8 Things to Consider When Buying an Umbrella for the Rainy Season

You don’t want to get caught in the rain and find that you don’t have an umbrella with you. Buying the first cheap umbrella you see is a quick fix, but you’ll likely toss it in the trash when the ribs break or the canopy tears after only a few uses. 

Save money in the long run and invest in a durable, high-quality umbrella. In this quick buyer’s guide to finding the best umbrella in the Philippines, learn what features to look out for and discover brands worth checking out. 

What to Consider When Looking for the Best Umbrella in the Philippines

Walking in the rain may sound romantic and dreamlike, but not when you’re using a subpar umbrella. Before you make an umbrella purchase, take note of these essential features: 

☂️ Quality Material

You can't skimp on quality when shopping for the best umbrella in the Philippines. Good quality umbrellas are designed to withstand frequent use and brave the elements, whether the sun, rain, or wind. 

Look for windproof designs and durable frame materials. Umbrellas with aluminum, steel, and fiberglass frames are recommended because of their weight, stability, and durability. 

As for the fabric, the most common are nylon and polyester. Nylon is commonly used to make golf and standard rain and sun umbrellas. It completely repels water, blocks harmful UV rays, and dries very quickly. Also, such a fabric doesn’t weigh down the umbrella.

Polyester is also used in umbrellas because of its durability. It’s lightweight, shrink- and stretch-resistant, and often used in folding and portable umbrellas. 

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☂️ Size and Weight

You don’t want an unwieldy umbrella. As much as possible, you want something lightweight but durable. It should also be compact and portable enough. 

But compact umbrellas often result in wet feet and pants (or legs if you’re wearing a skirt). The ideal width for umbrellas should be around 40 to 50 inches from tip to tip. This should give you a larger dry space under the canopy without knocking down everyone on the street.  

With these specs, finding the best foldable umbrella can be more challenging. But the upside is they’re light and small enough to fit inside your bag. You can permanently keep it there so you’re prepared for sudden rain showers. 

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☂️ Waterproof Capabilities

Of course, your umbrella should keep you dry when it’s raining. Both nylon and polyester have good water-repelling performance. 

Also, ensure the umbrella canopy is waterproof by checking for special coatings to enhance its capabilities. Hydrophobic coatings are applied on umbrella fabric during production to repel water and prevent it from seeping through the fabric. 

☂️ Sun Protection

An umbrella should keep you dry but also provide sun protection. 

So what color umbrella is best for sun protection? Even without special UV coatings, standard black umbrellas can block at least 90% of harmful UV rays.^[1] 

However, special UV protection umbrellas can block up to 99% of the sun’s UV radiation. The fabric coating of these UV umbrellas provides a sunscreen effect and absorbs heat and UV light. It also provides a higher Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). 

☂️ Handle Comfort 

The umbrella’s handle shape is also important. Choose an umbrella with an easy and comfortable grip designed for extended use. Some umbrellas even come with ergonomic and anti-slip designs. 

Plastic and rubber handles generally feel comfy and sturdy, while aluminum handles can feel cold at first touch. Wooden handles are standard in full-length umbrellas and are also durable and sustainable. 

☂️ Opening Systems

We all know the importance of an umbrella’s automatic open function when caught in a sudden, raging downpour. This is why it’s one of the first things you should check when looking for the best umbrella in the Philippines. 

While you can always opt for the manual opening method, a fully automatic opening system is convenient for one-hand operation, like when you’re carrying a baby, your dog, or a bunch of grocery bags. The one-push button mechanism allows you to open your umbrella with no fuss. 

Aside from keeping your head and torso dry, a good umbrella also flips inside out when there’s a sudden gust of wind and goes right back to its original form. 

☂️ Design and Style 

Of course, durability and performance are your priorities, but it won’t hurt if the umbrella matches our style and comes in a unique design that stands out from the crowd. 

What’s the best color for an umbrella?  It depends on your personal preferences. 

However, generally, black umbrellas absorb water well. And as mentioned, they’re also better at absorbing UV rays and shielding you from the sun. Not to mention black umbrellas look classic, low-key, and elegant. 

☂️ Brand 

Opt for well-known, established brands to ensure greater durability and performance. These brands undergo rigorous quality control and testing. 

Where to Buy the Best Umbrella in the Philippines 

Are you curious about umbrella prices in the Philippines? Wondering what’s the best umbrella brand in the Philippines? Here are two brands you can check out: 

🌂 Fibrella 

Fibrella's umbrella rib structures are fiberglass-reinforced for better protection from strong wind gusts. They also come in beautiful printed designs and solid colors. 

You can buy a Fibrella umbrella online via its flagship store on Lazada^[2] or at SM Department Stores. Fibrella umbrella prices range from ₱500 to ₱800. Manual foldable umbrellas with UV Block Plus cost around ₱500, while automatic ones start at ₱600.

Do inquire with the sales reps about the warranty when you purchase original Fibrella umbrellas at SM Stores. 

Read more: 

• Add to Cart: 32 Must-Visit Online Shopping Sites in the Philippines
• Lazada vs Shopee: Which Online Shopping Platform Reigns Supreme?

🌂 Michaela 

Michaela offers manual and automatic umbrellas in different colors. You can also choose between long and foldable or portable umbrellas. 

All Michaela umbrellas^[3] come with UV protection. You can find different umbrella models for specific weather conditions. For example, the Michaela Super Light is an automatic umbrella with a UPF of 50+ designed for sunny days and light rain. 

Meanwhile, the Michaela Windproof Umbrella has a 48-inch arc and can accommodate two people. It's designed for outdoor activities and strong winds and rain. It also has UV-blocking protection. 

Michaela umbrella prices range from ₱399 to ₱1,299.

Related reading: Fueled by Caffeine? It’s Time to Invest in a Coffee Machine

Final Thoughts

Before purchasing an umbrella, research different options and read product reviews and customer feedback on their quality and performance.  

Avoid making a panic purchase at random street shops because of a sudden downpour. These umbrellas may be cheap and serve their purpose for a few minutes, but they break and tear at the first sign of a strong wind. They never last long.  

Sources:

•  ^[1] What is the Difference Between a Sun Umbrella and a Regular Umbrella? (UV-Blocker, 2022)
• ^[2] Fibrella Flagship Store (Lazada)
• ^[3] Michaela