In the old days, if you needed an umbrella, you would end up with a long pole umbrella. And it would be black. But in recent years there have been several recent innovations and amazing engineering feats applied to the old-fashioned rain umbrella.

Perhaps the most dramatic option for an umbrella is the opening method. Manual umbrellas open and close by sliding the ring up and down the shaft, at the whim of the user. There have been, for several years, automatic umbrellas that open at the push of a button, located on the handle. These spring loaded umbrellas are really handy and can usually open faster than a traditional manual umbrella. Even more recently, some clever engineers have figured out how to make umbrellas that open and close automatically. These are the ultimate in comfort. A word of caution, being complex mechanical machines, automatic umbrellas will occasionally break and get stuck open or closed. If you want to take advantage of an automatic umbrella, I recommend getting a higher quality umbrella with a lifetime guarantee.

The next amazing innovation for the modern umbrella is the double canopy. This design features overlapping slits in the canopy, the theory being that wind can flow through these slits instead of being captured by the canopy and forcing the umbrella to invert. (Inversion is often the best sign that you need a new umbrella.) There are many different variations of the double top, but in essence they all work the same and can mitigate damage to this valuable accessory. Most double canopy umbrellas have been found to withstand winds up to 50 mph (80 kph). In fact, if your double canopy parasol inverts, it’s time to immediately seek shelter and get inside.

Another option to consider is whether to get a traditional stick umbrella or a folding one. Folding umbrellas are also marketed as compact or ultra-compact. The shaft of these umbrellas extends out when opened and can provide adequate cover for people, while collapsing to less than a foot in length for easy portability. Traditional pole umbrellas, while certainly bulkier, will also be more durable.

It is worth noting the material used for the hood of an umbrella. Most umbrellas are made from nylon because of its durability as well as being freely available and cost effective. Pongee (pronounced “Ponj”) is a type of silk fabric. It’s rare to find umbrellas made exclusively from Pongee, but chances are you’ll find Poly-Pongee. This combination of polyester and silk is more commonly used and, due to the silk content, is slightly more expensive. The advantage of poly-pongee is that it is a lighter fabric. You’ll also find a few select umbrellas made with a polyester canopy. Each of these fabrics has been found to provide superior protection from both sun and rain. Of note for custom printing, nylon tends to retain and reflect prints better. If you are thinking of putting a logo on an umbrella, it would be best to do it with a nylon canopy.

Do you like to play golf in the rain? Umbrella manufacturers often produce purpose-built golf umbrellas that are characterized by a larger-than-average size canopy (usually with 62- or 68-inch arches), a longer-than-usual traditional stick shaft, and finally, a straight handle. Golf umbrellas also come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Golf umbrellas have become popular not only with golf clients, but they work well for families as well.

Another great umbrella to consider are the Doorman Umbrellas, which are specifically designed for commercial use in hotels and apartments. Doorman umbrellas are similar to golf umbrellas with the two exceptions that they generally have a traditional J-shaped handle and come in a limited number of color options. Doorman umbrellas are also well designed to be durable and are also a perfect umbrella for families.

For the traveler or business worker there are various travel umbrellas. These are compact folding umbrellas that come with a handy carry case or other bag. Some even incorporate loops and straps to carry the umbrella on the back like a backpack.

Under the name of fashion umbrellas, there are various umbrella models that are meant to make a personal statement or even pair with coordinated garments. There are few hard and fast rules for fashion umbrellas, and you’ll find a wide range when it comes to quality and durability. When selecting a fashion umbrella (as opposed to a “fashion” umbrella), consider using a reputable umbrella company that stands behind their products with a warranty.

In recent years, your options have really expanded when it comes to buying an umbrella.

Before you put money down, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and individual use of an umbrella. Once you understand what features you need in an umbrella, it becomes a simple exercise in finding the umbrella that best suits your needs. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect umbrella, consulting with umbrella experts like those found at UmbrellasAndBeyond.com can save you time and money in your search for the right rain protection.