Two innovations have transformed the umbrella in recent years: the reflective strip, which makes you visible at night, and the reverse closing, which keeps the car dry. Often combined on the same model, they answer two very concrete everyday problems. Here’s how they work and how to choose.
The reflective umbrella: being seen is already being protected
In winter, it’s dark by late afternoon. A pedestrian in dark clothes under a black umbrella is hard to spot for a driver whose windscreen is streaming. A reflective strip sends headlight beams back towards their source: the strip shows up better in headlights, and the pedestrian with it. It’s a small sewing detail that can prevent a dangerous situation.
For a child coming home from school at dusk, it’s even more useful. The Reflective Boys’ Umbrella Blue and the Reflective Girls’ Umbrella Pink add this visibility to colours that appeal. For adults, the Premium Reflective Umbrella Black combines a reinforced structure, one-hand automatic opening and a reflective strip.
The reverse umbrella: the closing that changes everything
A classic umbrella closes outwards: the wet canopy is exposed and drips on your clothes, your seat or the car floor. The reverse umbrella does the opposite: when closing, the canopy folds inwards. The water stays outside, the dry part faces you, and the seat stays dry.
Another advantage: you can close it under a vehicle’s canopy or in a narrow corridor, without brushing passers-by or hitting the door. Getting in and out of a car with a bag, a coffee or a child in your arms becomes simpler. If you’re wondering whether it replaces a traditional model, our comparison reverse or classic umbrella sets out the use cases.
Two functions in one umbrella
Several models in the catalogue combine both innovations:
- Luxury Reflective Reverse Umbrella Black – one-hand automatic opening, canopy that folds inwards, reflective strips. It also comes in Blue, Green, Pink, Matcha Green and Off-White.
- Double-Strength Reflective Umbrella Blue – double frame and fully automatic system, high-density pongee canopy. Also in Black.
Find the whole reverse range in the reverse umbrella collection and the light-strip models in the reflective umbrella collection.
The criteria for choosing well
- The diameter – a large diameter protects better, but is bulky in a car. The luxury reverse models have an open diameter of around 105 cm.
- The weight – a heavy umbrella tires the wrist. Allow around 530 g for the Luxury model.
- Automatic opening – essential when one hand is busy.
- The position of the reflective strip – visible from all sides when the umbrella is open.
- Wind – the reverse closing direction doesn’t stop a poor umbrella from flipping inside out; favour a reinforced frame. Our explanation of why umbrellas flip inside out will help.
Tips for using it in the car
Open the umbrella before getting out of the car, as soon as the door is ajar. When getting back in, close it holding it outwards, then set it down: the folded canopy keeps the water outside and avoids wetting the seat. Then let the umbrella dry open in a ventilated place before putting it away.
Tips for night-time
Wear light clothing, and point the reflective strip towards oncoming vehicles. On a bike, an umbrella doesn’t replace regulation lighting; our guide protecting a child from rain on a bike presents more suitable solutions.
Frequently asked questions
Does a reverse umbrella resist wind better?
Not in itself: the frame decides. The closing direction mainly serves to keep water outside and protect the car.
Does the reflective strip replace lighting?
No. It makes you more visible in headlights, but doesn’t replace the lighting a bike is required to have.
How do you look after it?
Let it dry open, wipe the strip with a soft cloth and avoid abrasive products.
In summary
The reflective umbrella makes you visible, the reverse umbrella keeps your car dry, and models that combine both simplify daily life. Compare them in the reverse umbrella collection. Free delivery in France, Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands, returns within 14 days.