UMBRELLAS
Nylon is the primary umbrella fabric. Cotton, polyester and other materials with water repellent finishes as well as vinyl, are also used. Colors, patterns, and prints provide the fashion difference.

Men's umbrellas have traditionally been black, but now navy blue, brown, tan and even fashion colors are being used.

Steel ribs, spreaders and rods may be brass plated (inexpensive), chrome plated or enameled. This gives a protective coating against rust. Handles can be made of wood, plastic, horn, cane, leather or metal.



Styles:


Automatic: Stick or folding umbrella that opens by pressing a button and is closed by pulling down on the sleeve; originally used for men's umbrellas, now also for women's. Available on some telescoping models.

Ballerina: Umbrella with a bell shaped canopy and a ruffled edge.

Bubble: Umbrella with a dome shaped canopy that completely covers the carrier's head and shoulders; it comes in clear vinyl so that the carrier can see through it.

Cocktail: Decorative umbrella with a small canopy.

Folding: Umbrella with a telescoping handle and folding ribs so that it can be collapsed to half its size when closed; used for travel or easy carrying.

Golf: Umbrella with a wide spread, striped canopy, and straight handle. Originally designed for use on a golf course; adapted as a man's fashion umbrella.

Oversized: Umbrellas with a larger that average canopy; usually in a fashion style.

Parasol: Originally synonymous with umbrella but now refer to a light umbrella used as a sunshade.

Stick: Umbrella with a non-collapsible shaft and ribs that do not fold.

Telescoping: Umbrella with a shaft made of tubes that collapse one inside another for compactness; when opened, the umbrella's shaft extends to full size.

Windproof: Umbrella that goes back into shape easily after being blown inside out.





© Copyright 1997, NFAA/FASA, New York, NY.
All rights reserved.