The 5 best umbrellas for men
Missing your key autumn accessory? Don’t worry, we - and these - have you covered
Words: Gentleman's Journal
The weather has turned. The clouds are gathering over the surprisingly balmy summer we enjoyed, the days getting shorter and the threat of thunderstorms looming. And, even though you may have perfected the rest of your autumn wardrobe – from shoes to scarfing – the umbrella is the key accessory you’re missing. Because, as strong as your overcoat game may be, there’s nothing worse than wet wool to put a dampener on your day…
Ever since Colin Firth hurled a dimple tankard at a man’s head with an umbrella – following his iconic ‘Manners Maketh Man’ speech – no man has been able to pick up an umbrella without imagining themselves taking down a pub-full of thugs with it. And, thanks to the sequel’s success, the accessory has made a return. Crafted in England from polished chestnut, and bearing a plaque embossed with the fictional intelligence bureau’s logo, this is the perfect way to see in autumn – and protect yourself, too.
A proper umbrella makes a fine companion to sharp tailoring, so in choosing a quality one like this offering from Anderson & Sheppard, you can up your suiting game and bring another touch of sartorial styling to any outfit. Carefully crafted in Italy with a sturdy maple wood handle and generously sized cotton-twill canopy, this manually-opening umbrella comes in the alternative colour of a deep brown – to stand out from the black brolly crowd.
Now, just because the weather’s closing in, that doesn’t mean that your wardrobe and styling too needs to narrow. Instead, go for the bombastic pattern of this Francesco Maglia umbrella – blue and white stripes that will verge on the edge of eccentric whilst keeping things classic. One of the best made brollies on this list, that handsome chestnut handle takes an incredible six months to manually shape.
It’s all about the little hints and touches when it comes to sartorial superiority. And, with its natty black watch-checked tartan underside – the pattern of the Scottish Highlands’ Campbell clan, for those of you interested – this umbrella from London Undercover has upped the game. A large, traditional green canopy will look at home at sporting events and the office alike, and the maple wood handle forms a reliably sturdy base.
Trust Paul Smith to take a classic British accessory, make it better than almost anybody else – and then put his own subtle spin on it. Trimmed in the iconic designer’s signature stripes, the ‘Walker’ umbrella is a timeless accessory whose elegantly-curved handle and patterning – inspired by the colour palette of expressionist paintings – lend it irreverent appeal.
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