Green and Navy Umbrellas: Two Traditional British Colours
Black may be the most familiar colour for an umbrella, but it is not the only traditional one. Green and navy have been part of British dress for generations, from country tweeds to city overcoats, and both make a handsome alternative to black: quieter than a bright colour, yet with more character.
This guide looks at the shades of green and navy in the Bucklesbury collection, what each pairs well with, and how to choose between them.
Why Green Suits a British Umbrella
Green has a long association with British style. A deep green sits naturally with tweed, waxed cotton and wool, and with the browns and greys of a country wardrobe, while a darker shade looks equally at home beside a navy or charcoal coat in town. Under a green canopy, the warm tones of a wooden handle come into their own.
The Bucklesbury Classic Green Umbrella
The Bucklesbury Classic Green Umbrella is built on a shaft of solid English beechwood from sustainable forests, with a green canopy of Japanese-engineered fabric 106 cm across. It is about 91 cm long and weighs about 0.5 kg, so it is light enough to carry over the arm all day. Its green canopy suits almost any outdoor coat, and the umbrella is in stock, dispatched in 2–3 working days.
The Bucklesbury London Umbrella in Dark Green
For a deeper, more formal green, the Bucklesbury London Umbrella in Dark Green pairs a dark green canopy with a handle and shaft cut from one continuous length of English chestnut, with no joint between them. It is the most traditional way an umbrella can be made, and the dark canopy sets off the grain of the chestnut. This umbrella is currently available to pre-order, for dispatch by 28 November.
Green for the Bag: The Bucklesbury Telescopic Umbrella
The Bucklesbury Telescopic Umbrella folds to 45 cm, opens automatically and has a canopy 102 cm across. It comes in two greens: the Telescopic Green Umbrella, which is in stock, and the Telescopic Racing Green Umbrella, a deeper shade that is available to pre-order for dispatch by 28 November.
Navy: The Quiet Alternative to Black
Navy is perhaps the most versatile colour after black, and some would say the more elegant of the two. It sits easily with navy, grey and charcoal tailoring, and with camel and stone for the weekend.
- The Bucklesbury London Umbrella in French Navy: a navy canopy on a handle and shaft cut from one continuous length of English chestnut.
- The Bucklesbury Classic Navy Blue Umbrella: a navy canopy 106 cm across on a solid English beechwood shaft.
- The Bucklesbury Telescopic Navy Blue Umbrella: for the bag or briefcase, available to pre-order for dispatch by 28 November.
Choosing Between Green and Navy
- Look at your coats. Green suits tweed, waxed cotton and earthy colours; navy suits city tailoring and grey or camel overcoats.
- Think about where you walk. A green umbrella feels at home in the country and the park; navy is the more natural choice for the office.
- Consider the handle. Both colours set off a wooden handle well; the darker the canopy, the more the grain of the wood stands out.
- If in doubt, our guide to the black umbrella explains why black remains the safest choice of all.
A Considered Christmas Gift
A green or navy umbrella makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who already owns a black one. Each Bucklesbury umbrella is dispatched in a cotton cover and a Bucklesbury presentation box, with an optional gift note, and delivery is free in the UK. For delivery before Christmas, please order by 16 December for the UK, 11 December for Europe, 10 December for the USA and Canada and 3 December for the rest of the world.
Made in London
Every Bucklesbury umbrella is constructed by hand in London, in small batches, using traditional techniques, in a workshop with umbrella-making heritage dating back to 1805, and is individually finished by a craftsman. To keep a coloured canopy at its best, leave it open to dry after use, keep it out of long direct sunlight and clean it with plain water only, as our Umbrella Care page explains.
