The average urbanite is today largely untrained in the art of the umbrella. Ladies of a certain height are hazardous to eyeballs since they wield their umbrellas at eye-level with a certitude born of a heady mixture of misplaced entitlement and pig ignorance. The only defence against these rainy-day harpies is a hat or cap with a stout brim, "Peaky Blinders" style. A special circle of Hell should be reserved for those of either gender who persist in using broken umbrellas with exposed spokes; an open invitation to impalement.

Umbrella 1 cropped A stout but compact micro-umbrella is an asset in any man's arsenal, to ward against the unexpected shower. It is particularly beneficial when produced unexpectedly to keep one's companion dry in the dash from the car to the restaurant entrance.


A golf umbrella should never be used in built-up areas. It should only ever be deployed in open spaces where it's use will not inconvenience others, such as open-air concerts and picnics. Above all, remember that it is actually a small, rapidly erected dwelling - one should never try to walk with one without the aid of an experienced banksman.
A Gentleman should own a stout, full-sized umbrella, preferably of the solid stick variety. He should master it's use, both furled and unfurled, for support, protection, cab-hailing, general admonishment and occasional self-defence. He should never use it in a selfish or uncouth manner, and should share it gladly. An umbrella is a statement, that it's wielder is neither wet nor to be trifled with.

Photographers have a love-hate relationship with the umbrella. On the one hand they keep you and your equipment dry, whilst on the other they render one hand effectively useless, so unless you have a willing associate, they are more of a hinderance than a help.

Vietnam girls They are a two-edged sword in front of the lens, too. Like bicycles, they can be photogenic but they can also be a source of great frustration, particularly when you are behind a phalanx of them on a rainy day.

My advice is to embrace the umbrella in all it's awkward glory; make it your friend, and occasional companion.
Bruges Canal 14 Umbrellas

Or, to put it another way, keep one for a rainy day...