Nobody wants an umbrella that turns inside out on the first windy day. A good umbrella is not about the name printed on the strap — it comes down to a few things you can check in the shop, in about a minute.
We have been in the umbrella business since 1990. Here are eight checks worth doing before you buy.
1. Count the ribs
Ribs are the thin arms that hold the canopy. In Indian shops you will often hear them called "tar": 8 tar, 12 tar, 16 tar. More ribs give a rounder canopy with fabric held at more points. Rib count is one sign of build — check the joints and fabric too. For daily use in heavy rain, many buyers choose 12 or 16 ribs.
On our product names, a size like 25*12 means a 25 inch umbrella with 12 ribs.
2. Look at the joints
Open the umbrella and look where the ribs meet the runner (the part that slides up the shaft) and where they bend. The rivets should be neat and tight, with no wobble when you move a rib gently by hand. Loose joints are where cheap umbrellas fail first.
3. Feel the canopy fabric
A good quality umbrella has a tightly woven canopy that feels firm, not papery. The stitching at each rib tip should be tidy and the fabric should sit tight when open, with no sagging between ribs.
4. Rain only, or sun too?
If you plan to use the umbrella on hot days, look at black-silver or silver-coated canopies. If you are specifically looking for a UV umbrella, check whether the seller states a UV or UPF rating. Without a stated rating, treat the coating as shade, not as certified UV protection.
5. Pick the right size
Umbrellas are sold by size in inches, which refers to the rib length — a bigger number means a bigger canopy. 21–23 inch suits one person, 25–27 inch gives more room for a bag and shoulders, and our 30 inch golf umbrellas are large enough to share.
6. Test the opening
Open and close it three or four times. A manual umbrella should slide smoothly and lock with a clear click. On an automatic umbrella, the spring should open the canopy fully without a jerk, and the catch should hold it closed.
7. Check the handle and tips
Hold the handle the way you would on the road. It should feel comfortable and not twist on the shaft. Rib tips should be capped — that protects the canopy and the people around you.
8. Ask what it does in wind
Some umbrellas are designed with wind in mind, like our double layer windproof golf umbrella, with its double-layer canopy, or the premium windproof umbrella. Even so, no umbrella survives every storm. In a strong gust, close it and wait.
A good umbrella for different needs
| If you need… | Look at |
|---|---|
| Heavy rain, daily walk | Straight umbrellas, 25–27 inch, 12 or 16 ribs |
| Office or college bag | 3 fold umbrellas |
| Handbag | 5 fold and capsule umbrellas |
| Room for two | 30 inch golf umbrellas |
| Children | Kids umbrellas |
Not sure between folding types? Read our folding umbrella guide.
Buying for a shop or company?
We supply retailers, offices and institutions in wholesale packs of 6 or 12, with a GST invoice and pan-India delivery. Logo printing is available from 100 pcs, depending on the model. WhatsApp us or call +91 99993 54066.
