However, buying a quality umbrella to battle the oftentimes moody Australian weather is harder than the rainfall that we’re experiencing right now. Our worse fear is investing in an umbrella only to find it flipping inside out with a single gust of wind.
What should you look for when choosing the best umbrella to buy?
"Consumers need to be selective when shopping for a quality product as many of the current umbrellas on the market are inherently not strong enough or more importantly, built to last," explains engineer and BLUNT founder, Greig Brebner.
Umbrella tips
Along with a sturdy frame and base, an umbrella needs to have strong tips to stop it from flipping or collapsing.
"The traditional umbrella design that has existed for well over a century, has weak points at the edge of the umbrella which make them extremely vulnerable to failure," notes Brebner.
"Add to that modern day mass production of those umbrellas has only emphasised this weakness."
Look out for umbrellas that reinforce typical weak points along the edge of the canopy.
Product performance
Umbrellas are a hard product to master - this has resulted in a lot of brands creating non-branded offerings to distant themselves from liability, Brebner highlights.
So, if it wasn't obvious, always look for an umbrella brand that is willing to put their name to their product. Couple that with a product that is able to provide actual proof of performance and you've got yourself a winner.
"Style shouldn't come at the cost of performance, which is why we have made the strongest, most aerodynamic and protective umbrella on the market."
Is buying a quality umbrella worth the investment?
As the saying goes, quality over quantity. Repeatedly purchasing ill-designed umbrellas end up being a pain to your day-to-day life (and your wallet) in the long run.
"With any product you invest in there is always a necessary service element that needs to be attached to it which addresses after sale care. This commitment from a brand gives consumers confidence that the product they are buying is superior and will last a test of time."
Where can you find the best umbrellas to invest in, in Australia?
If you're ready to dive into the world of quality umbrellas to help you stay dry for the rainy days (weeks) ahead, read on.
We’ve rounded up the best umbrellas you can shop right here in Australia – your new rainy-day accessory has arrived.
Clifton Clear Birdcage umbrella, $44.31, Amazon
Retro chic – the Clifton Birdcage umbrella is designed to protect you from the rain while still letting light in. Featuring its distinct curved fiberglass frame making it durable even for the strongest of winds.
BLUNT melon check coupe umbrella, $149, THE ICONIC
BLUNT is the cult umbrella brand from New Zealand that is worth all the hype. Unlike traditional umbrellas, BLUNT’s superior tension in their umbrella canopy structure makes all the difference.
"The patented BLUNT tips open like miniature umbrellas within custom pockets at the canopy edge and reinforce the umbrella in a traditional area of weakness by eliminating the point loading at the rib end where umbrellas typically fail," explains Greig Brebner, BLUNT founder.
So, if you’re weathering the moody Australian weather, opting for a BLUNT umbrella is well worth the investment.
Samsonite Windguard, $48.28, Amazon
Known for making high-quality travel luggage cases, this umbrella is everything you expect the brand to produce. Featuring a no-brainer automatic opening mechanism, coupled with a Teflon coated wind-resistant canopy, it’s everything you need in a compact umbrella.
Business & Pleasure Co. rain umbrella in 70's Panel Cinque, $99.99, THE ICONIC
Made using a mid-century technique in its rib and with a teakwood handle, this vintage-inspired umbrella from Business & Pleasure Co. has a UV protection of 30+ UPF and is a sweet addition to any autumnal outfit.
Milligram Rifle Paper Co umbrella in Garden Party, $77.90, Hardtofind
Brighten any miserably wet day with this colourful umbrella that is inspired by garden parties and features an automatic open and close function.
Clifton Outside-In inverted umbrella, $44.10, Woolworths
If walking under a floral canopy on a rainy day sounds like the perfect pick-me-up, then the Clifton Outside-In inverted umbrella needs to be on your radar – stat. Given its name, the unique outside-in design means the frame opens in reverse, leaving collected rainwater inside the umbrella when it closes. Gone are the days of leaving an unsightly pool of water wherever you go (and getting you and your clothes wet), instead, you can choose when, and where, to dry your umbrella – at a time that’s convenient for you.
Repel windproof travel umbrella, $66.82, Amazon
Available in a wide range of colours – our pick being this sleek powder blue, the Repel windproof umbrella is a highly-reviewed crowd favourite. The Repel umbrella is fortified with nine resin-reinforced fiberglass ribs and a vented double canopy that flexes slightly to withstand powerful gusts without turning inside out. Another great compact option to keep in your bag for when the rain strikes, unannounced.
Original Duckhead compact umbrella, $59.95, David Jones
Small, compact and full of personality - the Original Duckhead umbrella is small enough to fit in your handbag. It features a sturdy solid wood handle made from sustainably sourced birch wood coupled with a high strength steel and aluminium frame. Plus, we can’t look past its adorable duck head design now, can we?
You may also like: