation, classic shades will look win-win. For example, the good old black umbrella. Declared fashionistas among the stars prefer transparent models for the red carpet. Such umbrellas are absolutely universal, regardless of their shape.
So, for the casual style, which is now the most popular in clothing, there are absolutely no boundaries. As they say, the main thing is to taste. Therefore, with the same jeans and a T-shirt, both a classic black umbrella and an umbrella with any of the most unusual patterns will look great.