Umbrellas on the Underground: Wet Fabric, Tight Spaces and Consideration
Anyone boarding the underground with an umbrella faces a practical challenge. The wet umbrella drips, takes up space and can disturb other passengers. How do you carry your umbrella so that it bothers neither you nor your fellow travellers? Which models are better suited for public transport, and how do you avoid puddles on the floor or wet clothing on your neighbour?
Compact Models for Urban Transport
On the underground, every centimetre counts. Pocket umbrellas with a length of 25 to 30 centimetres when closed can be conveniently stored in your bag or carried on the wrist strap. Look for a model with at least eight ribs and a span of 95 to 100 centimetres, so that you remain adequately protected despite the compact design. A weight between 300 and 400 grams ensures that the umbrella remains stable without becoming a burden.
Closing Properly and Allowing to Drip
Close the umbrella under the canopy or in the entrance area of the station, not inside the carriage. Shake it vigorously before you descend the stairs. This way, most of the water stays outside. Hold the closed umbrella vertically with the tip pointing downwards, so that the remaining water can drain off and does not drip sideways onto seats or bags. Avoid tucking the umbrella horizontally under your arm, as this spreads the moisture uncontrollably.
The Correct Posture in Crowded Spaces
Never place the umbrella at an angle between your legs or lean it against the wall where it can fall over in crowded trains. Hold it upright in your hand, tip pointing to the floor, handle upwards. This way you take up the least amount of space. With Umbrellas that have a straight handle, you can hang it over your forearm if there is sufficient space. Make sure that the wet canopy does not touch anyone, especially not the coats or trousers of other passengers.
Material and Care After the Journey
Polyester canopies dry faster than cotton and shed less water. A cover with Teflon coating repels water particularly well. Open the umbrella fully at home or in the office after your journey and let it dry in a ventilated place. Never leave it closed in your bag, as moisture attacks the frame and canopy. Fibreglass ribs do not rust and remain dimensionally stable even with frequent use in damp environments.
Walking Umbrellas in Public Spaces
Long walking umbrellas with a length of 85 to 95 centimetres offer more protection, but require attention in the carriage. Never place them freely in the aisle where they become a tripping hazard. Wedge the handle between your feet or hold the umbrella firmly in your hand. Models with a hooked handle can be hung on the pole or seat edge, provided they do not protrude into the passageway. Make sure that the tip does not touch anyone when you turn or exit.
Related items: Jean Paul Gaultier, Pagoda umbrellas, Romantic. The complete range: umbrellas.
Related categories: Jean Paul Gaultier, Pagoda umbrellas, Romantic. The full range: Umbrellas.
Read more: Colour Fastness: What Rain and UV Do to Fabrics, Wet Umbrella in the Car: Practical Storage Solutions, Short Distances, Full Pockets: The Folding Umbrella in Everyday Life, Guy de Jean: How to Recognise the Signature of the Manufactory, How Wind-Resistant Is an Umbrella Really: Ribs, Frame and Storm