What to consider when purchasing an umbrella
A sudden rain shower can easily dampen your mood. With the right umbrella, you are always well-prepared. Whether it's a downpour or a light drizzle, a great umbrella not only reliably protects you from wind and weather, but it can also be used as a stylish accessory.
In this article, we reveal the 10 most important tips you should definitely consider when purchasing your promotional umbrella. Thanks to our umbrella guide, you'll stay dry and fashionable in any weather!
1. Pocket umbrella or full-length umbrella?
One of the most important decisions to make is whether your promotional umbrella should be a full-length umbrella or a pocket umbrella.
- Pocket umbrellas are particularly lightweight and practical thanks to their compact size. This is a major advantage, as they can easily be taken anywhere and stored conveniently.
Full-length umbrellas generally offer a larger canopy and therefore provide better protection from the rain. They are more robust and, due to their size, are less likely to be misplaced.
Our experience: Pocket umbrellas are extremely practical, but customers often choose full-length umbrellas. They are highly appreciated for their superior functionality and for creating an even more premium impression.
2. Frame material
Wood
Wooden frames have a traditional and classic look. However, they are more sensitive than other materials.
Steel
The most commonly used material. Considered stable and relatively cheap but is usually somewhat heavier than more modern materials.
Fiberglass
Frames made of fiberglass are characterised by a lower weight and increased wind stability, as the material is wind resistant.
Aluminium
Aluminium frames are light but ensure high wind stability. In addition, aluminium umbrellas look very modern.
3. Fabric – shape and material
You can also think about the choice of shape and material for the canopy:
Material: Polyester is less shiny than nylon, thus appearing to be slightly higher quality. However, both materials are on a par in terms of their water-repellent performance. Cotton is only used for traditional umbrellas because it is somewhat heavier and less water-repellent.
Shape: The fabric of the umbrella is typically stretched out in a round shape. There are also more specialised shapes, such as square umbrellas or heart-shaped umbrella canopies. However, the round version has the largest surface area and therefore offers the best rain protection.
4. Size
The larger the umbrella canopy, the better you are protected from the rain.
With a sufficiently large canopy, there is also enough space for another person underneath your umbrella:
- Diameter100 to105cm = Standard (for one person)
- Diameter110 to120cm = Midsize (for one or two smaller people)
- Diameter130 to140cm = Large (for two adults)
Please note: As the size of the umbrella canopy increases, so does the weight of the umbrella!
5. The right handle
The material
- Wooden handle: Gives a classic, traditional impression and is more sustainable. Wooden handles are mainly found on full-length umbrellas.
- Plastic or rubber handle: Are available in all shapes, colours and variants. Plastic handles general feel good in the hand.
- Aluminium handle: Looks very modern. A small disadvantage is that it can feel cold at first
Shape and size
- Shape: If the umbrella has a hook handle, it takes up a little more space than an umbrella with a straight handle. However, it can be easily hung up to dry.
- Size: When it comes to size, it is important to note that women prefer smaller handles than men. However, the handle should never be too small, otherwise the umbrella would no longer be comfortable to carry.
6. Opening systems
Basically, there are automatic and manual opening systems, each with different advantages and disadvantages. These range from the classic manual opening mechanism to the automatic open-and-close function at the touch of a button.
Find out more about the different opening systems here.
7. Adapt the design to the target group
Promotional umbrellas are among the most popular promotional items out there. When it comes to design, the possibilities for personalisation are diverse. Here are our three recommendations:
1. Attention to detail: Think about all the design options. The more detailed the design, the more individual and lovingly crafted the umbrella will appear to the user.
2. Customer needs: The design must of course take into account the client’s image and branding. However, you should always prioritise the needs of the umbrella users!
3. Model selection: Pick a suitable model for your target group. Give enough thought to the effect you want to achieve with the umbrella. Depending on the target group and the message to be conveyed, a classic, modern, sporty, stylish or particularly unusual umbrella may be the best choice.
8. Safety
Safety aspects are also worth considering when choosing an umbrella. As umbrellas are often used at night and in poor visibility conditions, reflective umbrellas offer a major safety advantage:
- There are umbrellas with small reflective elements as well as fully reflective umbrellas for maximum visibility in the dark and foggy conditions.
- A torch integrated into the handle can also prove very useful in many situations.
9. Unusual & innovative
If you want to surprise your target group, you can also opt for innovative and unusual products. This will definitely make them remember you for a long time. For example:
- Umbrellas that change colour when wet
- Reverse-opening umbrellas
- Square umbrellas
- Umbrellas with LED-lamps and gift boxes in the handle
- Transparent umbrellas
Have we kindled your curiosity? Then take a closer look at our original umbrellas!
10. Sustainability
As with all commodities, you should think about sustainability when it comes to umbrellas. We have three recommendations for you:
1. Quality: We recommend you prioritise quality above everything else. High-quality umbrellas are more durable, benefiting both owners and the environment.
2. Sustainable material: Umbrellas that have been specially designed and produced in an ecologically sensible manner, e.g. from recycled materials and rapidly renewable types of wood, are also sustainable.
3. Short transport routes: We recommend umbrellas produced in Europe. Not only are production standards better; the shorter transport routes also have a positive impact Made in EU.