You come home from walking three avenues and your feet are dyed the color of your sandal. The iPhone is buzzing non-stop “Flash Flood Warnings," and you're definitely getting a case of rain rage. Yes, for much of the northeast, rain is like that nasty neighbor that keeps on knockin'. In times like these, you need the ultimate umbrella guide.
Let's start with the bodega umbrella: It's like an abusive ex-lover. They're convenient, cheap, and easy in a moment of weakness, but trust, they will fail you. Don’t listen to the spiel from the guy at the corner, selling $3 umbrellas out of milk crates—you are unlikely to score a quality product on the street, as most are structured with low-grade steel or poor fiberglass. What's more, prices are totally black market and will skyrocket to about $9 bucks if rain is imminent.Now, a fine umbrella used to be a treasured objet d'art, when umbrella shops and repair centers were a luxury. Today, there are few, with Gilbert Center being one of the last remaining individuals in New York specializing in the fleeting art of umbrella repair. We spoke with the noted repairman to get the scoop on the Rolex of umbrellas.
How do you avoid the inevitable umbrella flip—yes, when your shield goes reverse mid-storm or with the first gust of wind? Turns out, size matters here. Center recommends investing in a sturdy, standard-size umbrella with steel structure, and one that opens and closes by hand. Basically, nab an umbrella with weight and a good, satisfying "pop" when you open it up. No one is trying to fly a kite, here.
Please note we emphasize “function.” Make sure to select an appropriately sized umbrella so you are not walking under something the size of a tent. Don't be that guy—you know, the one hogging the sidewalk. A quick tip when passing others: Utilize vertical distance (lifting your umbrella up or down). You should always hold your umbrella as vertical as possible anyway, to minimize the "tippage point," as in, how many pesky drops of rain will manage to slide underneath that umbrella and land on you.
The superstitious believe you should always close your umbrella before walking indoors. However, you may choose to re-open it later on, as Center recommends leaving your umbrella open to dry, especially if your umbrella features a steel frame, unlike a fiberglass frame, since steel “will rust, and the joints will rust.”
Lastly, and here is the most important advice: Do not get your umbrella snatched in one of those communal holders at the entrance of bars, restaurants, and other commercial spaces. The worst thing to do is carry a nondescript black umbrella that can be easily mistaken for another. Luckily, we've got a pretty fantastic collection of unique, standout umbrellas. We wouldn't even bat an eye if you wanted to double-duty one of these babies as a parasol, once that sky finally decides to clear up. After all, dry bodies are happy bodies.
OC POGAJI LONG UMBRELLA in white
OC Water Peony Short Umbrella in water peony
