Comments on: The Gentleman’s Guide to Umbrellas

By: Richard

Richard — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:54:28 +0000

I bought a fantastic umbrella in Lille, France back in 1975 or 1976. It was a strong steel collapsible umbrella that automatically opened, had a large black canopy, and withstood winds like a champ. It cost $20 then and I’d love to have another that well made, but there’s nothing available here except those cheap Totes and worse.

By: SwitzerBaden

SwitzerBaden — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:21:55 +0000

Excellent article, Brett. One umbrella that I have recently come across is the most Gentlemanly Polite Umbrella by Joo Youn Paek. It is a shrinkable umbrella can morph its shape by pulling strings in the handle to reduce the occupied space and to increase maneuverability. The video clearly establishes this umbrella position in the gentleman/gentledude’s arsenal.

By: Stan Geronimo

Stan Geronimo — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:37:14 +0000

Beautiful! I love this post! I have the habit of being picky with umbrellas. But I don’t buy the fancy ones, knowing that an umbrella is always temporary. I misplace one every couple of months or so.

By: Matthew

Matthew — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:15:04 +0000

I’ve been carrying an umbrellla since I was a teenager (not too long ago, I’m still in my early twenties) and I’ve gotten every reaction from ridicule to compliment and I tell you the nay-sayers shut their mouths when the rain came down. I’ll be honest when I say that I’ve never bought a “proper” umbrella, just the cheaper full-length ones and I tend to cycle them through every few years. I did however spend a little bit more on a collapsable one that I bought from a complany out of London. This one is so useful everytime I’ve needed it,I’ve been able to pull it out of my backpack and pop it right open.

I’m in the Navy and just returned to San Diego from an overseas deployment. While I might not need one as much in home port, It is rather handy on that wayward liberty call in Pattaya with 40kts of driving wind and rain, every other sailor sprinting to the bus while I can casually stroll right in.

As much as I love the full-length walking stick, I had to contend with a smaller one due to lack of storage space onboard and believe me, it all worked out in the end.

By: The Best of Art of Manliness: June 2009 | The Art of Manliness

The Best of Art of Manliness: June 2009 | The Art of Manliness — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:06:58 +0000

[...] The Gentleman’s Guide to Umbrellas [...]

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:29:45 +0000

I carry a small umbrella in my “book” bag (I’m a college student). It hit the rainy season out here, and the other night, I walked a female friend to her car in the downpour.

Only if you forgot your umbrella and you’re in a hurry should you “take it like a man.” But honestly, if it’s too much of an open area and you’re wearing anything you value that the rain could damage, just hide under stuff and make small talk with others.

@Jeff: I think the general rule of thumb about umbrellas is… don’t open them indoors, and don’t try to swallow it (like a sword swallower–there’s a segment of 1000 Ways To Die on that). I don’t think there’s really any other rules.

By: Peaches

Peaches — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:02:29 +0000

An executive with Chick Fil A tells this story about an umbrella.
After a long company trip he and his wife came home to a driving rainstorm. He went to get the car but could not get close to the curb for pick up. In the days before so much security, he parked several lanes away and ran toward baggage claim in the pouring rain. He loooked up to see his wife under a large umbrella walking toward him with the CEO, Mr. Cathy, carrying her luggage, in the downpour walking behind.
A two-fer as a gentleman and a leader.

By: Finnian

Finnian — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:45:12 +0000

I’m sorry, but nothing speaks of manly, grown-up coolness as much as being all dressed up in a suit and carrying an umbrella, whether rolled up or actually using it. It simply screams, “I am a grown up man and not some foolish, macho, wanna-be man-child who mistakenly thinks that getting wet makes one a man.”

I teach high-school, and trust me, only sixteen-year-olds walk in the rain and allow themselves to get wet purposefully. Men carry an umbrella.

By: The Gentleman’s Guide to Umbrellas

The Gentleman’s Guide to Umbrellas — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:22:33 +0000

[...] the rain. Of course I was sporting my best raincoat to go with it, but on this day, the rain, click for more var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : [...]

By: lando

lando — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:40:15 +0000

I got to use my umberella today! i was also able to escort two lovely young ladies to lunch under said umberella and have a wonderful time.

By: chris

chris — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:25:11 +0000

This is a great post, although i wish that there was a little more information like jeff said. Plus, a list of suppliers would be fantastic

By: The Gentleman’s Guide to Umbrellas :: The IndyScan Blog

The Gentleman’s Guide to Umbrellas :: The IndyScan Blog — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:35:49 +0000

[...] The Art of Manliness (a site with a LOT of great content) recently published an in depth article on, of all things, umbrellas! [...]

By: Keith D

Keith D — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:39:39 +0000

There are enough hikers who like the utility of an umbrella that lightweight pack equipment manufacturer GoLite has developed an ultralight collapsible backpackers umbrella.

By: Trent

Trent — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:26:17 +0000

One way to stay dry without an umbrella in milder rain is a hat and trench coat. Any decent fedora (etc.) will keep your head and face dry as long as the wind isn’t too strong.

Even so, I carry an umbrella, too. I would love to get one of those nice English models… someday.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:31:04 +0000

How about how a gentleman carries one, when not to open it, etc…?