The Gentleman's Umbrella with a Suit: Length, Colour, Handle
You wear a suit to work or for formal occasions and want to stay protected from the rain without the umbrella disrupting your overall appearance? Choosing the right gentleman's umbrella is not a matter of chance. Length, colour and handle shape must suit the formal occasion whilst meeting practical requirements. This article shows you what to look out for so that your umbrella complements your suit rather than contradicting it.
Walking Umbrella Instead of Folding Umbrella: The Classic Choice
A suit typically calls for a walking umbrella with a fixed length. It looks more elegant than a telescopic model and can be carried comfortably by the handle or hung on a coat stand. The typical overall length is between 85 and 95 cm, with a span usually ranging from 100 to 110 cm. Such an umbrella provides adequate protection for shoulders and upper body without requiring you to stoop. The frame is ideally made of steel or fibreglass, with eight ribs ensuring stability in wind.
Colour and Pattern: Subtle or Contrasting
Black remains the safest choice for a business context. It matches any suit, appears professional and shows dirt less readily. Navy blue or charcoal grey are equally discreet and versatile. Those wishing to add accents may choose an umbrella with a fine pinstripe or check pattern that echoes the texture of suit fabric. Bright colours or large-scale motifs rarely suit formal attire. The canopy should be made of tightly woven polyester or pongee so that water beads off quickly and the fabric dries rapidly after rain.
The Handle: Form Follows Function and Occasion
The handle determines both comfort and appearance. Three forms are particularly suitable for suits:
- The straight knob handle made of wood or resin sits well in the hand and can be elegantly hooked over the forearm.
- The curved crook handle, often made of maple or beech, allows hanging from table edges or chair backs.
- The derby handle with its curved form offers a larger contact surface and conveys a classic British style.
Avoid handles made of plastic in bright colours or with prominent logos. Fine wood, leather or matte metal underscore the formal character.
Automatic or Manual: A Question of Style
Many Men's umbrellas feature an automatic mechanism that enables opening at the push of a button. This is practical when you are holding a briefcase or telephone in the other hand. Manual models without a spring are lighter, often more robust and appear more traditional. Both variants have their merits. Ensure that the umbrella opens quietly and without jerking, which indicates good workmanship.
Care After Use: Protecting Frame and Canopy
After rain, you should leave the umbrella open to dry, never leave it rolled up in a corner. Moisture attacks metal parts and causes the canopy to become musty. Remove coarse dirt with a damp cloth before it dries on. Check the ribs regularly for cracks and the seams for loose threads. A well-maintained walking umbrella lasts many years and remains a reliable companion in all weather.
Recognising Quality: Details That Make the Difference
High-quality Umbrellas are distinguished by clean seams, reinforced tips and an evenly tensioned canopy. The frame should open and close without wobbling, the runner must lock firmly. An umbrella with a wind vent system, where the canopy flexes slightly in gusts, withstands storms better than rigid constructions. Also pay attention to weight: a walking umbrella may weigh between 400 and 600 grams without feeling heavy in the hand.
Related categories: Jewellery, Bags and accessories, Pocket umbrellas. The full range: Umbrellas.
Read more: Guy de Jean: How to Recognise the Signature of the Manufactory, Chantal Thomass: Ruffles, Lace and Silhouette in the Rain, The Wedding Umbrella: When It Rains on the Big Day, Stick Umbrella or Folding Umbrella: What Makes Sense When, Span, Length, Weight: the Measurements That Matter in Daily Use