Your All-in-One Solution for Importing UK Umbrellas to the USA

Importing to the USA Made Easy: Your Stress-Free Guide

Navigating the complexities of importing and exporting is our expertise. We handle the details, so you don’t have to.

Bringing goods to the USA from overseas shouldn’t feel like navigating a storm of paperwork. While there are details to consider, the key takeaway? We make it simple. Forget the complex steps – with our experience, we deliver your order to the US seamlessly. Think of us as your import concierge: hassle-free delivery, straight to you.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• Navigating US import changes
• The general import process & regulations
• Shipping & logistics for your goods
• Understanding US duties & taxes
• How we manage your import to the USA
• Our Duty Paid delivery explained
• A quick look at US customs procedures & import duties
• What this means for your order (spoiler: it’s easy!)
• FAQs

Navigating US Import Changes

US import regulations and tariffs can change. Historically, there have been periods of increased tariffs on goods from various countries, impacting trade relationships. It’s always important to be aware that the import landscape can be dynamic. You can keep updated with the detail by visiting our detailed guide to importing to the US.

The General Import Process & Regulations For Umbrellas

Importing any goods, like umbrellas, requires following US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rules. This includes correct labelling (e.g., country of origin) and standard documents like a commercial invoice and packing list. Duties apply based on the item’s HS code. As long as goods meet US safety standards, they are generally admissible. Customs clearance times vary by shipping method. Using a customs broker (like us!) simplifies this process.

Shipping & Logistics for Your Goods

We offer various shipping methods:

• Sea freight: Best for large, less time-sensitive orders.
• Air freight: Faster for smaller or urgent shipments.
• Courier: Quickest for samples.

Packaging needs to be sturdy and clearly labelled. We can also arrange shipping insurance. Our “Duty Paid” service includes door-to-door delivery. Warehousing and fulfilment in the US are also available if needed.

Understanding US Duties & Taxes

The Harmonized System (HS) code determines the duty rate for your goods (e.g., umbrellas under 6601). Duties are a percentage of the declared value. You’ll also likely encounter the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and potentially the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). Our “Duty Paid” quotes cover these.

How We Manage Your Import to the USA

To get started, we’ll need details about the type and quantity of goods, their value, the supplier details, and your US delivery address. Knowing the HS code beforehand is helpful. We can then provide a “Duty Paid” quote.

Duty Paid Delivery Process

With our Duty Paid (DDP) service, we handle everything to get your order to your US location. This includes export clearance from the origin country, shipping, US customs clearance, and payment of all US import duties and taxes. Your main job? Receiving the delivery.

Customs Procedures & USA Import Duties

Customs procedures are the formal steps for importing goods, involving documentation, classification (HS codes), valuation, payment of duties, and potential examination by CBP. USA import duties are the tariffs charged on imported goods, varying by the item’s HTSUS code and origin. Our “Duty Paid” service takes care of these complexities for you.

What This Means For Your Order

Simple. You place your order, we handle the manufacturing (if applicable) and delivery, managing all the necessary paperwork and payments. You simply receive your goods without the administrative burden.

Why Partner with the UK’s Leading Umbrella Experts?

Since 2010, The Umbrella Workshop has been the trusted choice for global brands seeking premium, made-to-order umbrellas. We’re not just suppliers; we’re specialists, backing our quality with a 2-year guarantee across our entire range. From detailed customization on orders as small as 100 units to large-scale production with tight deadlines, we deliver exceptional quality and flexibility. Plus, you can be confident in our commitment to ethical and sustainable manufacturing, with rigorously audited factories. Ready to make an informed decision?

Explore our Ultimate Guide to Custom Made Umbrellas. Learn more about our Environmental Sustainable Umbrella Manufacture. We’re also the best for premium branded merchandise.

Originally published: September 2014 | Updated: May 2025

Overview

This blog explores the fascinating intersection of design aesthetics and colour psychology in modern umbrella trends. Beyond their practical function of keeping us dry, umbrellas have evolved into powerful expressions of personal style and brand identity. We’ll dive into the latest umbrella design innovations, examine how different colours affect our emotions and perceptions, and provide insights on choosing the perfect umbrella colour for various contexts. Whether you’re a brand looking to make a statement with promotional umbrellas or an individual seeking to brighten rainy days, understanding the psychology and trends behind umbrella colours and designs can transform a simple weather accessory into a meaningful fashion statement.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Beyond Functionality
2. Umbrella Design Trends
3. The Psychology of Umbrella Colours
4. Print Styles and Patterns
5. Cultural and Seasonal Considerations
6. Marketing and Brand Strategy
7. Choosing the Perfect Umbrella Colour
8. Conclusion

Beyond Functionality

When rain clouds gather overhead, reaching for an umbrella becomes almost instinctive. However, today’s umbrellas serve as much more than mere shelters from precipitation. In recent years, umbrellas have transformed into powerful vehicles for personal expression, fashion statements, and brand representation. The once-humble umbrella now commands attention in the accessory market, with designers treating the curved canopy as a canvas for creativity and innovation.

