It’s the first choice to make, before colour and before brand. It comes down to one question: does this umbrella need to fit in a bag?
The comparison
| Folding | Straight | |
|---|---|---|
| Closed size | 18 to 32 cm | 80 to 125 cm |
| Weight | 210 to 550 g | 400 g to 1.1 kg |
| Sturdiness | Multiple joints: more weak points | A single shaft: sturdier |
| Open size | 95 to 120 cm | 105 to 185 cm |
| Lifespan | Shorter with equal use | Longer |
| Comfort in the hand | Short handle | Long handle, better grip |
The real criterion
A straight umbrella lasts longer because it has fewer moving parts: the shaft is one piece, and the ribs are longer and better supported. But a straight umbrella left at home because it won’t fit in the bag protects no one.
So: if the umbrella has to follow you every day, take a folding one, even if it won’t last as long. If it lives in the hallway, the car or the office, take a straight one.
When a straight umbrella is a must
- Beyond 130 cm in diameter: large sizes almost don’t exist as folding models.
- When several people need to fit underneath.
- When you stand outside for a long time (market, school gate, pitch side): the long handle changes everything.
When a folding umbrella is a must
- Public transport, cycling, travel.
- When you don’t want to think about it: a mini lives in the bag all year.
- When you have to store it at the office or in a restaurant without being in the way.
The solution many people choose
A straight one at home, a folding one in the bag. Together they cost less than one “very good” umbrella, and they cover both situations.
See the folding umbrellas and the straight umbrellas.