Umbrella

Now an umbrella is a familiar means of protection from rain, everyone has it. Some people prefer to choose an umbrella to match their outfit, others choose a model by size, color and ease of use. Oddly enough, the umbrella was originally intended to protect not from rain, but from the sun.

This was the application of the device, which first appeared several thousand years ago. The origin of the umbrella has not been established with certainty: scientists believe that the first "sun shade" was used in China. There is a legend about a carpenter who tried to protect his wife and made for her "a roof that is always with you."

Like many inventions, the umbrella migrated from the East to Rome and Greece. It was used exclusively by women, protecting themselves from the sun. Until the 17th century, this application was the only one. For the first time, an umbrella, as a protection from rain, is mentioned during the reign of Louis 13th. The umbrella was also recorded in the inventories of the royal property. True, it was not the monarch himself who used it, but the queen. Men considered it unworthy to protect themselves from the vagaries of the weather.

There is also controversy about who invented the umbrella. It is believed that Jonas Henway from England was the first to use the device as a rain shield. But the umbrella in our usual form, equipped with a metal frame, was created by Samuel Fox. In Russia, the device appeared during the time of Peter the Great, he brought it from Holland.

Invented in the seventeenth century, it is still very popular today. The classic model is equipped with metal spokes without a bending mechanism. Most often, the handle of the umbrella is wooden and has a curved shape, thanks to which it is very convenient to hold it.The cane umbrella looks like a stylish accessory that complements the look. Typically, these models are matched to the color of the dress or outerwear.

In addition to the spectacular appearance, this type of umbrella is distinguished by its strength and durability. Due to the strong tension of the fabric, the drops roll off the umbrella dome very quickly. This feature allows the umbrella cane to dry much faster than other models. The advantages of the cane-shaped device include reliable protection from the wind.

This quality is especially expressed in domed umbrellas. Such models became popular several years ago and are still relevant today. They protect not only the head from the rain, but also the shoulders, covering the wearer with a strong dome from wind and drops.

The standard length of a cane umbrella is 98 centimeters. Despite the elegance, it is the dimensions of such a model that make it uncomfortable. The umbrella in the shape of a cane will have to be constantly carried in your hands, it is easy to forget it in a public place and lose it. Therefore, more and more people choose the cane model as the second umbrella used for special occasions.

In the past few years, double-sided cane umbrellas have been especially popular. Their dome has two layers. As a rule, the upper, outer layer remains monochromatic, and the inner one is decorated with cheerful patterns that cheer up in rainy and gray weather.

Almost two centuries later, after the ubiquity of umbrellas, the American Brad Phillips invented a folding device that easily fit into a bag. For the first time, a folding umbrella was launched into mass production in the 1970th year. This model made a splash, as it did not take up much space, weighed no more than 200 grams, and it could always be kept close at hand.

A compact umbrella can be mechanical, that is, it can be folded out manually, or automatic, which can be opened by pressing a button. An additional positive note of the invention was the removable cover. It helps the umbrella not to rub in the bag, saves in situations where there is no way to fully dry the umbrella.

The standard length of an umbrella when folded reached 30 cm. When opened, such an umbrella became two or three times longer. But a person's lifestyle dictates their needs. For those who move around the city a lot, travel or use small bags, the pocket umbrella was invented. The folding mechanism in it allows to reduce the dimensions of the device by 4 or 5 times when closed.

Folding umbrellas are versatile. They are suitable for any occasion, can be used by a child. But at the same time they have one serious drawback. The mechanism that bends the spokes is fragile enough that compact umbrellas cannot withstand strong gusts of wind and often break.

For such cases, when even a pocket umbrella becomes uncomfortable, simply because there is nothing to hold it, an umbrella-hat or an umbrella-backpack was invented. The first model is often used in Russia during a seaside holiday. Such an umbrella is fixed on the head with a special elastic band and leaves your hands free. The summer residents liked the umbrellas-hats, they save their heads from the sun.

The downside of this model is that it looks unusual and can ruin the everyday look. Therefore, an umbrella was invented in Japan, the name of which translates as "birdcage". This device is worn like a backpack on the shoulders and unfolds in the form of a dome over the head. The umbrella-backpack covers both the head and shoulders from the rain. Most often, such models are made of transparent material and look stylish, even a little futuristic.

The listed models can be called classics to one degree or another. But designers are constantly working on stylish novelties. This is how square umbrellas, heart-shaped umbrellas and lovers' umbrellas were born. The latter most often look like two domes held together by a single handle. They can be either folding or in the form of a cane.

