Why Are Umbrellas Black?

It’s extremely hard to find unique umbrellas for men – do they have to be all black!? Today I would like to show you some affordable mens umbrellas, folding ones as well as full-length ones that I think are unique enough.

If you search the words “why umbrellas are in black” – you’ll only find a few speculations; The colour black absorbs radiations (light & heat) – so why are there so many multi-coloured ladies umbrellas exist? Some say it doesn’t show dirt on black. Another says it DOES show dirt more, so that you can easily observe the cleanliness and wash it off. (I wish Yahoo Answers were a bit more credible sometimes… “My dog is peeing a lot lately, what can be wrong with him?” Answer: “Take him to the vets.”)

Umbrella Trends

When you think about fridge/freezers – broadly there is a choice of 3 colours; white, silver or black (apart from some fantastic brands such as Smeg who have all sorts of metallic colour variety, Union Flag or cow/zebra prints) But I remember it was late 1990’s when I was looking for a new fridge/freezer. You could only find one or two silver fridges in electrical superstores back then, all others were white. I wanted a frost-free type and searched everywhere, online and high-street shops, but just couldn’t find a frost-free, non-white freezer. Other kitchen appliances were predominantly in white plastic and all the desktop PCs were in white/beige in those days too.

So I can only imagine that we’re not quite ready to have men’s umbrellas in various colours as a new trend yet. Don’t get me wrong, I’m referring to decent, proper, “manly” umbrellas. There are a lot of coloured umbrellas available, but they’re normally ladies’ or crazy rainbow, or gigantic golf parasol.

Do you have to tell me it’s “unisex”?

I personally don’t comprehend the unisex concept especially with umbrellas – manufacturers never explain why it’s unisex. If the look is suitable for men and women, we all know it’s unisex! But I guess they produce a blue folding umbrella that could look feminine, but if they call it “unisex”, boys will simply buy it. (Man-bag essential?)

Umbrella History

The history of the umbrella goes back to ancient China, thousands of years ago. But it was introduced to Britain in 18th Century. It was much heavier, made with ribs of whalebone or split cane, until steel ribbed umbrella was invented in mid-19th Century. The word “umbrella” comes from the Latin word “umbros” meaning shades, or shadow, much more in relation to parasol then.

Do We Need An Umbrella?

Umbrella industry has thrived because we do have a lot of wet days in Britain. But we rarely have torrential downpours lasting for a few minutes, let alone hours. With enough means of transport & shopping malls in the city, an umbrella is no longer a must-have, must-carry item. I often take my folding one with me to work just in case, and bring it back unused in the evening.

Whereas in a lot of countries when it rains, it seriously rains. In Japan, shops/restaurants have umbrella stands at the entrance, visitors must stick their wet umbrella in the stand before going in, and when they come out, they find it gone – someone else has either stolen or mistaken it. You see there’s no point in buying a nice umbrella in Japan, they get a cheap disposable one from a 100 Yen shop…..

…..OR, they’ve got this!

200 sheets of translucent disposable umbrella bags with string (Japanese import)

Available from Amazon.co.uk >>>

I thought it would be handy if you carry a few of these bags. Just stick your wet umbrella when you get on a train, you can lean it against an empty seat or hold it in between your knees.

Actually in Japan a lot of shops have these bags at the entrance so that the visitors can carry their umbrella in it… Upon exit there is a bin for the used bag.

Non-black Umbrellas for Sale

Aquascutum Ultra-Compact with Zipped Case in Gift Box

First one is”Unisex”! But it’s Aquascutum, looks expensive and it’s extremely light.

195g in weight. Aluminium frame and lightweight fabric, it comes in a gift box.

London Undercover Constellation Interior Umbrella

Well this is navy, available from John Lewis and, hand-crafted from a single piece of polished maple wood, with a continuous handle and shaft. 92.5cm in height. It’s not like for you to stand underneath, look up and check the stars, but it’s very well-made, nice to have something different inner surface.

M&S Heritage Checked Umbrella

38cm length, diameter 99cm, great colour combination, sturdy and it’s men’s of course.

Fulton Knightsbridge City Stripe Black

This one claims “unisex” again, but when open, 116cm diameter, so it’s large enough. Lightweight and flexible fibreglass frame for extra strength. 91cm length.

Fulton Huntsman Double Check Umbrella

Another one from Fulton for £21 with a wooden handle.

Parachase Men’s Semi-automatic Windproof Stick Large Stripe Design Umbrella

Available in grey or brown from Parachase – fibre glass frame and ribs, rubber coated hanging handle.

Chrysalin Tartan Walking Length Umbrellas

Span 92cm.  Would I carry it? Yes. Take it to work? I think I would. Would you?