Our reviewer braved Peak District downpours to see which brollies – from budget to mini to windproof – stayed standing
• The best waterproof jackets for women
• The best waterproof jackets for men
We Britons have loved brollies since about the turn of the 19th century. Previously an aristocratic luxury, today they’re a broad tent covering tight budgets and expensive tastes alike. You’ll see them sprout like mushrooms whenever rain hits the high street.
Most decent umbrellas will keep you dry(ish), but peek closer and you’ll find that not all are the same. Some have stronger, smoother mechanisms; others are lighter and more comfortable to hold. The best stand out for thoughtful details: from polished wooden handles to gleaming tips, a brolly’s aesthetic finish can often be a clue to how long it will last.