Did you know that umbrellas were invented 4,000 years ago and were designed to provide shade from the sun. The Chinese later added wax and lacquer to their paper parasols to waterproof the umbrella against rain.
Since then, umbrellas have come a long way and not all brollies are equal!
An umbrella’s frame consists of ribs and shafts. Fibreglass shafts and ribs are the strongest and provide the most wind resistance due to their flexibility. Less expensive, but not as strong, is steel or aluminium.
The canopy is made from either nylon, pongee or PVC, with pongee being the most popular for its soft feel, water repellency and mould and mildew resistance properties. For best results from the canopy, it should be at least 190T density for durability.
Umbrellas come in many styles and colourways. Some have a vent to allow wind to escape, preventing those frustrating inside-out blowouts that can occur in gusty winds. A vent also allows hot air to escape if the brollie is being used for sun protection. Most canopies offer sun protection giving 100% UV blocking.
A handle on an umbrella is a personal choice – they are generally made from plastic, wood, rubber or EVA foam with the last two offering more comfort and non-slip grip on the hand.
Whilst some brollies require manual opening, nothing can beat the auto open and closing function when you’re in a rush or standing in the rain.
The type of umbrella will depend on the need. Compact brollies are convenient and fold down to a compact size (hence it’s name) which are perfect for a purse, briefcase or glovebox.
Long umbrellas are strong and durable, often decorative in style providing an elegant look. They are usually stronger as they have less moving parts like the compact umbrella. They are generally not too large that it will be hard to control in crowded/busy areas or strong winds.
Golf umbrellas are the larger of the brollies, providing exceptional shade and protection from the wind and rain. It’s large canopy provides protection easily for two people and is ideal for outdoor events and sports where more coverage is required and you are not in a crowded area.
All umbrellas can be customised providing a walking billboard for your brand. Decorate with 1 colour or full colour, on one panel or all panels – the choice is yours and will be seen over and over again.
At 4Promote we carry an extensive selection of umbrellas, both promotional, retail and high end. To view our range of custom branded umbrellas CLICK HERE.
Custom branded umbrellas are great for Local Area Marketing, the Real Estate Industry and the Aged Care sector.
