Men's cane umbrellas: an overview of models, tips for choosing

The men's cane umbrella is a stylish accessory and, in addition to its practical function, has a decorative effect. Due to their ease of use, solid appearance and simple design, the canes are highly popular among men of different ages and status.

The cane umbrella is a sturdy construction consisting of a minimum number of elements - a rod, a decorative handle and a spoke frame. Unlike folding models, canes are very rarely turned inside out from strong winds and have a longer service life. In addition, they are characterized by a large diameter and depth of the dome, which is why they provide much better protection from rain than folding models. Such an umbrella easily accommodates two people, covering not only their heads, but also their shoulders.

In addition to protection from rain and snow, the umbrella cane is a bright accent of the image of a man and indicates his impeccable taste and status. The accessory acts as a stylish addition to the wardrobe and makes its owner more solid. The disadvantages of an umbrella cane include its dimensions, because of which it cannot be hidden in a bag or briefcase and has to be constantly carried in hands. As a result, walking sticks are often lost, being forgotten in a cafe or public transport. Another significant drawback of walking sticks is their incompatibility with simple everyday clothing.

The history of the emergence of cane umbrellas dates back to the 11th century, when previously unknown structures began to appear on the territory of Ancient China and Egypt almost simultaneously, sheltering noble nobles and representatives of power from rain and wind. The progenitors of the modern umbrella were bulky, rather heavy and consisted of a large dome, fixed on a handle 1.5 meters long. Such a device weighed from 2 to 5 kg, which was due to the large frame.

For example, the frames of the first umbrella-canes, which came to Europe in the 17th century, were made of whale bones and weighed at least 4.5 kgd. Such models came to Russia only in the 19th century, and before that their role was played by cloaks, epanchi and caftans with hoods. Modern canes are much more modest in size and are light in weight.

The main element of the cane umbrella, which determines the reliability and durability of the product, is its frame, consisting of a rod and spokes. Aluminum, steel and fiberglass are used as the material for the manufacture of frames, often combining plastic and metal knitting needles in one model. Their number can be different and varies mainly from 8 to 24 pieces.

The more spokes an umbrella has, the higher wind load it is designed for., and the more it differs in a long service life. As for the length of the spokes, it is an important technical value and determines the size of the canopy. At the moment, there are both small models with a dome up to 90 cm and large models up to 150 cm in diameter on the market.

Umbrella cane handles are available in a wide variety of designshowever, the classic shapes are the hook and elongated head. Handles made in the form of an animal's head, the handle of a samurai sword or a knight's dagger look original.

The cane umbrella domes are made of pongee, nylon and polyester, and the most preferred of them is pongee. This thick fabric looks like a raincoat and is of high quality and long service life. Pongee has high water-repellent properties, easily shakes off rain drops, while remaining practically dry.

This is followed by polyester, which is a satin-like material that is coated with a thin layer of Teflon to enhance water repellency. And in third place is nylon - an inexpensive material that, when wet, often stretches and sheds.

Walking umbrellas are classified according to the opening method and are of three types - automatic, semi-automatic and mechanical.

• Mechanical models are opened directly by the user of the umbrella using both hands. Such products are considered more reliable and practically do not break. They have a reinforced structure, are able to serve for a long time and do not turn out from the wind.

• Automatic umbrella opens and closes at the touch of a button and does not require a second hand. The advantage of the design is the speed and convenience of opening the dome, and the disadvantages include the risk of breakdown of the automation and the higher, in comparison with mechanical models, cost.

• Semi-automatic samples, unlike vending machines, they are opened with a button and closed manually.

Due to its large size, the umbrella cane is always in sight, and therefore its task is to harmoniously combine with the general style of the owner's clothing and not look like a foreign thing.

Classic Black Hook Handle Umbrella Ideal for a traditional men's tailored suit, double-breasted raincoat or a demi-season coat made in Chesterfield, Raglan and other English styles.

Whereas a cane will not fit jeans, bombers and other things of a modern wardrobe and will look out of place. As for the colors of the umbrella, then black, gray, brown, dark blue and maroon models are considered universal.

The modern haberdashery market offers a wide range of cane umbrellas. Among them there are both models from well-known brands and budget samples of little-known firms.

• Mechanical umbrella-cane Pasotti from an Italian manufacturer is produced in dark blue and has a voluminous polyester dome with a diameter of 113 cm. The frame of the umbrella is made of high-quality metal and consists of eight spokes. The shaft and handle are made of solid maple, and the end of the shaft is equipped with a metal tip that protects the wood from direct contact with the asphalt. The length of the product is 93 cm, the cost is 16,000 rubles.

• Semi-automatic model of the English brand Zest produced in China. The sturdy frame consists of 8 spokes on springs and is equipped with a special Windproof system, which prevents it from breaking during strong winds. The black polyester dome, 123 cm in diameter, is water-repellent and Teflon coated, and the ergonomic plastic handle has a rubberized insert. The cane is 84 cm long, weighs 430 g, and costs 1,710 rubles.

• Mechanical umbrella-cane of the Austrian brand Doppler made in China and has a sturdy 16-spoke frame. The dome is made of water-repellent polyester and has a diameter of 104 cm. The length of the cane is 90 cm, the weight of the product is 550 g, and the cost is 1990 rubles.

• Male mechanical model from the German manufacturer Dr. Koffer E416 1s001 Available in black, it has a sturdy steel frame with eight double spokes and a 14mm rod. The umbrella is equipped with a special system that quickly and without consequences returns the dome from the turned inside out state to its normal state. The diameter of the polyester dome is 109 cm, the cost of the model is 3200 rubles.

• Bugatti Big Boss Men's Umbrella produced under a French brand and belongs to the category of large umbrellas. The dome reaches 131 cm in diameter and can easily accommodate two people. The umbrella is 105 cm long, which makes it more suitable for tall men. The frame consists of 16 spokes, the type of opening is mechanical, the cost of the product is 3950 rubles.

When choosing a cane umbrella for men it is necessary to pay attention to the following points.

• The color of the male model plays an important role, and if the female models can boast of a wide color palette, then the male models are dominated by rather restrained colors. The maximum, than the manufacturers "enliven" the umbrella domes is a cage or stripes. Products with such a color can be chosen for everyday use, and for a man whose life involves a large amount of officialdom, it is better to choose a monochrome model in dark blue or black colors.
• You should pay attention to the material of the dome and choose models with a water-repellent impregnation. Raindrops roll off these umbrellas without causing the fabric to get wet. This prevents the formation of rusty spots and faded areas on it, which is very important for such a status accessory as an umbrella cane.
• It is necessary to look at the quality, quantity and structure of the spokes. In windy climates, it is better to purchase models with 24 single or 16 double spokes. An excellent option is asymmetrical antiwind models, in which the leeward side of the canopy has shorter reinforced spokes, and the opposite side of the canopy is equipped with standard length spokes.
• As for the mechanism for opening the dome, for hurrying and impulsive men living in a fast rhythm, an automatic design is suitable, while for respectable gentlemen it is better to choose classic versions of umbrellas with mechanical mechanisms and handles made of natural wood of noble breeds.