The evolution of umbrellas from purely practical items to design objects reflects our growing desire to infuse personality into every aspect of our lives. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable due to climate change, the umbrella’s role in our daily lives has only grown in importance. This heightened significance has sparked unprecedented attention to umbrella aesthetics, resulting in remarkable innovations in both design and colour.

Umbrella Design Trends

The umbrella market in 2025 has embraced several exciting design developments that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal:

Sustainability At The Forefront of Design

Environmental consciousness has firmly established itself in umbrella design. Manufacturers now regularly incorporate:

• Recycled polyester fabrics derived from ocean plastic
• Canopies made from biodegradable materials that decompose naturally after disposal
• Handles crafted from sustainably sourced bamboo and reclaimed wood
• Water-based, non-toxic dyes that reduce chemical runoff

These eco-friendly innovations allow consumers to stay dry while honouring their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Smart Umbrella Technology

The integration of technology into umbrella design has accelerated, blending convenience with weather protection:

• LED lighting systems embedded in ribs for improved visibility at night
• Solar-powered charging ports in handles that harvest energy on sunny days
• Bluetooth connectivity that syncs with weather apps to send notifications when rain is expected
• Location tracking features that alert users when they’ve left their umbrella behind

These smart features transform the umbrella from a simple rain shield into a multifunctional weather companion. For those seeking simpler but equally impactful customisations, explore these 5 Cool Custom Options for Umbrellas —from engraved handles to vibrant prints that make a statement without tech.

Structural Innovations

Umbrella architecture has evolved to offer enhanced protection and versatility:

• All over designs where artwork is matched by hand at the seams for continuous display of artwork
• Modular systems allowing users to carry a smaller umbrella and the canopy extends when pushed open
• Wind-resistant canopies incorporating flexibility and strength to withstand gusts
• Ultralight materials that maintain durability while reducing carrying weight

These structural advancements address common frustrations with traditional umbrella designs, making them more practical for diverse weather scenarios.

For more information see printed vented umbrellas

Colour and Finish Trends

The palette of umbrella colours has expanded dramatically, with several standout trends:

• Deep, saturated blues ranging from navy to cobalt, reflecting both calmness and sophistication
• Terracotta and earth tones that convey warmth
• Tropical patterns featuring vibrant florals and botanical motifs
• Metallics and pearlescent finishes that catch light and attract attention

Handle finishes have received equal attention, with smooth, sustainably sourced wood and matte rubber finishes dominating the premium umbrella market.

The Psychology of Umbrella Colours

Colour is never merely decorative—it profoundly influences our emotions, perceptions, and behaviours. This psychological impact makes colour choice particularly significant in umbrella design, as the right shade can transform a dreary rainy day into an opportunity for joy and self-expression.

❤️ Red: Bold Energy in a Grey World

Red umbrellas don’t just block the rain — they command attention. Their warmth cuts through gloomy skies, making them a symbol of confidence and vitality. Whether paired with soft greys for a chic contrast or chosen for pure impact, red makes a strong, stylish statement. No surprise it’s having a moment in 2025 — people want to stand out.

💙 Blue: Calm, Cool, and Collected

Blending seamlessly with water, blue umbrellas feel naturally at home in the rain. Dark navy gives off a polished, reliable vibe — think business-class elegance. Lighter shades, like sky or powder blue, bring peace and serenity. Then there’s cobalt and electric blue — bold choices for those leaning into modern style. For brands and professionals, blue speaks of trust and stability.

💚 Green: Earthy and Eco-Friendly

With green, it’s all about connection to nature. This colour evokes growth, freshness, and renewal — making it a perfect match for those who lean eco-conscious. From gentle sage to vivid emerald, green umbrellas don’t just look good — they signal values. They’re a popular pick for sustainable brands aiming to walk the talk, even in the rain.

🖤 Black: Effortless Sophistication

Black is a classic for a reason. Timeless and understated, it’s the colour of professionalism and polish. Whether you’re in a suit or streetwear, a black umbrella fits right in. It’s also practical — fewer visible marks from rain and wear. From high-end branding to everyday reliability, black remains the go-to for universal appeal.

💛 Yellow: Sunshine on a Stormy Day

If you’re the type to smile through the storm, yellow is your colour. It radiates optimism and brightness, adding cheer to even the wettest weather. It’s also smart — high visibility means added safety when the skies are dark. Walking down the street with a yellow umbrella? You’re not just staying dry — you’re lifting moods.

Print Styles and Patterns

The umbrella canopy presents a unique, three-dimensional canvas for artistic expression. Designers have embraced this potential with increasingly sophisticated print approaches:

Typography as Design Element

Bold typographic treatments now dominate umbrella design. Large-scale letterforms wrap across panels, while inspirational quotes reveal themselves as umbrellas open. Some designs feature text that becomes visible only when wet, transforming typography into an interactive experience.

Artistic Expressions

Umbrellas now serve as gallery spaces through collaborations with visual artists. From abstract patterns to photographic prints creating trompe l’oeil effects, these designs elevate umbrellas from functional tools to collectible art pieces.

Inside-Out Innovation

The interior surface has gained attention with sky-inspired prints that create the illusion of clear weather overhead. Hidden messages, star charts, and colored light effects add personal delight and practical function to the user experience.

