What We Looked for in UmbrellasThe Good Housekeeping Research Institute (GHRI) evaluated the umbrellas for:
How We Tested Umbrellas
To test for water repellency, we doused each canopy in the Spray Tester, shook it three times, and then evaluated how dry the fabric was to the touch.
To measure drying time, we immediately weighed the wet umbrella and timed how long it took to return to its original (dry) weight.
Each umbrella was opened and closed 150 times to see how easy it was to use and to check durability. Some spokes bent or broke from the wear and tear.
Each umbrella was weighed and its diameter (span) measured when fully opened. The span is a more relevant measurement than the arc (the umbrella's diameter taking into account the curve of the fabric, which is often used by manufacturers) because it gives a more accurate depiction of the umbrella's coverage.
Each umbrella was clamped to a table horizontally. We attached string to each of the spokes, gathered all the strings together, and used a machine to tug on them, as a gauge to see how much force it took before the umbrella turned inside out.
We counted the number of places where parts of the umbrella came together and could possibly pinch someone during use.
Before You Buy an Umbrella For storm protection, look for an umbrella that has seven or more spokes and also wind gussets (where the umbrella is constructed in layers, which allows air to push through). Both of these features help prevent the umbrella from turning inside out on a windy day. An umbrella's arc and span are two different measurements. Arc measures the canopy's diameter including the curve, while span measures its straight-across diameter. The span is the more relevant number, because it's a truer portrayal of the canopy's width. Make sure the canopy is big enough for your needs (particularly if you expect you'll occasionally be sharing it). We recommend a span of 38 inches or more. Forget the superstition: Open and close the umbrella in the store before buying, to make sure it's easy to do. Pick up the umbrella and see if it's too heavy. Remember, you could be walking around with it for long periods of time. Inspect the handle. Is it comfortable to hold in your hand? Can you get a good grip on it? It's best to let an umbrella dry fully opened (another consideration if you're looking at a very large one).