Double umbrellas are specially designed for couples.Many people know that walking together under one umbrella is inconvenient, even a large umbrella is not able to protect both of them from drops. And it is almost impossible to continue the conversation under different umbrellas. The dual-dome device keeps everyone dry while bringing together and adding romance, even if a downpour hits you.

Not all umbrellas have a practical function. They are often used as a stylish accessory that can add zest to an image. So, lace umbrellas from the sun, similar to those that were used several centuries ago, have become an excellent attribute for wedding photo shoots. They emphasize the femininity of the bride, give her image even more tenderness and romance.

Umbrellas for a wedding photo shoot also have practical applications: they protect the bride from the sun and create shade. Usually, these accessories are made by hand, so their price remains quite high. Ateliers and wedding agencies offer frugal brides to rent a lace souvenir umbrella.

The trends of 2017 with regard to umbrellas are very democratic. Designers are betting on the whole image, claiming that the umbrella is not only designed to protect you from rain, but also to highlight your individuality. If the male models remain conservative and provide little room for imagination, then among the female options a variety of shapes and colors reigns.

The eternal classic - the umbrella-cane - does not go out of fashion. Classic models remain popular, in solid colors or decorated with bright prints. But in recent years, more and more cane umbrellas with an unusual dome shape have appeared on the catwalks and in the collections of famous designers. The most common among them are elongated accessories, reminiscent of the dome of a circus tent. These umbrellas look playful and sophisticated.

Fashionistas all over the world liked the umbrellas in the classic Japanese style. They are distinguished by a large number of needles that divide the fabric into segments, and a thin, sharp handle, usually imitating a bamboo stem. Classic Japanese-style umbrellas are available in red, white or pink and are decorated with patterns typical of the land of rising sap. Most often, these umbrellas are unfolded mechanically.

Courageous girls who are trying to stand out from the crowd will love the models of umbrellas, the dome of which is made in the shape of a square, rectangle or heart. Such an umbrella will be a great addition to a fashionable look, but it will not cope with strong gusts of wind.

The curved wooden handle, which is standard for umbrellas, also attracted the attention of designers. It is encrusted with rhinestones and stones, made in metallic colors. The umbrellas, the handle of which is made in the shape of animals, skulls, brass knuckles, look luxurious and catchy. This umbrella will complement a glamorous evening look, even when closed. In this case, the dome of the device remains monochromatic so that the whole image does not look ridiculous and excessively bright.

Compact folding umbrellas also ceased to be only a practical device and began to play the role of a bright detail of the image. The dome of the umbrellas is decorated with lace and ruffles. Such models, especially made in black or white, look romantic and feminine, complementing the image with a zest of Parisian chic.

In addition to delicate frills, the dome of umbrellas can be decorated with bright applications designed to attract attention and cheer up in cloudy weather. Umbrellas look unusual and very stylish, the fabric of which is covered with artificial raindrops. Another fashionable novelty is compact umbrellas with emerging patterns. The fabric of the dome in such models seems to be monochromatic, but when water gets in, roses bloom on it, patterns or ornament appear.

Those who consider all of the listed options boring and mundane will be pleased with the umbrellas of unusual shapes. A popular novelty is a cane umbrella in the shape of a samurai sword. It is worn behind the back and looks especially impressive when closed.

Models equipped with LEDs will help attract attention even in the dark. Such lighting can be mounted in the handle, rod or dome of the umbrella. Transparent umbrellas with LEDs built into the dome look very impressive and unusual. You will definitely not be able to remain unnoticed with such an accessory.

One of the most important parameters when choosing an umbrella is its size. The diameter of the dome is especially important, because it will depend on it how this or that model will protect against rain and wind. Standard folding devices are available with a dome diameter from 96 to 102 cm. Such an umbrella is versatile, it will perfectly protect both from fine drizzle and from heavy rain.

The domes of umbrellas over 103 cm in diameter are considered enlarged. Large umbrellas will delight couples in love and those who prefer an umbrella to cover their shoulders and reliably shelter from the weather. Small umbrellas with a diameter of 85 to 95 centimeters are less practical. They are chosen by those who are used to carrying the device with them in their purse in case of unexpected rain.

The main fabric for the umbrella canopy is polyester. It is a synthetic material that is resistant to all weather conditions. Polyester umbrellas will not fade in the sun, will not fade or tarnish. This fabric can be finished in silk or satin for a more sophisticated look. Polyester umbrellas are rarely decorated with complex prints: no pattern can be applied to such material, therefore all patterns are made using interweaving of multi-colored threads.