Texture and Dimensionality

Beyond flat prints, designers now incorporate embossed elements, metallic accents, and contrasting matte-gloss finishes. These textural details create sophisticated depth and ensure umbrellas engage multiple senses, not just sight.

Cultural and Seasonal Considerations

The cultural context and seasonal timing significantly influence optimal umbrella colour choices:

Cultural Colour Meanings

Colour perceptions vary dramatically across cultures, affecting umbrella preferences:

• Red signifies luck and joy in Chinese culture but has mourning associations in South Africa
• White umbrellas have wedding associations in Western cultures but funeral connotations in many Asian countries
• Purple conveys wealth and nobility in European traditions but has spiritual significance in Thailand
• Yellow is imperial in Chinese contexts but represents courage in Japan

Understanding these cultural nuances is essential when designing umbrellas for global markets.

Seasonal Colour Shifts

Umbrella colour preferences typically follow seasonal patterns:

• Spring welcomes pastel colours and floral patterns echoing the season’s renewal
• Summer embraces bright primaries and tropical motifs that complement vacation aesthetics
• Autumn favours warm terracotta, burgundies, and forest greens reflecting changing foliage
• Winter gravitates toward deeper blues, charcoals, and blacks that coordinate with seasonal wardrobes

Smart umbrella brands offer seasonal collections that align with these rhythmic colour preferences.

Regional Weather Patterns

Local climate conditions influence practical colour considerations:

• Areas with frequent, light rain benefit from lighter colours that show fewer water spots
• Regions with intense sun exposure require colours resistant to UV fading
• Places with heavy industrial pollution may favour darker colours that mask environmental grime
• Locations with dense fog or heavy precipitation prioritise high-visibility colours for safety

The most successful umbrella designs balance aesthetic appeal with practical adaptations to local conditions.

Marketing and Brand Strategy

Thoughtful colour strategy can significantly enhance umbrella marketing effectiveness:

Differentiation Through Colour

In a crowded marketplace, distinctive colour choices help umbrellas stand out:

• Developing signature colours that become associated with specific brands
• Creating colour stories that enable umbrellas to be marketed as collectible sets
• Using unexpected colour combinations that challenge category conventions
• Establishing colour hierarchies that distinguish premium from entry-level offerings

Strategic colour positioning helps establish unique brand identities in the umbrella sector.

Limited Editions and Seasonality

Temporary colour offerings create urgency and collectability:

• Seasonal colour releases that generate anticipation and repeat purchases
• Collaboration-based limited editions featuring artist-designed colourways
• Anniversary or special occasion colours tied to significant dates
• Trend-driven colour drops that leverage current fashion movements

These time-limited colour strategies stimulate consumer engagement and social sharing.

Colour and Consumer Feedback

Progressive umbrella brands incorporate customer input into colour development:

• Social media polling to gauge interest in potential new colours
• Analysis of colour-specific sales data to refine future offerings
• User-generated content featuring preferred colour combinations
• Community design contests that engage customers in colour selection

This collaborative approach ensures colour offerings align with genuine consumer preferences.

Choosing the Perfect Umbrella Colour

Selecting the ideal umbrella colour requires balancing several considerations:

For Personal Use

The perfect personal umbrella colour should both express individuality and enhance mood during inclement weather.

For Promotional Purposes

Branded umbrellas require strategic colour thinking:

Effective promotional umbrellas balance brand fidelity with practical functionality.

For Retail Collections

Umbrella collections intended for retail should consider:

Successful retail umbrella programs offer enough variety to appeal broadly while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored throughout this blog, umbrella colours and designs transcend mere functionality to become powerful tools for emotional expression, brand communication, and cultural connection. The umbrella’s unique position—simultaneously protective equipment and visible fashion accessory—makes it an ideal canvas for meaningful colour application.

The evolution of umbrella design continues to accelerate, with sustainability, technology integration, and artistic expression driving innovation. Meanwhile, our understanding of colour psychology enables increasingly sophisticated emotional responses through thoughtful umbrella design.

Whether you’re selecting an umbrella for personal use, developing a branded promotional program, or designing a retail collection, the principles explored here provide a foundation for making informed colour decisions. By aligning design, emotion, and market trends, today’s umbrellas can transcend their practical origins to become meaningful objects that brighten even the rainiest days—both literally and emotionally.

Get a Custom Quote or Ask Our Designers for expert advice tailored to your goals.

Create something unforgettable—rain or shine.

Originally published: April 2014 | Updated: May 2025

Overview

Choosing a promotional item that can also serve a useful purpose is an important element to consider when marketing your business or product. Custom promotional umbrellas make for an extremely desirable gift.

Unlike smaller giveaway items that may be discarded or forgotten, promotional umbrellas are used repeatedly and offer an expansive canvas for your logo and messaging, at worst they might be passed on to somebody else.

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of branded umbrellas, key design considerations, and how to maximise the impact of your umbrella campaign.

Table of Contents

1. Why Choose Promotional Umbrellas?

2. Design Considerations for Promotional Umbrellas

3. Maximising Impact with Strategic Distribution

4. Bespoke Umbrella Options for Larger Orders

5. Conclusion: Create an Umbrella That Represents Your Brand

Why Choose Promotional Umbrellas?

