Articolo: Women's Umbrellas: How to Choose One Made to Last
Women's Umbrellas: How to Choose One Made to Last
A good umbrella is carried far more often than it is opened. It hangs from the arm on the way to work, waits by the door through the autumn and comes out at a moment's notice when the sky turns. Choosing one is less a matter of rules than of proportion, comfort and colour.
This guide explains how to choose a women's umbrella that suits the way you dress and the way you travel, and where Bucklesbury's handmade umbrellas fit. The designs appeal to anyone who values their design and craftsmanship; the notes below simply help with the choice.
Full-Length or Telescopic
The first decision is how the umbrella will be carried. A full-length umbrella gives a larger canopy and a more elegant line when furled, and is the natural partner to a long coat. A telescopic umbrella folds down to fit a bag, and is the better choice for days that begin dry. The Bucklesbury Telescopic Umbrella folds to 45 cm, opens automatically and has a canopy of Japanese-engineered fabric 102 cm across.
Many people keep one of each: a full-length umbrella for the city and for occasions, and a telescopic one for travel and unpredictable days.
Length and Proportion
A full-length umbrella should sit comfortably on the arm and be easy to carry without catching the ground. The Bucklesbury London Ladies Umbrella is 86.5 cm long, with a canopy 92 cm across, a little more compact than the gentlemen's London Umbrella. For those who prefer more cover, the Bucklesbury Classic Umbrella is about 91 cm long, with a canopy 106 cm across, and weighs about 0.5 kg. A simple test is to hold the umbrella furled at your side: it should feel balanced in the hand, with the tip clear of the ground. Our umbrella size guide sets every umbrella side by side.
The Handle and Shaft
The London Ladies Umbrella is made in the most traditional way an umbrella can be made: its handle and shaft are one continuous length of English maple, with no joint between them, so the grain runs unbroken from the curve of the handle into the shaft. The Bucklesbury Classic Umbrella is built on a shaft of solid English beechwood. On a full-length umbrella, a curved handle can be hung over the arm or the back of a chair, leaving both hands free. Our guide to our woods explains the difference between maple, chestnut and beechwood.
Choosing a Colour
Black is the most versatile colour and sits quietly with any coat. For a softer look, champagne pairs well with camel, cream and grey, while ivory white is a favourite for weddings. For a little more character, the Bucklesbury Classic Umbrella also comes in colours such as red, orange and green, with further shades available to pre-order.
The London Ladies Umbrella is available in champagne, with black and green available to pre-order for dispatch by 28 November.
For a Wedding
For a bride, the Bucklesbury London Wedding Umbrella in ivory white is made in the same way as the London Ladies Umbrella, from one continuous length of English maple. Our guide to choosing a wedding umbrella covers ivory and champagne in more detail.
Three Questions Before Choosing
- Will it travel in a bag, or be carried on the arm? A bag points to the telescopic umbrella; the arm, to a full-length one.
- What will it be worn with most often? Black and navy sit with almost everything, while champagne and ivory white soften a darker coat.
- Is it for every day or for an occasion? A handle and shaft cut from one length of English maple suit both, and an umbrella of this kind is made to be carried for many years.
Looking After It
A well-made umbrella asks very little. Leave it open to dry after the rain, never store it wet or creased, keep it away from radiators and clean the canopy with plain water only. Our Umbrella Care notes explain each step.
Made in London
Each Bucklesbury umbrella is constructed by hand in London, in small batches, using traditional techniques, and is individually finished by a craftsman, in a workshop with umbrella-making heritage dating back to 1805. Every one is dispatched in a cotton cover and a Bucklesbury presentation box. The full range is gathered in our collection of women's umbrellas.
