Come rain or shine: The umbrellas that won't let you down at the first gust of wind

Growing up in the UK, my grandmother had a steadfast theory about umbrellas: buy cheap. When it inevitably turns inside out, chuck it in the bin, head to Poundland (a fairly self-explanatory establishment) and purchase another equally shitty one.

A sound strategy, until you realise that, first, you're going through brollies at an alarming rate, and second, all that plastic and metal ending up in landfill can hardly do the environment any favours. Plus, those pounds add up fast. Before you know it, you've spent more on a graveyard of flimsy umbrellas than you would have on one decent, durable investment.

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It's a realisation that translates rather seamlessly from Britain to Scandinavia, where the rain is just as relentless, and the winds equally unforgiving. Here, a reliable umbrella is as much a necessity as a good pair of winter boots or a steaming cup of morning coffee.

So, whether you're after a designer umbrella to complement your outfit, a sturdy storm-proof companion or something affordable that won't surrender at the first gust of wind, these are the best umbrellas worth investing in. Because when it comes to the weather, it's better to be prepared than left high and decidedly not dry.

It may cost a pretty penny, but Le Voyager from Le Parapluie de Cherbourg is worth every euro. Lightweight, available in an array of colours and wind-resistant up to 100 km/h (anything beyond that, and we suggest staying indoors anyway), this is the crème de la crème of umbrellas. Better still, it folds down to a handbag-friendly size and comes with the option of a personalised embroidery. What’s not to love? And if you're still hung up on the price, just think how much you've spent replacing lesser umbrellas over the years. This one will be with you for life.

There's something rather romantic about a beautiful umbrella. The polished handle, the satisfying click as it opens, the reassuring feeling that it won't surrender at the first sign of a stiff breeze. A luxury umbrella might seem like an extravagance, particularly when its primary purpose is to keep your hair dry, but consider the cost per use. In Scandinavia, where rain is less an occasional inconvenience and more a recurring character, a genuinely well-made umbrella could earn its keep remarkably quickly. Think of it as an investment piece. Just one that happens to be waterproof.

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That being said, a good umbrella needn't cost the earth. Nor should it end up in a bin after one particularly enthusiastic gust of wind. The sweet spot lies somewhere between a disposable purchase and something that requires a payment plan. Thankfully, plenty of affordable umbrellas offer sturdy construction, sensible proportions, and a little style without an eye-watering price tag. While we're all for splashing out occasionally, sometimes we'd rather save that money for a rainy day activity than something destined to spend half its life dripping in the hallway.

There's rain, and then there's the sort of sideways Scandinavian rain that renders even the most optimistic umbrella entirely useless. Add a gust of wind strong enough to rearrange your hairstyle and suddenly that flimsy little folding number doesn't stand a chance. This is where storm-proof umbrellas come into their own. Designed with reinforced frames, flexible ribs and wind-resistant canopies, these are the heavy-duty contenders for days when the forecast looks particularly threatening. They might not be able to control the weather, but at least they stand a fighting chance of surviving it. And frankly, that's more than can be said for most umbrellas.

If you're going to be forced to carry an umbrella for a significant portion of the year, it might as well complement your outfit. Enter the designer umbrella: part practical accessory, part fashion statement, and quite possibly the only occasion when being under a designer label is entirely literal. From recognisable monograms to beautifully considered details, these are the umbrellas that make even the greyest forecast feel a little more glamorous. Will they make the rain stop? Absolutely not. Will they make the walk from the taxi to the restaurant considerably more elevated? Almost certainly.

Transparent umbrellas have become a street-style staple for a reason. They're wonderfully understated, go with absolutely everything, and, crucially, let you see where you're going without sacrificing your carefully styled fringe to the elements. This is especially useful when navigating a crowded pavement in the pouring rain. There's also something charming about watching raindrops gather overhead while staying blissfully dry beneath them. Consider the clear umbrella the sartorial equivalent of a white T-shirt: simple, versatile and surprisingly difficult to improve upon.

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Not every accessory needs to make a statement. Sometimes, a classic black umbrella is exactly what the forecast ordered. Like a beautifully tailored coat or a reliable pair of leather boots, a plain umbrella is the kind of wardrobe essential that quietly gets the job done. No loud prints, no questionable slogans, no unnecessary fuss. Just clean lines, timeless colours and a design that won't clash with whatever you've decided to wear. After all, when the weather is already being dramatic, there's no reason your umbrella needs to join in.

Grey skies, grey pavements, grey moods. Scandinavian weather can be rather committed to its colour palette, which is precisely why a patterned umbrella feels like such a welcome rebellion. Whether you're partial to playful polka dots, romantic florals or something altogether more graphic, a printed umbrella offers a little personality on an otherwise miserable morning. Think of it as a portable mood booster, albeit one with a practical purpose. And if the heavens insist on opening, there's no reason you can't respond with a splash of colour.