There are very few promotional products that can offer you such a large branding surface as a printed umbrella.

According to statistics the average number of days the UK has rain is 154 per year. Your promotional umbrella will be in frequent use and each time it rains your promotional umbrella has the opportunity to reach a new audience as the recipient acts like a walking billboard for your business.

There are a number of options to choose from when purchasing promotional umbrellas, because our umbrellas are bespoke we are able to offer a huge range of options. With our experience in the promotional umbrella market we can help guide you to the right product for your marketing campaign to ensure that your umbrellas suit the recipient.

We have put together a list of some of the things you may need to think about when designing your umbrella. You can take advantage of our free design service to take your ideas and turn them into reality. Our experienced team of designers can help you get the most out of your budget to create a unique and truly eye-catching umbrella.

Design Considerations for Promotional Umbrellas

A well-designed umbrella reflects the personality of your business and connects with your target audience. Here are a few things to consider:

Colour Scheme

• What colour should you choose? Those working in the corporate sector may appreciate a more subtle design, people in more relaxed industries may not mind an umbrella in bright colours with logos, web addresses and pictures.

Easily match your brand colours using the Pantone colour chart

Umbrella Type

• What type of umbrella should you choose? This will very much depend on your clients and their demographic. If your product is aimed at females then you may choose one type of umbrella, or golfers another. Whoever your client is we will have the product to suit them.

Branding Placement

• Will you place your entire company details or perhaps just a logo or web address? We can provide you with a variety of options from which to select your final product.

• Take advantage of printing on both interior and exterior panels for added flair.

Use Our Free Design Service

Not sure where to start? Our experienced designers can work with your ideas to create an umbrella that suits your goals and budget. From colour matching to layout assistance, we’ll help you make an impact.

Maximising Impact with Strategic Distribution

When and where you distribute your promotional umbrellas matters:

• Trade Shows:

  • How will you deliver your promotional item? You could give them out at trade shows just as it rains – your clients will be extremely grateful that you have helped them out just when they needed it.

• Outdoor Events: Give away branded umbrellas at televised events and you may gain thousands of pounds’ worth of free publicity.

  • Giving away cheap umbrellas at a televised event just as the rain descends, could give your company television coverage that would cost hundreds of thousands of pounds and reach hundreds of thousands of potential clients, what better way to create a huge impact for your brand?

• Corporate Gifts: Provide them to clients or employees as part of a welcome or holiday package.

  • Deciding when to give out your promotional umbrellas can have just as much impact as the umbrella itself, we have lots of ideas and experience that can ensure your campaign achieves maximum success

Timing and context can elevate your marketing campaign from good to unforgettable.

Bespoke Umbrella Options for Larger Orders

For orders of 100 or over we can produce bespoke promotional umbrellas. This means that you (and your clients) get exactly what you want, both for umbrella design and colour ways. We also offer many additional ways to brand your umbrella. If you’re ordering 100 umbrellas or more, you unlock our full range of bespoke design options:

• Full custom design and colour matching

• Dual-colour panels

• Interior printing and woven labels

• Pantone-matched canopies

Promotional umbrellas can offer you great advertising opportunities let us help explore the avenues open to you.

We will work with you to create a promotional umbrella unique to your organisation at a highly competitive rate. We specialise in Pantone matched, brilliantly engineered umbrellas that are affordable and made to order. It’s performance guaranteed.

Create an Umbrella That Represents Your Brand

Custom promotional umbrellas offer one of the most effective and practical ways to promote your business. With their durability, visibility, and high perceived value, they serve as long-term brand ambassadors.

Let us help you create a promotional item that your clients will genuinely appreciate—and that will advertise your business time and time again.

Originally published: March 2014 | Updated: April 2025

This guide covers the essentials of promotional marketing, highlighting how branded umbrellas and other promotional products can boost brand visibility. Learn how to create a strong brand identity, choose the right marketing channels, and drive engagement with effective promotional strategies.

In This Guide:

• What is Promotional Marketing?
• Create a Distinctive Brand Identity
• Get Your Message Out There
• Promote Your Business (Old & New Methods That Work)
• Plan Your Strategy
• Why Use Promotional Products?
  • Promotional Umbrellas
  • Promotional USBs
• How Wurlin Can Help

What is promotional marketing?

Simply put, promotional marketing is a strategy that aims to influence potential customers to choose your product or brand over the competition. The core objective is to keep your business top-of-mind so that when customers are ready to purchase, they think of you.

In today’s competitive landscape, promotional marketing must go beyond traditional methods to include digital, experiential, and highly targeted campaigns.

Create a distinctive brand identity

Your logo is part of this—and you’ve probably spent time considering the design, colours, and messaging—but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Your brand identity also includes your values, services, personality, and the way you communicate. In 2025, authenticity and consistency across digital and physical platforms are more important than ever.

“People don’t buy products, they buy brands.” – Make sure yours stands out.

Get your message out there

So you’ve got your eye-catching logo, you have thought long and hard about your brand identity… what next?

Identify your target audience. Knowing who you’re speaking to is essential for campaign success. In 2025, this might involve digging into analytics, creating audience personas, or using AI-driven insights.

Once you know who you’re targeting, you can tailor your message and the channels you use.

