Today, the umbrella stands out as a marker of elegance, provided you know how to choose it well. Because between the chic object and the fragile gadget, the line is thin.
The trends prove it: the umbrella is back in the collections. Brands offer it in minimalist, colorful or daringly retro versions. It goes with impeccable trench coats, matches sneakers or contrasts with a suit. In the street, urban silhouettes display it as an accessory of character, and no longer as a simple shield against the rain. We now talk about design, proportions, finishes – in short, fashion.
But for an umbrella to be truly desirable, it must hold. Nothing is more unsightly than a model that turns over at the first wind or whose ribs twist with a snap. This is where quality comes into play. Emma Guessel, consumer columnist on the show Telematin on France 2, summarized the difference between a good umbrella and a gadget: “A good umbrella is made of steel or fiberglass, unlike cheap models which will be made of plastic or aluminum.” These stronger materials provide better resistance while maintaining a certain balance, essential to the elegance of the gesture.
Furthermore, behind every successful umbrella there is precision mechanics. The canvas, the handle, the hinge, everything matters. But the real key, the one we rarely notice, is hidden inside: the whales. It is these thin rods that support the web and allow it to unfold. They form the framework of the umbrella, its skeleton. Too flexible, they bend; too rigid, they break. Their role is to distribute the tension of the wind so that the canvas keeps its perfect shape.
And this is precisely what Emma Guessel highlighted in her column of November 6, 2025: “You always have to count the number of whales. There must be a minimum of eight, below that it’s not strong enough.” This number is the secret of well-designed umbrellas, those that go through the seasons without flinching. Fewer than eight whales and the structure becomes unstable.
Result: a stronger, more balanced umbrella, but also more stylish. Because an accessory that stands up keeps its look, even in the storm. In short, it is this combination of solidity and aesthetics that appeals to lovers of beautiful pieces.
