W e Britons have loved brollies since about the turn of the 19th century. Previously an aristocratic luxury, today they’re a broad tent covering tight budgets and expensive tastes alike. You’ll see them sprout like mushrooms whenever rain hits the high street.

Most decent umbrellas will keep you dry(ish), but peek closer and you’ll find that not all are the same. Some have stronger, smoother mechanisms; others are lighter and more comfortable to hold. The best stand out for thoughtful details: from polished wooden handles to gleaming tips, a brolly’s aesthetic finish can often be a clue to how long it will last.

At a glance

Best umbrella overall

London Undercover Classic

£115 at London Undercover

Best budget umbrella

Doppler Zero 99

£21.61 at Amazon

Best compact umbrella

Blunt Metro

£74.50 at Amazon

Best-looking umbrella

Oswin Hyde Joseph

£53 at Debenhams

Best windproof folding umbrella

Shed Rain Vortex V2 windproof compact

£30 at Shed Rain

Best mini umbrella

Davek Mini

£65 at Davek

Best…