Promote Your Business (Old & New Methods That Work)

There are now more ways than ever to get your brand in front of the right people. Your strategy might include:

• Digital marketing: Paid search (Google Ads), SEO, content marketing, mobile-first design
• Social media marketing: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest
• Influencer partnerships and user-generated content
• Mass media advertising: Newspapers, magazines (still relevant in niche B2B or local markets)
• Public relations: Press releases, product launches, branded events
• Sales-based promotions: Competitions, discounts, coupons, gift vouchers
• Direct marketing: Emails, postcards, SMS campaigns
• Retargeting ads and personalised experiences via CRM platforms

Promotional marketing focuses on getting your brand noticed and ultimately chosen by the customer.

Promotional marketing focuses on getting your brand noticed and subsequently chosen by customers, ultimately that is what you need to succeed.

Plan Your Strategy

Spending time upfront on planning saves time and money in the long run. Ask yourself:

• Who is the target of your campaign?
• Which incentives will appeal most to them?
• What is your available budget?
• What’s your timeline?
• Who is responsible for execution and tracking?

Pro tip: Use AI or analytics platforms to test messaging, track performance, and pivot quickly.

Promotional marketing is something that we know a lot about at Wurlin and we can get your brand noticed. Promotional products are an excellent way to keep your brand visible. It is important to choose the right promotional product for your campaign.

Promotional Umbrellas

These offer a great return on investment, not only are they practical, but they also act as walking billboards—promoting your logo or brand message every time they’re opened.

As promotional umbrella manufacturers, we understand the importance of quality and customisation. From choosing canopy colours and print finishes to adding eco-friendly materials or full-panel designs, you can completely tailor the umbrella to reflect your branding.

Contact our team at info@wurlin.com or browse our umbrella range and gallery to find the perfect fit for your next campaign.

Promotional USB

A highly practical promotional item to give to clients, printed with your logo and you can have your brochure pre-loaded on to it and make it non erasable, so potential customers always know where to find it. The possibilities are endless.

We recognise that consistent branding is paramount to your business and we can help with a number or innovative and creative ways to ensure that your campaign is a success.

Tell us what you want to communicate and we will do the rest. Our design team will come up with products and designs that target your audience cost effectively.

Contact us info@wurlin.com

Content created by Wurlin LTD

We take umbrellas for granted as handy accessories that protect us from the rain (especially in the UK), but we rarely think about them when we aren’t hurriedly searching through a bag to find one, or kicking ourselves for forgetting one.

However, the humble umbrella has a very long and noble history. The word ‘umbrella’ comes from the Latin root ‘umbra’, which means shade or shadow, and there is evidence that they were in use more than 4,000 years ago in civilisations as far apart as China, Greece, Egypt and Assyria. The Chinese were the first people to wax or lacquer paper umbrellas in order to use them in the rain, and they started to become popular in the western world during the 16^th and 17^th century, especially as protection from the damp climates of northern Europe with which we are still so familiar.

Umbrellas are fascinating objects that we tend to use and lose with careless abandon – more than 10,000 are mislaid each year on the London Underground alone.

At Umbrella Workshop, we think it’s high time we start thinking differently about umbrellas and how they can be a bigger part of our lives, rather than just an afterthought that we only think about when it starts to rain. Here then, are our 5 unusual ways to use an umbrella.

1. As a Sun Shade

The original use for an umbrella was as a sunshade, rather than as protection from wet weather. Ancient Egyptians constructed shades from feathers, palm fronds and stretched papyrus, which were attached to chariots or held over the heads of royalty by servants.

Noblewomen in ancient Greece had female slaves carry parasols to protect them from the hot Mediterranean sun, but also as fashion accessories too.

Assyrian king beneath a parasol. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Using your umbrella as protection from the sun is an excellent idea, especially if you’re in an area that doesn’t offer shade from trees or buildings, such as at the beach or in open countryside. As well as stopping you from getting too hot, staying in the shade helps to prevent you getting sunburn, which isn’t only extremely uncomfortable but can lead to very serious conditions such as skin cancer.

Whilst a colourful umbrella might feel like a more summery choice, a black one is actually best as it absorbs the heat and keeps you cool beneath it.

2. Using an Umbrella as a Decoration

As well as having many practical uses, umbrellas are also aesthetically pleasing and therefore ideal for decorating a space. They are especially useful for decorating big events, such as parties and wedding venues, due to their eye-catching appearance. A large number of umbrellas hung from the ceiling have a dramatic effect, especially if you use a series of vibrant colours or designs.

Image source: cmd-ks.biz

Umbrellas are also particularly useful for decorating outside events, because, by their very nature, they are sturdily built for outdoor use, and won’t be ruined by wet weather. Hung from trees or suspended on wires above a street or courtyard, they look fantastic, are super practical and can be used again and again.

3. Using an Umbrella as Part of a DIY Photography Studio

If you have ever been in a photography studio, you will probably have seen an umbrella in use as part of the photographer’s equipment. Umbrellas help photographer’s to create professionally lit images by diffusing light and giving it a softer effect. Instead of allowing light to focus directly on a subject, an umbrella bounces the light off in different directions. This results in a clearer image with softer shadows, or no shadow at all.

