London doesn’t fare well in the rain, which is ironic considering the city’s never-ending drizzle.
You can expect disruptions as part and parcel of your commute and swarms of people carrying umbrellas going to war with one another on the city’s narrow pavements. It’s not the ideal way to start the day.
Those clutching large, lofty umbrellas are usually the culprits. Big umbrellas are hard to manoeuvre and heavy. Petite parasols, on the other hand, take up less space, can slip into your handbag or backpack and retain the easy-use, pop-up-and-go design of their oversized contemporaries. These compact alternatives are undoubtedly the superior choice.
Their size, however, also means they are easier to lose. Traditional black umbrellas are constantly abandoned on trains or planes, inevitably winding up in Lost Property departments or reclaimed by fortunate future passengers who stumble upon them at the optimal moment.
It’s why colourful styles are much more practical; they are easier to spot. More importantly, they brighten the greyest of days. This is the goal of brands such as Liberty, Oliver Bonas and Mango, who stock vibrant pieces that will pop against a swarm of black brollies. Umbrella envy? It’s a thing.
From funky florals and painterly landscapes to statement swirls and fruit-clad prints, there are ample umbrellas of a smaller size to spark joy on even the dampest of Monday mornings.
Discover the best small umbrellas to help you brave the spring showers and browse the lively edit below.
Weatherman Travel Umbrella
Best: overall
Built to last, the Weatherman umbrella was designed by - you guessed it - a real-life weatherman. Fed up with umbrellas collapsing on him while doing live weather reports, US meteorologist Rick Reichmuth designed his own.
Amongst the collection is this travel umbrella, tested to withstand wind speeds of up to 45mph. Available in a variety of colours, including can’t-miss-it neon yellow, fibreglass poles and ribs hold open a strong, water-repellant canopy made from recycled materials.
It’s light, it’s compact, and it will keep you dry. As far as brollies go, I’d say that’s all boxes ticked.
Buy now £60.00, Weatherman
Fortnum's Eau de Nil Umbrella
In times of meteorological uncertainty, you'll be glad to keep F&M's brolly in your bag. Offered in the brand's signature eau de nil hue, it comes with a wrist cord for extra stability in moderate winds.
Buy now £28.00, F&M
Signare Carry the Masters with You Umbrella
Choose from Van Gogh’s celestial landscapes, Monet’s waterlilies, Walter Crane’s swans and more. Signare’s unique umbrella designs are ideal for art lovers who favour a statement piece.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Liberty Staging Liberty Compact Umbrella
Trust Liberty to make something as every day as a brolly into an accessory you won't want to leave home without. The eight-panel construction is covered with Liberty's pretty Staging print and offers a 90cm wide shelter when opened.
Buy now £45.00, Liberty
Boden Small Umbrella
Blast away grey days with the power of colour. Boden's bold green and pink striped design offers a little dopamine lift while helping you stand out from the crowd.
Buy now £26.00, Boden
Mini Sun Travel Umbrella
Rain or shine, this umbrella offers protection whatever the weather. The petite design offers 99.9 per cent UV protection and weighs just 0.55lbs, so you'll barely notice carrying it around - until the second you need it.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
Fulton x Morris & Co Floral-Print Umbrella
Allow a blanket of succulent lemons and yellow blooms to shield you from the drizzle. This Fulton x Morris & Co parasol embraces dopamine accessorising for when the weather doesn't play ball.
Buy now £27.00, Selfridges
Barbour Portree Umbrella
Country chic has never had more appeal thanks to the tartan check in heritage colours. Barbour’s failproof pick will see you through the seasons, from light autumn showers to winter downpours.
Buy now £28.00, Frasers
Liberty Thorpeness Compact Umbrella
Florals for spring? Whatever Miranda Priestly thinks, we can’t resist a petal print. Liberty’s Thorpness umbrella is a cute, compact choice that will make for a cheery springtime accessory.
Buy now £45.00, Liberty