The second option for the fabric of the dome is pongee. This fabric is originally from France, reminiscent of raincoat fabric, but more durable. It has excellent water-repellent properties, falling on the umbrella, the water turns into a droplet and rolls off, leaving the fabric dry. A silicone rain canopy also works. Transparent umbrellas, which have been fashionable in recent years, are made of this material.

A few years ago, the Gaultier fashion house launched a leather umbrella. The dome of the "Aristocrat" model is made of the finest kid leather, which will protect you from rain of any force. It will appeal to those who want to emphasize their status, as well as lovers of the Gothic style.

Knitted umbrellas will help protect from the sun. It was they who were popular in Europe in the 17th century. The lace umbrella looks gentle and romantic. And lovers of ethnic style will love the traditional bamboo umbrellas. Both the handle and the dome of this model are made of pressed bamboo.

The assortment of umbrellas allows any girl to choose a model that emphasizes her style and can complement the created image even in cloudy weather. The fashion trend of recent years is bright umbrellas that lift the spirits and attract the eye. Among the monophonic options, the most relevant are red, purple, yellow and orange umbrellas. Pink accessories will suit gentle and spontaneous girls.

To keep the umbrellas in classic black, white or blue tones from looking boring, they are decorated with fashionable patterns and prints. Oriental motifs on brown models are popular. Blue polka dot models look flirty and romantic. Accessories with funny prints look playful and perky: cats, cartoon characters, owls.

Those who prefer a discreet style of clothing will love the photo prints on the dome. In the collections of famous brands, there are accessories with photographs of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn or views of Paris. Such an umbrella will look restrained, but at the same time sophisticated.

Regardless of the outfit you choose, a transparent umbrella with small drawings will become a stylish accessory that will set you apart from the crowd. These can be notes, small flowers or inscriptions.

Another solution would be a double-sided umbrella that is solid on the outside and bright on the inside. The black model is becoming more popular every year, decorated with a photo of a blue sky with light clouds on the inner layer.

The modern accessory market offers umbrellas in a variety of shapes, colors and price ranges.Famous brands such as Burberry, Luis Vuitton, produce models from materials purchased in Germany and Italy. These umbrellas are durable, stylish and will last for many seasons. Usually they are distinguished by restraint and a fairly high price.

The middle price category includes Italian umbrellas of the brands Chantal Thomass, Guy de Jean, Elegance, Labbra. They are made in Italy, but the parts for the mechanism are purchased in China, so the price of such accessories is lower. Umbrellas from Senz can be attributed to the middle price category. These devices have an unusual shape and are considered to be anti-storm devices. They withstand any weather conditions, do not turn out. Senz umbrellas will appeal to young people who value practicality and style.

Another Italian company Fabretti offers its customers umbrellas at very affordable prices. Fabretti produces compact folding umbrellas in vibrant colors. They will not be able to withstand strong gusts of wind, but they will perfectly protect from the autumn weather. Fabretti produces monochromatic umbrellas with restrained and bright colors.

The main parameters when choosing an umbrella are the materials from which its dome, spokes and mechanism are made. The best material for spokes is steel. These needles will withstand any gusts of wind, will not break or bend. Umbrellas with an aluminum frame are much lighter and easier to carry, but weather conditions can easily damage the aluminum spokes.

The main criterion for an umbrella handle is its convenience. Experts advise choosing umbrellas with a comfortable handle, preferably wooden. It is worth holding the accessory in your hands and feel how comfortable it will be for you to wear it for a long time.

Buyers of modern umbrellas, regardless of their price category, talk about high quality and durability of materials. They speak well of both expensive, branded accessories and umbrellas made in China. Such umbrellas delight with bright colors that make you literally wait for rainy weather.

A frequent disadvantage of modern umbrellas is the lack of a strong structure. Reviews for budget umbrellas warn that they may not withstand strong winds.

• A gentle, elegant image of a modern girl is created thanks to the harmony of a light umbrella and hair color and a contrasting coat. On the rainy day, such an outfit will emphasize fragility and femininity. At the same time, he is quite restrained and strict, perfect for business meetings and dates.

• An extravagant outfit made entirely of black and white tones, topped off with a transparent umbrella with catchy designs. Such an outfit, combined with an accessory, looks stylish, a bit vintage and designed to attract attention.

• The classic combination of black and white in an outfit can be too conservative. But a bright, red umbrella complements the look, adding mischief and flirtation to it, thanks to the white polka dots on the fabric. The red umbrella is in harmony with the red hair color, allowing you to make any outfit truly bright.