A white umbrella is the best choice for achieving a softer glow when taking photos indoors. The light source should be directed through the umbrella, which disperses the light and gets rid of dark, harsh shadows on or created by the subject. A black/silver umbrella (black on the outside/silver on the inside) brightens a subject and is usually used outdoors.

You can use any white umbrella for photography, but a black/silver one will have to be purchased from a specialist photography shop.

4. Turning an Umbrella into a Kite

Few things appear more useless than a broken umbrella. It’s estimated that more than 1 billion umbrellas are thrown away each year, which is a terrible waste of the planet’s resources.

But what can be done with a broken umbrella beyond flinging it in the bin?

Image source: Instructables

Well, you just need to use a bit of creative thinking to find ideas for using your umbrella beyond its original purpose. One such ingenious idea is to turn it into an impressive and incredibly aerodynamic Delta kite.

Using materials that can easily be gathered from around or home or cheaply purchased, including a bent bicycle wheel, string, elastic bands, aluminium pipes and, of course, your broken umbrella, you can follow these simple instructions to turn it into an amazing flying machine. With a bit of DIY, you’ll be soaring your recycled umbrella in the wind like a modern day Mary Poppins (although let’s hope you keep your feet firmly on the ground).

5. Make a Garden Umbrella Planter

If your enthusiasm is a little more earthbound, your old umbrellas can also be used to spruce up your garden. Place an upturned, open umbrella on the ground and fill with soil, ideally a type that drains well and isn’t prone to puddling or pooling. In the soil, plant varieties of annual flowers that don’t require lots of root depth, such as sedum, petunias, geraniums, marigolds or begonias, then wait for them to bloom.

Image source: Pinterest

Umbrella garden planters are perfect for people with small outdoor spaces or those living somewhere temporarily, as they’re very easy to set up and take away, and don’t require garden beds. Using brightly coloured umbrellas that compliment the hues of your flowers can create a beautiful and vibrant garden quickly and cheaply.

Passive Resistance & Active Defence

Image source: Vox

Of course this isn’t a definitive list and umbrellas have seen many other uses throughout history. One such use that in modern times that has really seen the umbrella become a symbol of resistance is the usage of umbrellas in the Hong Kong pro democracy protests. Seen as a symbol of protection and shelter, the thousands of umbrellas we’ve seen on our screens, as Hong Kong has endured months of protest, have seen the umbrella become the defining symbol of the movement and a powerful symbol of resistance to anti-democratic rule.

Umbrellas aren’t just symbolic forms of resistance either, as the French Presidential Protection Unit will very well know. These highly trained personnel all carry a ParaPactum umbrella which is a custom made protection device that can withstand thrown heavy objects, knife attacks and also be used for crowd control. Oh and it’s also useful for keeping you dry in the rain as well.

Conclusion

On a more practical note and closer to home, the umbrella can present a multitude of uses. Thinking outside of the box can breathe new life into an umbrella, whether it’s been bashed to bits by the wind, or you have lost and found so many of them that you have lots of spares on your hands. If you start thinking about your umbrella as something other than a device to keep you dry, you’ll soon find ways to use it all the time instead of just saving it for a rainy day.

In 21^st century Britain we largely view umbrellas as wholly practical items that protect us from the rain. They are also very disposable things in the modern age, with an depressing 1.1 billion umbrellas thrown away worldwide each year.

It wasn’t always this way though. The umbrella has a very noble past, starting out as a parasol to protect people from the sun in Ancient Egypt. The earliest known are seen in Egyptian art dating back to the Fifth Dynasty, around 2450 BC. The Egyptians used umbrellas both for practical and ornamental purposes, with many temple wall paintings and reliefs showing a servant holding a parasol over a god during a procession.

Due to the expense and expertise needed to manufacture them in ancient times, umbrellas and parasols became objects of power and status, and were used to protect important people such as gods, royalty and religious leaders (a world away from their current ubiquity). This led to many religions adopting parasols and umbrellas as part of their ceremonies.

In this article we’ll take a closer look at how the different religions have used umbrellas in the past and right up to the present day.

Ancient Greece

The people of Ancient Greece believed in multiple deities (polytheism), and umbrellas featured in ceremonies devoted to several different gods and goddesses.

During the festival of the Skirophoria, which marked the end of the old year in May or June, a white parasol was carried from the Acropolis to the Temple of Phalerus by the priestesses of goddess Athena. White parasols were also associated with gods Demeter and Persephone, who represented the harvest, and they were also used when praying to the gods of fertility.

Brightly coloured umbrellas were carried by followers of Dionysus, god of wine and pleasure, in festivals and processions. This may have led to their popularity with women as tools for mating rituals – to either flirt with or ward off men – and then as a fashion accessory. Umbrellas that could open and close were mentioned in the writings of comic playwright Aristophanes who lived during the 5^th century BC.

Oriental Orthodox Churches

The Oriental Orthodox Churches are a group of Christian churches that have between 60 and 70 million members worldwide. They are some of the oldest churches in the world and have played a part in shaping the history and culture of countries including Armenia, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan and the Middle East. In some of these churches, umbrellas are carried as part of their public worship to show honour to an important person, such as a bishop, or a holy object.

Ethiopian Orthodox clergymen lead a procession in celebration of Saint Michael. (Image source: Wikipedia)

During the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s ceremonies of Timkat, a priest carries a model of the Tablets of Stone (inscribed with the Ten Commandments) called a Tabot on his head. Brightly coloured and richly fringed liturgical parasols are carried above the Tabot as the priest processes to a body of water for it to be blessed.

Buddhism

Umbrellas and parasols play an important part in the symbolism of Buddhist beliefs. The umbrella represents the dome of the sky, which casts a protective shadow onto the earth. When an umbrella is carried above an important person or a symbol of a deity, it shows that the person or symbol is the centre of the universe, and indicates that they deserve respect. The pole of the umbrella symbolises the ‘axis mundi’, or celestial pole, which represents the connection between heaven and earth. The umbrella is so important to Buddhism that it can be considered as a mobile temple.

Ushnisha Sitatapatra the White Umbrella Deity (Image source: Lamayeshe)

One of the Buddhist deities is called Ushnisha Sitatapatra in Sanskrit, which translates as ‘The Victorious White Parasol’. The parasol she carries demonstrates her ability to protect sentient beings from diseases, natural catastrophes and other calamities. The parasol is white because the means by which she protects people is through peace and pacification. In Tibetan Buddhism, some religious dignitaries are entitled to carry silk parasols, whilst secular dignitaries can carry parasols embroidered with peacock feathers. Buddhist leader the Dalai Lama is entitled to carry both.

Hinduism

In Hinduism, the parasol is known by the Sanskrit word of ‘chatra’, and is a traditional Indian symbol of both protection and royalty. The parasol is part of a grouping of eight auspicious symbols that were traditionally used in ceremonies such as the coronation or investiture of a king.

A jewelled parasol is still used in Hindu ceremonies today and performs the ritual function of a canopy. This offers protection both practically from the heat of the sun, but also symbolically from the ‘heat’ of negative forces such as greed, lust and suffering, all of which are viewed as obstacles on the path to enlightenment.

The parasol as part of the ‘eight auspicious symbols. (Image source: Pinterest)

Catholic Church

In Ancient Rome public buildings used for the administration of justice and public assemblies were called basilicas. When Rome became Christianised around 300 AD, many of these basilicas were converted into churches, and the raised platform occupied by the judge became the altar. The term ‘basilica’ was also converted to mean a church with a special distinction, and one that could only be designated by the pope.

The umbraculum is a symbol of the Roman Catholic Church and the authority of the Pope (Image source: Aleteia)

The umbraculum, which translates as ‘big umbrella’ and is also known as conopaeum, is a historic part of the pope’s regalia, and was once used on a daily basis to shade him from the sun. If you see an umbraculum in a church, you’ll know it is in fact a basilica: if the umbrella is made of gold and red velvet it’s a major basilica, whilst less important ones have umbrellas made from red and yellow silk. The only time the umbraculum is opened is if the pope pays a visit.

Far from being just a simple device that keeps us dry or protects us from the sun, the umbrella has a long and fascinating history of symbolism and meaning in religious ceremony. From Ancient Greece and Rome right up to the present day, umbrellas and parasols have played an important part in ceremonies and processions within a huge variety of religions. Next time you open your umbrella to shield yourself from the rain take a moment to imagine just how important this simple device has been and continues to be throughout the world.

If you’d like to see your branding on the side of a sturdy umbrella, why not give us a call or drop us an email today to see how we can help.

Gifts are powerful. While digital may be the darling of every marketer’s eye today, branded promotional giveaways remain tried, tested, and effective. Nearly everyone will remember your business if you give them a useful freebie, like a branded umbrella or bag, according to the Advertising Specialty Institute. Trade show attendees are also more likely to think positively of your business if you give them branded items.

To truly make memorable branded gifts, you have to ensure the element that represents your brand the most–the print–is crisp and long-lasting. With the surplus of printing methods today, it can be difficult to pick one that best suits your needs. The commercial printing industry is a fast-moving field. New printing methods are constantly being developed for better, or cheaper, output.

Traditional machine printing, as its name suggests, uses specialised units to transfer the design onto the printing material. These printing lines typically consist of big, rubber rollers people often associate with printing presses. This type of printing remains the most popular and economical for big printing jobs.

Digital printing has been around for a while now but is still relatively modern compared to traditional machine printing and uses inkjet or laser printers. Prints are typically sent directly from the computer to the printer. Colours are transferred via heat and static onto the material. Digital printing is often best for jobs that require customising each print, such as for changing numbers or names.

Hand printing is the oldest form of printing out there requiring a human worker to prepare designs and manipulate tools. While obviously slower than digital or machine printing (and thus much harder to scale with automated machinery), hand-printing methods can provide more accurate results, especially if you’re printing on uneven surfaces like mugs, because workers can better manoeuvre and adjust around curves and corners.

Let’s break down some of the specific techniques that fall under these two types of printing.

Machine Printing Methods

Offset Lithography

In offset lithography, or commonly known as just “offset”, prints are transferred to a rubber rollers–typically called a “blanket”–via a metal plate burned with the design. There are typically four plates involved in the process, one each for black, cyan, magenta, and pink ink. The ink on the metal plate is imposed onto the blanket, which then transfers it onto the material.

Offset printing, while popular for printing on paper, can be too pricey for small print jobs. Machines are specially set up and plates custom-made for each job. Designs can also be difficult to change without adding to the price considerably.

Flexography

This printing technique is largely similar to offset, using a flexible rubber plate to transfer the print onto the material. The main difference is in flexography, the plate comes into contact with the printing material, whereas in offset, ink travels from the metal plate, to the blanket, then onto the material.

Flexography tends to be more versatile than offset. Offset needs flat, smooth surfaces to print on. Thanks to the flexibility of the rubber plates used in the process, you can use flexography to print on more irregularly-shaped items.

Digital Printing Methods

Direct To Garment (DTG)

Designs are directly printed onto the material using inkjet printers, and is best for materials like canvas, cotton, twill, or jersey fabric. Because designs are transferred directly from the computer, brands get to pick from a wider, more complex range of colours. This versatility makes direct-to-garment printing ideal if you’re looking to print intricate, colourful designs, or are working with soft fabric. This printing method is used for printing complex designs on umbrellas as it’s great for producing intricate detail.

While many prefer DTG, especially for t-shirt printing, it can be limited. The method doesn’t work with pure polyester materials. It can also be challenging to print vibrantly on dark fabrics using this process. Printers work around this limitation by creating a white layer for the design to sit on, although this layer can look quite noticeable if the alignment with the design is off by even a small amount.

Sublimation Printing Method

Another printing method, sublimation works by printing the design on special paper called sublimation paper, then transferring it over to the material using heat. In fabric printing, sublimation is popular for its ability to transfer ink into the seams itself, instead of just layering it on top. This makes the print less likely to fade or crack over time. It is also one of the few techniques that can reliably print from edge-to-edge, which makes it ideal for brands looking to print on entire shirts or umbrellas.

The main downside of this technique is that it works only for lighter coloured polyester or polyester blend fabrics–there is no white ink for sublimation. Using cotton will make the colours look washed out, even potentially fading over time. Brands looking to print smaller designs or in smaller quantities may also save more and see the same results with DTG or screen printing.

Hand-printing methods

Heat Transfer

Heat transfer printing works similarly to decals. The design or logo is printed onto transfer paper. A machine then presses the design onto the material using pressure and heat.

This method typically costs less than offset printing, but can take longer due to the time it takes to prepare the design, which is usually cut and positioned manually by workers. The texture of the logo can also differ from the surrounding material–usually feeling more matte and looking more translucent–because the process also embosses a layer of the transfer paper onto the material.

Screen Printing

One of the oldest printing methods still widely used today, screen printing is known for its higher quality finish and versatility. It works by creating a mesh stencil of your design or logo, which is then hand-transferred to the material, then dried with a heat gun or a flash cure unit and made to set fully overnight.

Unlike most printer-based methods, you can use virtually any material: wood, smooth surfaces, fabrics, plastics. While cotton and more absorbent textiles usually work best with screen printing, there are solutions printers can use to get ink to stick better to less porous materials like nylon and polyester. This method is most commonly used for our umbrellas with logo designs or simple prints on single panels.

There’s more to the marketing power of branded giveaways than the appeal of free stuff. Items that are poorly produced reflect poorly on your brand’s commitment to quality. Choosing the right printing method for your chosen fabric or material will go a long way in ensuring your customer remembers you for quality, not cracked or faded designs.

We build many of our umbrellas from scratch we are able to combine materials and effects to create truly unique design led umbrellas.

We can combine canopies to allow special effects, such as an under print to show through.

We can also combine materials such as printed PVC canopies and textile to amazing effect.

Tone on Tone effects can be achieved by harnessing the different properties of print and materials.

We are only restricted by your design brief, and we love push the boundaries of what can be done – bring us the challenge!!!

Or Fine Art Printing on Umbrella

For fine art printing we have the ability of printing to a extremely high quality using a 4 colour print process used, specifically for reproduction of artwork and gallery pieces where dramatic colour and shading is required.

Fine art printing requires detailed reproduction of subtle colour differences and depth. This is a more expensive print process but allows immense depth of colour and detail.

The level of detail is incredible and we have printed a number of umbrellas for Museums and Art Galleries both in Europe and The USA.

We have supplied many fine art printed umbrellas to museums and galleries. We use specialist photographers who are used to working with fine art reproductions.

Umbrellas are a superb high value gift and souvenir, able to benefit from the unique assets of the organisation.

Embroidery & Sewing Effects

Umbrellas with embroidery on their sleeves can look amazing. Embroidery on the umbrella sleeve can be combined with traditional printing methods.

Most of the umbrellas we manufacture are made to measure, this means we make them from scratch to suit your requirements. That means we can offer a combination of decoration techniques to complete your design.

Our factories use the latest in computer controlled multi-headed embroidery machines. Woven labels or woven tags on umbrellas can add subtle branding to an umbrella often associated with premium brands. An embroidered label on an umbrella can appear on the outside and inside of the umbrella as well as on the umbrella sleeve.

We can offer a range of embroidery on umbrellas, from panel designs to tags, labels and sleeve decoration.